March 24, 2016 Market Wrap Up

March 24, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading Crude Oil, Data, Economic, ODP, P, PTLA, SIX, VIX, XLNX

The market bounced back from earlier lows to close nearly flat today. Of course, it was done relatively low volume, but still a nice recovery to close out the week.

The VIX traded higher for a good portion of the day, however; as the market rallied, the VIX fizzled, closing the day lower at 14.72.

Crude oil has recently come under pressure after a massive spike in prices over the last month. Prices dropped more than 4% yesterday and were weak to start the US trading session, however; they also bounced back to close nearly flat. With that said, they’re still below $40.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Six Flags (SIX). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Xilinx (XLNX), which was 4.9 times usual options volume.

Stocks in play included: Pandora (P) +15.6%, Office Depot (ODP) +9.3%, and Portola Pharmaceuticals (PTLA) -29%

The markets will be closed for Good Friday tomorrow.

Key Economic Data:
25 March 2016- GDP 8:30 AM ET

March 22, 2016 Market Wrap Up

March 22, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading ARRS, Conferences, Crude Oil, CYH, Data, DF, Earnings, Economic, LL, VIX

The market was relatively unfazed today, despite seeing the futures trade lower in the pre-market. News came out early in the morning that several people were killed (and many injured) following a terrorist attack in Belgium.

The ability to shrug of any or all bad news has been going on for over a month now. Not only that, but the VIX is sitting comfortably below 14.25.

Crude oil closed lower, however; it traded in a relatively tight trading range. Crude oil is trading above $41 per barrel, near its year-to-date highs.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Arris International (ARRS). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Myriad Genetics, which was 17.7 times usual options volume.

Stocks in play included: Lumber Liquidators (LL) +15.6%, Community Health Systems (CYH) +6.6%, and Dean Foods Company (DF) -9.7%

We’ve got two more trading days left this week, here’s what’s going on:

Key Economic Data:
23 March 2016- New Home Sales 10:00 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Report 10:30 AM ET
24 March 2016- Durable Goods Orders 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
25 March 2016- GDP 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
23 March 2016- FRAN, GIS, KBH, PVH, RH
24 March 2016- TFM, GME, ACN, FINL, SIG

Key Conferences:
21 March 2016- Howard Weil Energy Conference (runs till 3/23)
22 March 2016- Telsey Advisory Conference (runs till 3/23)

March 15, 2016 Market Wrap Up

March 15, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading Conferences, Data, Earnings, Economic, MJN, MNK, NAVI, PCG, S&P 500, SPY, USO, VIX, VRX

It was a rather dull day in the equity markets, as traders await the FOMC announcement tomorrow. The S&P 500 is down less than half of a percent over the last two trading days.

The SPDR S&P 500 (SPY) had a low of 201.05, a high of 202.07, closing relatively flat at 199.54.

Oil traded lower, the United States Oil Fund (USO) closed the day at 9.75, down about 1.2%

The VIX closed above 17, down less than half of a percent at 16.84.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PCG). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Navient Corporation (NAVI), which was 16.2 times usual options volume.

Stocks in play included: Mallinckrodt (MNK) -15.5%, Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX) -51%, and Mead Johnson Nutrition Company (MJN) +11%

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow and the rest of the week.

Key Economic Data:
16 March 2016- CPI 8:30 AM ET, Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET, Industrial Production 9:15 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET, FOMC Meeting Announcement 2:00 PM ET, Fed Chair Press Conference 2:30 PM ET
17 March 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, Philly Fed Survey 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
16 March 2016- CTRP, FDX, GES, JBL
17 March 2016- ADBE, ARO, LE, MIK

Key Conferences:
14 March 2016- Citigroup CEO Conference (runs till 3/16)
15 March 2016- Bank of America Global Industrials and Autos Conference (runs till 3/18), Barclays Global Healthcare Conference (runs till 3/17)

March 13, 2016 The Week Ahead

March 13, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading Conferences, Crude Oil, Data, Earnings, Economic, S&P 500, VIX

The S&P 500 finished the week higher by about 1%. Not only that, but it’s been up 8 out of the last 10 trading days. It is worth noting that it was a relatively slow week in terms of earnings and domestic economic headlines.

We did get some fireworks out of the ECB, as the announced plans of further QE. Thus far, the market has reacted positively towards this news.

Several things are clicking right now. For example, crude oil prices surged another 7% this week, closing in on $40 per barrel and sitting on 3 month highs.

