July 16, 2017 The Week Ahead

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The markets are heading into earnings season at record high levels. Focus will be on earnings, as well as, the upcoming vote on the healthcare bill.

Some comments out of the Fed’s Yellen have been the catalyst for the rise in the market over the last few trading sessions.

The VIX closed at 9.51 on Friday, closing in the 52-week low which is 9.37.

Here are how some of the most traded ETFs performed over the week: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) +1.42%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) +0.88%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +1.03%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) +3.16%

Here is how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed over the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +5.38%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.50%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +1.29%.

Below you’ll find what is else is on the schedule for the week:

Key Economic Data:
19 July 2017- Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET; EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
20 July 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; Philly Fed Business Survey 8:30 Am ET

Key Earnings:
17 July 2017- BLK, JBHT, NFLX, SCSS
18 July 2017- AMTD, BAC, GS, JNJ, LMT, NVS, PGR, UNH, CSX, IBM
19 July 2017- MS, NTRS, TMUS, USB, AA, AXP, CCI, HAWK, QCOM, STLD,
20 July 2017- GPC, KEY, PM, SAP, UL, UNP, COF, EBAY, ISRG, MSFT, SWKS, V
21 July 2017- C, FRC, JPM, PNC, WFC

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July 9, 2017 The Week Ahead

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It was another slow week for traders as the markets grinded higher. Politics dominated the headlines, most notably the first meeting between President Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. That said, earnings are around the corner again and kick off with the banks on Friday.

The Nasdaq traded relatively flat. We’ve noted that over the last couple of weeks funds have been rotating out of some of them, but it appears that has leveled off for now.

The VIX closed at 11.19 on Friday, a sign that traders are not overly concerned with the markets.

Here are how some of the most traded ETFs performed over the week: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) +0.31%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) -0.46%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +0.68%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) +0.12%

Here is how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed over the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -1.19%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -2.14%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -2.57%.

Below you’ll find what is else is on the schedule for the week:

Key Economic Data:
12 July 2017- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
13 July 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; PPI 8:30 AM ET
14 July 2017- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM ET; Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET; Industrial Production 9:15 AM ET

Key Earnings:
10 July 2017- HELE, CUDA, VOXX
11 July 2017- PEP, AIR
12 July 2017- FAST, OZRK, MSM
14 July 2017- C, FRC, JPM, PNC, WFC

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July 4, 2017 The Week Ahead

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Over the last couple of weeks we’ve started to see some sector rotation, while the S&P 500 has been relatively flat that hasn’t been the case for Nasdaq stocks as they’ve been under pressure of late. Banks are starting to show strength after passing the stress test last week.

The overall stock market has posted impressive gains over the first 6 months of 2017. On the other hand, the oil sector has been relatively weak. The United States Oil Fund is down nearly 18% year-to-date.

Here are how some of the most traded ETFs performed over the week: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) -0.40%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) +0.72%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +0.29%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) -3.12%

Here is how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed over the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +7.73%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -2.96%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -1.92%.

There isn’t much on the earnings schedule for this shortened week of trading.

Below you’ll find what is else is on the schedule for the week:

Key Economic Data:
5 July 2017- FOMC Minutes 2:00 PM ET;
6 July 2017- International Trade 8:30 AM ET; Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
7 July 2017- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
5 July 2017- YUMC, PSMT

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June 25, 2017 The Week Ahead

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The markets returned back to it’s winning ways this week, all major indices closed higher lead by the Nasdaq. The VIX closed at 10,02 on Friday, creeping back towards historic lows.

The healthcare sector was the strongest leader, the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) gained nearly 10% on the week.

Despite the media scrutinizing the administration and oil prices down over 20% on the year the markets seem unfazed. No one knows if and when a correction will occur. We’ll be looking at GDP numbers on Friday for insight on how the overall economy has been performing.

Here are how some of the most traded ETFs performed over the week: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) +0.20%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) 0.51%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +0.08%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) +2.24%

Here is how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed over the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -4.11%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.13%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.08%.

Earnings highlights for the week include: Nike, Micron Technology, and Walgreens.

Below you’ll find what is else is on the schedule for the week:

Key Economic Data:
26 June 2017- Durable Goods 8:30 AM ET;
28 June 2017- International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET; EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
29 June 2017- GDP 8:30 AM ET; Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; Personal Income and Outlays 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
26 June 2017- SCHN
27 June 2017- INFO, FDS, CAMP, KBH
28 June 2017- GIS, MON, PAYX, UNF, PIR, SHLM
29 June 2017- CAG, RAD, STZ, WBA, MU, NKE

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June 20, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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The markets cooled off today after a hot start to start the week. All major indices declined; however, trading volumes were below average. We had earnings today from Lennar +2.4%, Adobe Systems +3.7% and Fedex +.95%

The VIX moved up nearly 5%, closing at around 10.86

Index ETF movers: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) -0.65%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) -1.03%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) -0.24%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) -0.78%

Commodity and futures related ETF movers: United States Oil Fund (USO) -1.86%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.90%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.21%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Golden Star Resources (GSS), which traded 3.6 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM), which traded 2.6 times normal option volume.

Key Economic Data:
21 June 2017- Existing Home Sales 10:00 AM ET; EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
22 June 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
23 June 2017- PMI 9:45 AM ET; New Home Sales 10:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
21 June 2017- ORCL, SCS, KMX, WGO, ATU
22 June 2017- SNX, SONC, APOG, BKS
23 June 2017- BBRY

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June 18, 2017 The Week Ahead

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The markets ended the week after a week that included an FOMC rate hike. On Friday, we saw a sharp sell-off in Walmart, Supervalu, Costco, Kroger, Post Holdings, and Target due to the announcement that Amazon.com would be buying Whole Foods.

