February 16, 2016 Market Wrap Up

February 16, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading ADT, CHGG, Conferences, CYH, Data, Earnings, Economic, GOGO, KMI, PMTS, Russell 2000, S&P 500, VIX

The equity markets started the week off with a strong start, up more than 1.5% in the S&P 500. In addition, the Nasdaq and Russell 2000 posted gains greater than 2% respectfully. The gains held from last night’s session, as the Shanghai Index gained more than 3% along with a boost in crude oil futures prices.

The gains in oil came after an announcement that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Venezuela agreed “freeze” output. However, those gains faded as the news was not as bullish sounding as a production cut.

Despite the risk on appetite, the VIX only dropped about 5% and closed above 24.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Chegg Inc (CHGG). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in CPI Card Group (PMTS), about 51.2 times usual options volume.

Stocks in play included: Gogo (GOGO) -29%, Community Health Systems (CYH) -22% and ADT (ADT) +49%.

We also saw a ton of SEC filings from funds, updating their status on new and old positions. For some stocks, these have the potential to move stock prices. For example, after the close, Berkshire Hathaway announced a stake in Kinder Morgan (KMI), which popped more than 6% higher in the after hours session.

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

Key Economic Data:
17 February 2016- Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET, PPI 8:30 AM ET, Industrial Production 9:15 AM ET, FOMC Minutes 2:00 PM ET
18 February 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, Philly Fed Survey 8:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 11:00 AM ET
19 February 2016- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
17 February 2016- DPS, GRMN, TMUS, PCLN, SHOP, BLMN, HST, BRCD, CF, CYH, GDDY, JIVE, MAR, MRO, NTAP, NVDA, SPWR, WMB, PKD
18 February 2016- CAB, DAN, DISCA, DUK, HOT, LNG, MGM, MPEL, WM, WMT, PCG, AMAT, JWN, SAM, WAGE
19 February 2016- DE

Key Conferences:
15 February 2016- CAGNY Conference (runs till 2/19)
17 February 2016- Barclay’s Industrial Conference (runs till 2/19)

February 15, 2016 The Week Ahead

February 15, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading China, Crude Oil, Data, Earnings, Economic, S&P 500, VIX

The S&P 500 finished the week slightly lower and really not that far off our most recent lows. It doesn’t help that European markets are near multi-year lows and the Japanese market is down 20% year-to-date.

Not to mention, crude oil prices are hovering below $30 a barrel, putting a drag on global economies.

Many were expecting the markets to be subdued after China’s markets were closed for holiday.

However, that was not the case at all.

We’ll have to see how markets react during this shortened 4-day trading week.

The VIX closed the week higher, despite dropping nearly 10% on Friday, closing above 25.

Crude oil prices are still very near their most recent lows. The market has seen minor price spikes on rumors that OPEC might do something to try to stop the free-fall in prices. However, this continues to remain speculation.

There are still a ton of earnings this week along with a decent amount of economic events.

Here’s what else is on tap:

Key Earnings:
16 February 2016- DF, GPC, A, BYD, DVN, ESRX, RAX, NBR, TEX, TRU
17 February 2016- DPS, GRMN, TMUS, PCLN, SHOP, BLMN, HST, BRCD, CF, CYH, GDDY, JIVE, MAR, MRO, NTAP, NVDA, SPWR, WMB, PKD
18 February 2016- CAB, DAN, DISCA, DUK, HOT, LNG, MGM, MPEL, WM, WMT, PCG, AMAT, JWN, SAM, WAGE
19 February 2016- DE

Key Conferences:
15 February 2016- CAGNY Conference (runs till 2/19)
17 February 2016- Barclay’s Industrial Conference (runs till 2/19)

February 11, 2016 Market Wrap Up

February 11, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading BAC, China, Conferences, Data, Economic, EV, JCOM, RNF, S&P 500, TSLA, VIX

The Equity markets have not seen a green day in five days, as we’re down nearly 5% over this period. With that said, we did see a slight bounce off the lows in the S&P 500. Overall, it was very controlled selling, we traded in a range between 1810 and 1847.

With China on holiday, a lot of the focus was on Fed Chairman Yellen’s testimony and the action in the crude oil market. Now, the Chairman’s testimony was unable to spark a rally. Luckily, crude oil was able to catch a bounce late afternoon after hovering below $27 per barrel.