The VIX is near yearly lows, at 16.50 and now lower overall year-to-date.

We’ve got a jam packed schedule, including the FOMC announcement. In addition, earnings out of Federal Express and Oracle to name a few.

Below you’ll find out what else is on tap:

Key Economic Data:
15 March 2016- PPI 8:30 AM ET, Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET
16 March 2016- CPI 8:30 AM ET, Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET, Industrial Production 9:15 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET, FOMC Meeting Announcement 2:00 PM ET, Fed Chair Press Conference 2:30 PM ET
17 March 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, Philly Fed Survey 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
15 March 2016- DDD, DSW, VRX, ORCL, TERP, QIWI
16 March 2016- CTRP, FDX, GES, JBL
17 March 2016- ADBE, ARO, LE, MIK

March 9, 2016 Market Wrap Up

March 9, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading ATSG, BTU, COG, Conferences, CONN, Data, Earnings, Economic, SPY, UIS, USO, VIX

The equity markets bounced back from yesterday’s sell-off. However, it was a rather uneventful trading day to say the least. The SPDR S&P 500 had less than a point and a half range compared to the 2.6 ATR we’ve recently been used too.

Oil was able to regain all of yesterday’s losses. The United States Oil Fund (USO) closed the day more than 5% higher, at 10.15.

The VIX is hanging out above 18, it closed the day slightly lower at 18.34.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in CONN’s Inc. (CONN). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Cabot Oil and Gas Corp (COG), which was 8.8 times usual options volume.

Stocks in play included: Unisys Corporation (UIS) -27.7%, Air Transport Services (ATSG) +18%, and Peabody (BTU) +28%

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow and the rest of the week:

Key Economic Data:
10 March 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
10 March 2016- BONT, CSIQ, BOOM, FNSR, PAY, ULTA

Key Conferences:
JPMorgan Aviation, Transportation, & Industrials Conference

March 8, 2016 Market Wrap Up

March 8, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading Conferences, Data, Earnings, Economic, EPE, GPRE, S&P 500, SDRL, UNM, URBN, USO, VIX

The equity markets declined for the first time in six trading days. With that said, we got some volatility back, with the S&P 500 dropping more than 1% and the VIX closing 7% higher at 18.67.

Oil has been on a tear of late, however; we did see some selling pressure today. The United States Oil Fund (USO) closed the day down more than 4%, at $9.64.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Green Plains (GPRE). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Unum Group (UNM), which was 4.1 times usual options volume.

Stocks in play included: Ep Energy (EPE) -17%, Seadrill (SDRL) -21%, and Urban Outfitters (URBN) +16%

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow and the rest of the week:

Key Economic Data:
9 March 2016- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
10 March 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
9 March 2016- COKE, SQ, VVUS, FRPT, ONCE, VRA
10 March 2016- BONT, CSIQ, BOOM, FNSR, PAY, ULTA

Key Conferences:
Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference (runs till 3/9)
Cowen & Co 36th Annual Healthcare Conference (runs till 3/9)
Deutsche Bank Media, Internet and Telecom Conference (runs till 3/9)
Piper Jaffray Technology, Media & Telecom Conference (runs till 3/9)
RBC Financial Institutions Conference (runs till 3/9)
JPMorgan Aviation, Transportation, & Industrials Conference (runs till 3/10)

March 6, 2016 The Week Ahead

March 6, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading Conferences, Crude Oil, Data, Earnings, Economic, S&P 500, VIX

The S&P 500 finished Friday on a four-day winning streak, as we continue to see a contraction in market volatility. The S&P 500 is up more than 3% in the month of March and the VIX is trading below 17.

With that said, crude oil futures prices are up 20% over the last two weeks. They enjoyed a 5-day winning streak and are trading nearly $36 per barrel.

Domestically, we’ve got very little going on in respect to economic data and earnings. However, there are a decent amount of industry conferences. Those might be worth paying attention to for intraday opportunities given that there isn’t much else scheduled.

