January 16, 2017 The Week Ahead

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The stock market closed the week somewhat mixed. The S&P 500 was relatively flat, while Dow Jones closed the week negative and the Nasdaq finished about 1% higher. With that said, we should volumes pick up as earnings season starts to heat up.

In addition to earnings, we’ve got the ECB rate decision on Thursday and the Inauguration of Donald Trump on Friday.

Crude oil futures closed the week down nearly 3%, having just two of five winning days. On the other hand, Gold futures prices finished the week on a five-day winning streak, gaining 2.3% on the week.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -2.34%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.37%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +2.18%.

Some key earnings for this shortened week of trading include: IBM, Netflix, Morgan Stanley, General Electric and Goldman Sachs to name a few.

Here are a list of events that traders will be watching:

Key Economic Data:
18 Jan 2017- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM ET, Industrial Production 9:15 AM ET
19 Jan 2017- Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, Philly Fed Survey 8:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 11:00 AM ET

Key Earnings Release Dates:
17 Jan 2017- CMA, EDU, INFO, MS, OZRK, UNH, ADTN, CSX, IBKR, LLTC, UAL
18 Jan 2017- FAST, AMTD, GS, C, SCHW, USB, FNB, NFLX, SLM
19 Jan 2017- BBT, BK, CHKP, JBHT, KEY, AXP, IBM, SWKS, PBCT
20 Jan 2017- CFG, COL, GE, KSU, RF, SLB, SYF

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January 12, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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The markets were relatively weak today as all major indices finished the day lower. However, it’s important to note that volumes were below average. In fact, there wasn’t really much going on today. Tomorrow should be a little different as we’re expecting earnings out of some big banks.

The VIX closed the day slightly higher at 11.54.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +1.5%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.22%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.36%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Zayo Group Holdings (ZAYO), which traded 6.2 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Veeco Instruments (VECO), which traded 25.6 times normal option volume.

Check out what’s left on the schedule below:

Key Economic Data:
13 Jan 2017- PPI-FD 8:30 AM ET, Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings Release Dates:
13 Jan 2017- BAC, BLK, INFY, JPM, PNC, WFC

Key Conferences:
JPMorgan Healthcare Conference (runs till 1/13)

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January 10, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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The markets were relatively mixed today, as volumes were below average. We saw strength out of the Russell 2000 and Nasdaq. However, the Dow Jones Industrials finished red, and the S&P 500 was about flat.

It was a pretty slow day for the most part. One stock that active traders were following was Enteromedics (ETRM), a low float stock that closed the day more than 40% higher, on 21 million shares of volume. Just six days ago, this stock was trading under $2 per share, and today it closed at $27.70, talk about a short squeeze.

Despite the market being mixed, the VIX continued it’s sell off, as it closed below 11.50.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -2.12%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.07%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.43%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Insulet Corporation (PODD), which traded 26.8 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Enbridge (ENB), which traded 2.9 times normal option volume.

Check out what’s left on the schedule below:

Key Economic Data:
11 Jan 2017- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
12 Jan 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
13 Jan 2017- PPI-FD 8:30 AM ET, Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings Release Dates:
11 Jan 2017- KBH, SVU
12 Jan 2017- FCEL, TSM
13 Jan 2017- BAC, BLK, INFY, JPM, PNC, WFC

Key Conferences:
ICR Exchange Consumer Conference (runs till 1/11); JPMorgan Healthcare Conference (runs till 1/13); Needham Growth Conference (runs till 1/12)

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January 9, 2017 The Week Ahead

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The stock market closed at all-time high levels on Friday, with the Dow Jones Industrials nearly touching 20k intraday. For the most part, trading volumes were light during the first four days of the new year. One should expect trading volumes to pick up as we enter earnings next week. Specifically, we’ll be hearing from some of the bigger names in the banking sector.

Interestingly, fear in the market has nearly disintegrated, as the VIX closed at 11.32 on Friday.

Crude oil futures closed the week on a 3-day winning streak, but ended up nearly unchanged overall. With that said, prices are near their 52-week highs.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -0.34%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.61%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +1.32%.

It appears that bank earnings will be one of the more important events, which will happen on Friday. We’ll be hearing from Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and JPMorgan.

Here are a list of events that traders will be watching:

Key Economic Data:
11 Jan 2017- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
12 Jan 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
13 Jan 2017- PPI-FD 8:30 AM ET, Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings Release Dates:
9 Jan 2017- CUDA, APOL, GPN, VOXX
10 Jan 2017- LW
11 Jan 2017- KBH, SVU
12 Jan 2017- FCEL, TSM
13 Jan 2017- BAC, BLK, INFY, JPM, PNC, WFC

Key Conferences:
9 Jan 2017- ICR Exchange Consumer Conference (runs till 1/11); JPMorgan Healthcare Conference (runs till 1/13).
10 Jan 2017- Needham Growth Conference (runs till 1/12)

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January 5, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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The markets saw their first down day of the new year. The Dow Jones Industrials and Russell 2000 all finished lower. However, the Nasdaq was able to finish out the day positive. Keep in mind, volumes are still relatively light this week as traders are slowly getting back in the groove.

The VIX continued it’s sell off, as it closed below 12 at 11.67.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +1.04%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.57%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +1.55%.

Stocks in play today included: Palo Alto Networks (PANW) +3.10%, Kohls (KSS) -19%, and CEB Inc. (CEB) +20.92%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Host Hotels and Resorts (HST), which traded 4.9 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Mallinckrodt (MNK), which traded 3.6 times normal option volume.