The bounce was attributed to some chatter out of OPEC. The UAE Energy Minister mentioned that he would be open to discussing supply cuts, according to the Wall Street Journal. Of course, that was enough to turn crude oil around and enough to reduce some of the losses in the equity markets.

The VIX traded above 30 at one point, closing the day 7% higher at 28.14.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Rentech Nitrogen Partners (RNF). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Eaton Vance Corp (EV), about 12.4 times usual options volume.

Stocks in play included: J2 Global (JCOM) +16%, Tesla (TSLA) +5.8%, and Bank of America (BAC) -5.6%

Here’s what’s going on tomorrow:

Key Economic Data:
12 February 2016- Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET

Key Conferences:
12 February 2016- KBW Financial Conference

February 9, 2016 Market Wrap Up

February 9, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading Conferences, Data, DB, Earnings, Economic, ETE, FLY, S&P 500, VIAB, VIX, ZIOP

It was a pretty dull day in the markets, given all the volatility we’ve seen lately. The S&P 500 was virtually unchanged. It appears that traders are waiting for tomorrow, as Janet Yellen takes the stage and addresses congress on the state of the economy.

Any chance of a potential rally was thwarted due to the weakness in energy prices. Crude Oil is at the lowest levels of the year. The cash market closed below 28, losing nearly 6% today. We’re down nearly 15% over the last four trading sessions.

Despite heavy selling pressure in oil and the equity market being relatively flat, the VIX didn’t really know where to go. When the smoked clear, it closed above 26.50, a gain of 2%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Ziopharm Oncology (ZIOP). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Fly Leasing Limited (FLY), about 5.6 times usual options volume.

Stocks in play included: Viacom (VIAB) -21%, Energy Transfer Equity (ETE) +14.5%, Deutsche Bank (DB) -.8%

As mentioned earlier, traders will be paying attention to FED Chairman Yellen as she testifies to Congress tomorrow.

Also, here’s what else is going on this week:

Key Economic Data:
11 February 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
12 February 2016- Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
10 February 2016- ARMH, TWX, EXPE, IRBT, TWTR, WFM, ZNGA, MYL, LOCK, FNF
11 February 2016- AVP, BTU, BWA, CAG, GNC, K, MOS, NOK, PEP, RIO, SHPG, TAP, TIME, WWAV, AIG, ATVI, CBS, CYBR, FEYE, GRPN, INFN, P, QLIK, RSG

Key Conferences:
8 February 2016- Credit Suisse Financial Services Forum (runs till 2/10)
9 February 2016- Bank America Merrill Insurance Conference (runs till 2/11), Goldman Sachs Tech Conf (runs till 2/11), Goldman Sachs Insurance Conf (runs till 2/11)
10 February 2016- Leerink Healthcare Conference (runs till 2/11)
11 February 2016- KBW Financial Conference (runs till 2/12)

February 8, 2016 Market Wrap Up

February 8, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading BLMN, China, CHK, Conferences, CVS, Data, DIS, Earnings, Economic, ETE, KO, PENN, S&P 500, VIX, WMB

The Chinese markets were closed today in celebration of their new year. With that said, many traders believed that volatility would come in during their holiday break. Well…that clearly wasn’t the case today. The S&P 500 sold off 1.4% and the NASDAQ was down more than 1.8%.

We continue to see weakness in Biotech, Technology, and the MLP sector. It probably doesn’t help that commodities are also weak. Most importantly, crude oil, which settled below $30 per barrel.

It’s not a real surprise to see the VIX trade above 25 today, finishing the day 11% higher and closing at 26.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Penn National Gaming (PENN). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Bloomin Brands (BLMN), about 58 times usual options volume.

Stocks in play included: Chesapeake Energy (CHK) -33%, Energy Transfer Equity (ETE), and Williams Companies (WMB) -35%.

We’ve got earnings from Coca-Cola (KO) and CVS Pharmacy (CVS) tomorrow, along with Disney (DIS). Overall, earnings have been pretty weak this quarter. Let’s see if that trend changes at all.

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

Key Economic Data:
11 February 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
12 February 2016- Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
9 February 2016- CVS, KO, MAS, VIAB, WYN, AKAM, DIS, NCR, NUAN, PNRA, WU
10 February 2016- ARMH, TWX, EXPE, IRBT, TWTR, WFM, ZNGA, MYL, LOCK, FNF
11 February 2016- AVP, BTU, BWA, CAG, GNC, K, MOS, NOK, PEP, RIO, SHPG, TAP, TIME, WWAV, AIG, ATVI, CBS, CYBR, FEYE, GRPN, INFN, P, QLIK, RSG

February 7, 2016 The Week Ahead

February 7, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading China, Conferences, Crude Oil, Data, Earnings, Economic, education, S&P 500, trading, VIX

The S&P 500 had a rough week, selling off about 3%. As the market continues to remain weak this year. The NASDAQ has hit five month lows, as some earnings come in disappointing. For example, Apple, Amazon, LinkedIn, and Microsoft have all reacted poorly to earnings.