Here’s what’s on tap:

Key Economic Data:
9 March 2016- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
10 March 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
7 March 2016- SHAK, UNFI, URBN
8 March 2016- DKS, VTL, NAV
9 March 2016- COKE, SQ, VVUS, FRPT, ONCE, VRA
10 March 2016- BONT, CSIQ, BOOM, FNSR, PAY, ULTA

Key Conferences:
7 March 2016- Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference (runs till 3/9), Sandler O’Neill West Coast Financial Services Conference (runs till 3/8), Cowen & Co 36th Annual Healthcare Conference (runs till 3/9), Deutsche Bank Media, Internet and Telecom Conference (runs till 3/9)
8 March 2016- Piper Jaffray Technology, Media & Telecom Conference (runs till 3/9)
RBC Financial Institutions Conference (runs till 3/9), JPMorgan Aviation, Transportation, & Industrials Conference (runs till 3/10)

March 3, 2016 Market Wrap Up

March 3, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading AXTA, CIEN, Conferences, Crude Oil, Data, Earnings, Economic, JLL, POM, S&P 500, TUMI, VIX

For the first two months of the year, it seemed like the market was in turmoil. However, over the first three days of March, the market has been on a tear. We’ve seen the VIX practically implode, down 20% over the last three sessions.

The S&P 500 is up 3% in that short time span. Crude Oil is up about 5% as well. Interestingly, we’re also seeing a pop in gold prices, which are up 2% as well.

This sets the stage for tomorrow’s monthly jobs report. We could see continued momentum or a halt depending on how the numbers play out.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Axalta Coating Systems (AXTA), which was 4.2 times usual options volume.

Stocks in play included: Ciena (CIEN) -17%, Pepco Holdings (POM) -1.3%, and Tumi Holdings (TUMI) +30%

Here’s what’s going on tomorrow:

Key Economic Data:
4 March 2016- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET, International Trade 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
4 March 2016- SPLS

Key Conferences:
Simmons Energy Conference

March 2, 2016 Market Wrap Up

March 2, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading ASPS, BPT, Conferences, Crude Oil, Data, Earnings, Economic, PHM, SUNE, VIX

So far, the months of January and February have spoiled traders in terms of volatility. Now, we’ve only had two days in March, but volatility is coming in hard. The VIX is down nearly 17% over the last two days, and is now trading at 17.

We’re almost getting back to the ol’ good news is good and bad news is good environment. For example, we saw a build in crude oil inventories. However, crude oil prices reacted positively towards those figures.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in PulteGroup (PHM). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust (BPT), which was three times usual options volume.

Stocks in play included: Altisource Portfolio Solutions (ASPS) +8.25%, SunEdison (SUNE) +19.3%, and Tableau Software (DATA) -9%.

Here’s what’s going on tomorrow and the rest of the week:

Key Economic Data:
3 March 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
4 March 2016- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET, International Trade 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
2 March 2016- ANF, DSX, COSST, NOG
3 March 2016- BKS, BURL, CIEN, JOY, CIEN, KR, SSYS, AMBA, AVGO, NMBL
4 March 2016- SPLS

Key Conferences:
3 March 2016- BMO Metals & Mining Conference (runs till 3/3), Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference (runs till 3/3), Simmons Energy Conference (runs till 03/4)

March 1, 2016 Market Wrap Up

March 1, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading Conferences, Crude Oil, Data, Earnings, Economic, FAST, IMGN, POM, S&P 500, TSLA, VIX, VRX

We had lift-off in the markets today, as the S&P 500 closed more than 2% higher on the day. Even more impressive, the Nasdaq closed more than 3% higher. The S&P 500 is nearly 10% higher than its February 11 lows.

Crude oil futures closed the day higher, trading comfortably above $34 per barrel. Of course, tomorrow we’ll have data from the Department of Energy on inventory levels. This is a report many traders will be paying attention to.

The VIX got clobbered, dropping more than 13% and closing at 17.70.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in ImmunoGen (IMGN). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Fastenal Company (FAST), about 5.9 times usual options volume.

Stocks in play included: Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX) -1%, Tesla Motors (TSLA) -3%, and Pepco Holdings (POM) -12%.

Here’s what’s going on tomorrow and the rest of the week:

Key Economic Data:
1 March 2016- ISM Mfg Index 10:00 AM ET
2 March 2016- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
3 March 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
4 March 2016- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET, International Trade 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
2 March 2016- ANF, DSX, COSST, NOG
3 March 2016- BKS, BURL, CIEN, JOY, CIEN, KR, SSYS, AMBA, AVGO, NMBL
4 March 2016- SPLS

Key Conferences:
29 February 2016- BMO Metals & Mining Conference (runs till 3/3), JPMorgan High Yield Leveraged Finance Conference (runs till 3/2), Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference (runs till 3/3)
2 March 2016- Simmons Energy Conference (runs till 03/4)

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