Check out what’s left on the schedule below:

Key Economic Data:
6 Jan 2017- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET; International Trade 8:30 AM ET

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January 4, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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The markets are coming into 2017 on a two-day winning streak. Once again, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is creeping in on 20k. Volumes today were relatively light, despite get some fresh data from the FOMC, more specifically, the release of the minutes from the last meeting.

Judging by how the VIX performed, there wasn’t much of a surprise in the Fed minutes. With that said, the VIX closed at 11.85, a drop of nearly 8%.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +1.49%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.39%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.39%.

Stocks in play today included Kohl’s, which announced some poor holiday sales numbers in the after-hours. At the time of this writing the stock price was down nearly 9%. With that said, several other retailers were taken down with it. This includes: Macy’s -7%, Nordstrom -2.7%, and Dillards -1.6%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in PTC Therapeutics (PTCT), which traded 2.1 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in YPF Sociedad Anonima (YPF), which traded 5.1 times normal option volume.

Check out what’s left on the schedule below:

Key Economic Data:
5 Jan 2017- EIA Petroleum Status Report 11:00 AM ET
6 Jan 2017- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET; International Trade 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
5 Jan 2017- MON, STZ, WBA, RT, HELE, PSMT, SCHN

Key Conferences:
5 Jan 2017- JPMorgan 15th Annual Technology Forum at CES; Stephens, Oppenheimer, RBC Capital at CES; CES (runs until Friday, the 8th)

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January 2, 2017 The Week Ahead

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As many expected, volume was relatively light going into the last trading week of 2016. With that said, it should be noted that equities in general had a very impressive year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up roughly 13% on the year, the S&P 500 approximately 10%, and the Nasdaq was up more than 7%.

We enter a shortened trading week, however; it should be a busy month with the inauguration of President-Elect Trump happening near the end of the month.

Despite the volume output, the VIX managed to climb steadily the final week, closing 2016 at 14.04.

Crude oil futures had an impressive comeback in 2016, after hitting a low in February, they gained more than 100%, closed the year above $50 per barrel and right near their 52-week highs.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +2.27%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.12%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +1.88%.

2017 is the start of a new trading year. If you feel like you’ve got holes in your game, we encourage you to check out our trading courses here. They’ve helped several traders turn the corner, and maybe able to do the same for you.

Here are a list of events that traders will be watching:

Key Economic Data:
3 Jan 2017- ISM Manufacturing Index 10:00 AM ET
4 Jan 2017- FOMC Minutes 2:00 PM ET
5 Jan 2017- EIA Petroleum Status Report 11:00 AM ET
6 Jan 2017- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET; International Trade 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
4 Jan 2017- SONC
5 Jan 2017- MON, STZ, WBA, RT, HELE, PSMT, SCHN

Key Conferences:
4 Jan 2017- Citigroup Internet, Media, Telecom Conference (runs till 1/5)
5 Jan 2017- JPMorgan 15th Annual Technology Forum at CES; Stephens, Oppenheimer, RBC Capital at CES; CES (runs until Friday, the 8th)

December 29, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The markets closed relatively flat today on on lower than average trading volume. With that said, only one more trading day left on the year. The only drama remains is if the Dow Jones Industrial Average will hit 20k by the end of the year. With that said, we’ll need a pretty decent rally to get there, the Dow 30 closed at 19,819.78 today.

Even though trading volume was relatively low, we did see a bid in the VIX, as it closed at 13.37, a rise of 3.24%.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -0.34%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.35%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +1.30%.

Stocks in play today included: Nvidia (NVDA) +2.00%, Silver Wheaton Corp (SLW) +9.42%, and Cempra, Inc. (CEMP) -57.38%

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in American Capital (ACAS), which traded 31.9 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Mattersight Corporation (MATR), which saw 137 times normal options volume.

There are no major economic events or earnings tomorrow. However, we do want to wish you a very healthy prosperous and healthy new years! If you’re still looking for ways to improve your trading in 2017, make sure to check out our courses, they were created by experienced and respected industry leaders.

December 28, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The markets sold off today on below average trading volume. With that said, there isn’t much left on the schedule for the final two days of trading. The only drama really left is if the Dow Jones Industrial Average will breaking 20k.

Even though trading volume was relatively low, we did see a bidin the VIX, as it closed at 12.95, a rise of 8%.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +0.17%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.73%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.28%.

Stocks in play today included: Nvidia (NVDA) -6.88% and Weis Markets (WMK) +11.67%, Kate Spade & Co. (KATE) +23%

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Kate Spade & Co. (KATE), which traded 9.0 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in PC Tel (PCTI), which saw 38.4 times normal options volume.

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

Key Economic Data:
29 Dec 2016- International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET

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December 26, 2016 The Week Ahead

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The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, Russell 2000, and Nasdaq all managed to close the week higher. Keep in mind, volume was especially light due to the holidays. The only real question left: Will the Dow Jones Industrial Average close above 20k? It’s right there, on Friday, it closed at 19,933.81.

No surprise, with the VIX closing at 11.44 on Friday. As we enter the lightest schedule of the entire year. With just four trading days left, there are no major earnings to report or major economic announcements.

Equities are not the only market enjoying 52- week highs. In fact, crude oil futures prices finished near their 52-week highs on Friday.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +0.09%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.04%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.11%.

We hope everyone has been enjoying their holidays and with only four trading days left on the year, this is a great time to take a step back and review your trading. Ask yourself, what you’ve could have done to improve and what steps you’ll take to do it in 2017. If you feel like you’ve got weaknesses in your game, we’re here to help. With that said, we encourage you to check out our trading courses here.

The economic events for the week include:

Key Economic Data:
29 Dec 2016- International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET

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