Not to mention, we’ve seen weakness in the Asian markets, jobs data, and crude oil prices. Let’s see if we catch a break in volatility, as China prepares to celebrate their new year and closing their markets.

The VIX closed the week higher, right above 23.38.

Crude oil prices sold off this week, down nearly 8% and not too far off our most recent lows. We’re barely trading above $30 per barrel.

On the economic front, there isn’t that much on the schedule. However, there are a ton of earnings on the schedule.

Here’s what else is on tap:

Key Economic Data:
11 February 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
12 February 2016- Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
8 February 2016- L, HAS, FOX, PAA, YELP
9 February 2016- CVS, KO, MAS, VIAB, WYN, AKAM, DIS, NCR, NUAN, PNRA, WU
10 February 2016- ARMH, TWX, EXPE, IRBT, TWTR, WFM, ZNGA, MYL, LOCK, FNF
11 February 2016- AVP, BTU, BWA, CAG, GNC, K, MOS, NOK, PEP, RIO, SHPG, TAP, TIME, WWAV, AIG, ATVI, CBS, CYBR, FEYE, GRPN, INFN, P, QLIK, RSG

February 2, 2016 Market Wrap Up

February 2, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading ATVI, CMG, Crude Oil, Data, Earnings, Economic, education, S&P 500, trading, VIX, YHOO

Just when you thought that the volatility was going to cool off, things started heating up again. The S&P 500 lost nearly 2% as most stocks sold off fairly hard. We’re just 5% off our most recent lows.

Adding fuel to the fire, we saw massive sell-off in crude oil prices. In the last two days, crude oil prices are down more than 11%, and trading below $30 per barrel. We’re just a little more than 5% off from the most recent lows.

Given the volatility, it wasn’t a real shock to see the VIX above 20, closing at 21.89 to be exact.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Yahoo (YHOO). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Activision Blizzard (ATVI).

In the after hours we got earnings results out of Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG). The stock was down nearly 7% in the after hours.

There are a lot more earnings this week, check out the events below:

Key Economic Data:
4 February 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
5 February 2016- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET, International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
3 February 2016- ADP, APO, BEN, CBG, CBOE, CMCSA, ENR, ETN, GM, IP, KLIC, MRK, NOV, BWLD, CCK, CDNS, GPRO, MET, NXPI, SFLY, YUM
4 February 2016- AZN, ABC, COP, COTY, DLPH, GRUB, ICE, OXY, PENN, RL, WFT, BMI, DATA, DECK, LNKD, LGF
5 February 2016- ATHN,CME, TSN, WY

January 31, 2016 The Week Ahead

January 31, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading CMG, Crude Oil, Data, Earnings, Economic, education, GOOGL, MRK, S&P 500, trading, VIX, XOM, YHOO

The S&P 500 had its second straight positive week. It was a rough month for indices, with some of them seeing their worst monthly declines in over five years. Volatility may come in as the Chinese market will be on break to celebrate their new year, which happens in less than two weeks.

If you recall, weakness in the Asian markets was causing the heavy selling in January. Not to mention weakness in oil prices.

The VIX waited till Friday to sell-off hard. Overall, it closed lower, right above 20.

Crude oil prices are more than 10% higher than their monthly lows. Gaining more than 5% on the week and closing above $33 per barrel. Is it a dead-cat bounce or have prices finally started to stabilize?

Reporting this week: Exxon Mobil (XOM), Alphabet (GOOGL), Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG), Yahoo (YHOO), Merck (MRK), and much much more.