A possible catalyst going into the week will be the investigation of President Trump as there are reports that he is being investigated for obstruction of justice.

Despite this, the VIX closed at 10.38 on Friday, a decline from the previous Friday’s close.

Here are how some of the most traded ETFs performed over the week: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) -0.32%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) -1.00%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +0.42%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) -1.31%

Here is how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed over the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -2.63%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.57%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -1.00%.

Below you’ll find what is else is on the schedule for the week:

Key Economic Data:
21 June 2017- Existing Home Sales 10:00 AM ET; EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
22 June 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
23 June 2017- PMI 9:45 AM ET; New Home Sales 10:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
20 June 2017- LEN, ADBE, FDX,
21 June 2017- ORCL, SCS, KMX, WGO, ATU
22 June 2017- SNX, SONC, APOG, BKS
23 June 2017- BBRY

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June 15, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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We saw a broad market sell off today in all major indices. However, volumes were below average, a day after the FOMC decided to raise the key interest rate. That said, we should see some added volatility near the close as tomorrow is Quad Witch and the quarterly rebalance of the S&P 500.

The VIX moved up 2.44% higher, closing at 10.90.

Index ETF movers: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) -0.19%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) -0.51%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) -0.07%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) -0.44%

Commodity and futures related ETF movers: United States Oil Fund (USO) -0.54%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.16%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.42%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in AK Steel Holding (AKS), which traded 3.4 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Depomed Inc (DEPO), which traded 4.0 times normal option volume.

Key Economic Data:
16 June 2017- Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET

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June 13, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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No harm… No foul.

After a volatile session last Friday and a shaky start on Monday, the markets appear to be back to their slow grind up. That said, all eyes will be on the FOMC meeting tomorrow as many market participants are expecting the Fed to raise rates in June.

The VIX sold off about 9%, closing at 10.42.

Index ETF movers: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) +0.49%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) +0.51%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +0.46%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) +0.81%

Commodity and futures related ETF movers: United States Oil Fund (USO) +0.74%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.02%. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.05%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in El Pollo Loco (LOCO), which traded 13.2 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Bloomin Brands Inc (BLMN), which traded 94.2 times normal option volume.

Key Economic Data:
14 June 2017- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM ET; Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET: FOMC Meeting Announcement 2:00 PM EST
15 June 2017- Jobless Claims; Philly Fed Survey; Industrial Production 9:15 AM ET
16 June 2017- Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
14 June 2017- JBL, LAKE, CRWS
15 June 2017- FNSR, KR

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June 11, 2017 The Week Ahead

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The markets ended the week mixed ahead of the FOMC meeting and announcement. On Friday, the market’s fear index, the VIX, hit a 23-year low during the trading session. Shortly after, Nasdaq stocks started to sell off aggressively.

The June futures in the Nasdaq 100 traded in a range between 5660.25 to 5898.75, closing down 2.46% on the day, at 5740.50.

It’s hard to say what exactly sparked the catalyst. It could have been caused by uncertainty leading up to the FOMC announcement.

Another possibility could have been cautious comments out of Citron Research on Nvidia Corporation calling it a “casino stock.” On Friday, shares of the stock traded in a range between $142.75 and $168.50, closing down -6.46%, at $149.60.

That volatility triggered other Nasdaq names like Apple (-3.88%), Alphabet Inc. (-3.41%), Amazon.com, Inc. (-3.16%), and Facebook Inc. (-3.28%).

The VIX end up modestly higher, closing at 10.70 on Friday, a gain of 5.31%

Here are how some of the most traded ETFs performed over the week: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) -0.31%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) +1.26%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +0.36%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) -2.43%

Here is how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed over the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -3.75%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.97%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.88%.

Below you’ll find what is else is on the schedule for the week:

Key Economic Data:
13 June 2017- PPI 8:30 AM ET
14 June 2017- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM ET; Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET: FOMC Meeting Announcement 2:00 PM EST
15 June 2017- Jobless Claims; Philly Fed Survey; Industrial Production 9:15 AM ET
16 June 2017- Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
13 June 2017- HRB
14 June 2017- JBL, LAKE, CRWS
15 June 2017- FNSR, KR

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June 3, 2017 The Week Ahead

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This year has been about two narratives:

    1. President Trump is a disaster.
    2. The stock market continues to break all-time highs, week-after-week.

It’s been 231 trading days without having a 5% drawdown from our peak, making this the longest streak since 1996.

The thing is, trading volumes are drying up as we enter the summer months and most of Q1 earnings releases are out.

Markets could continue to grind higher despite being at highs.

The VIX closed below 10 for the second straight week, an indication that the markets are fearless.

Here is how some of the most traded ETFs performed over the week: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) +1.00%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) +1.65%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +0.63%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) +1.77%

Here is how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed over the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -1.79%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.91%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +1.78%.

It’s a slow week in terms of economic data and earnings. That said, Apple is hosting its worldwide developers conference in San Jose from June 5 to the 9th. An event that should garner strong media attention.

Below you’ll find what is else is on the schedule for the week:

Key Economic Data:
07 June 2017- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
08 June 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
05 June 2017- ASNA, COUP, THO
06 June 2017- CONN, CSIQ, FRAN, FRED, HDS, LE, MIK, AMBA, DLTH, KEYS, PLAY, SIGM, UNFI
07 June 2017- NAV, ABM, MIND, ONVO, TLRD, VRNT
08 June 2017- CMD, DVMT, FCEL, SJM, VNCE, PAY

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