Here’s what else is on tap:

Key Economic Data:
1 February 2016- Personal Income and Outlays 8:30 AM ET, ISM Mfg Index 10:00 AM ET
4 February 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
5 February 2016- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET, International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
1 February 2016- AET, CAH, HAIN, SOHU, SYY, APC, GOOGL, TSO, MAT, GGP, AGNC
2 February 2016- ADM, ADT, ALLY, BAX, BEAV, CIT, DOW, EMR, KORS, LAZ, LYB, MNK, PFE, RCL, UBS, UPS, XOM, CMG, ILMN, YHOO, TDW, CHRW
3 February 2016- ADP, APO, BEN, CBG, CBOE, CMCSA, ENR, ETN, GM, IP, KLIC, MRK, NOV, BWLD, CCK, CDNS, GPRO, MET, NXPI, SFLY, YUM
4 February 2016- AZN, ABC, COP, COTY, DLPH, GRUB, ICE, OXY, PENN, RL, WFT, BMI, DATA, DECK, LNKD, LGF
5 February 2016- ATHN,CME, TSN, WY

January 26, 2016 Market Wrap Up

January 26, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading AAPL, Crude Oil, Data, Earnings, Economic, FOMC, FSM, LOPE, S&P 500, VIX

So far this week, we’ve seen less fireworks than the first three weeks of the year. However, that’s probably in anticipation of all the data that will be flooding the market. For example, we’ve got an FOMC announcement coming up, along with a ton of earnings and economic data to review.

With that said, the S&P 500 saw a gain of 1.4% today. Not only that, but the trading range was relatively tight, with not a lot of up and down action.

It was no surprise to see the VIX sell off, falling nearly 7% and closing at 22.50.

Crude oil futures prices caught a bounce after yesterday’s +5% sell-off. However, it’s currently trading lower in the after hours after the API reported a build in crude oil stocks. It will be important to see what the DOE reports tomorrow.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Fortuna Silver Mines Inc (FSM). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Grand Canyon Education (LOPE).

In the after hours we got earnings results out of Apple (AAPL). The stock is trading 2% lower at the time of this wrap up. Some attribute the drop to a slowdown in iPhone sales.

Please pay attention to the schedule as there is a lot of stuff going on this week.

Key Economic Data:
27 January 2016- New Home Sales 10:00 AM ET, FOMC Meeting Announcement 2:00 PM ET
28 January 2016- Durable Goods Orders 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
29 January 2016- GDP 8:30 AM ET, International Trade in Goods 8:30n AM ET

Key Earnings:
27 January 2016- BA, CLF, EMC, NVS, STJ, STM, TUP, CAVM, CRUS, CTXS, FB, INVN, HOLX, JNPR, LRCX, MLNX, MCK, QCOM, PYPL, SNDK, TER, TSCO, TXN, URI, VRTX
28 January 2016- ABT, BMY, DGX, F, CAT, CELG, CY, DB, HOG, JBLU, LLY, NDAQ, UA, V, VLO, POT, NUE, HSY, AMZN, EA, FLEX, SYNA, SWKS, MSFT, NOC
29 January 2016- AAL, ABBV, PCAR, APD, CL, CVX, HON, MA, PCAR, PSX, XRX

January 24, 2016 The Week Ahead

January 24, 2016 tvcuser Education, Trading AAPL, AMZN, CAT, Crude Oil, Data, Earnings, Economic, education, FB, FOMC, HAL, LLY, MSFT, S&P 500, trading, VIX

The S&P 500 had its first positive week on the year. However, despite being up 3 out of 4 trading sessions, there still seems to be a lot of fear in the markets. We had about a 100 point range from the highs to lows (1812-1906).

A lot of eyes are on the Asian Markets, as well as the world energy market. Crude Oil prices have had a nice bounce after trading below $30 per barrel. They finished the week up, about 7% or so. However, it’s too early to tell if the bottom is in or we’re just seeing a dead-cat bounce.

The VIX waited till Friday to sell-off hard. Overall, it closed the week more than 15% lower. With that said, it’s still trading above 22.

This is an incredibly busy week, which includes an army of earnings releases and economic data. Some of those highlights include the FOMC Meeting and GDP numbers on Friday. Earnings will cover several sectors including pharmaceuticals, energy, defense, technology, and transportation.

Reporting this week: Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Facebook (FB), Amazon (AMZN), Caterpillar (CAT), Halliburton (HAL), Eli Lilly (LLY), and a whole lot more.

Here’s what else is on tap:

Key Earnings:
25 January 2016- DHI, HAL, KMB, MCD, ASH, PKG, SWFT, ZION, STLD
26 January 2016- DD, COH, FCX, GLW, JNJ, JNS, LMT, MMM, PG, PH, WAT, AAPL, CB, COF, NAVI, SYK, T, X
27 January 2016- BA, CLF, EMC, NVS, STJ, STM, TUP, CAVM, CRUS, CTXS, FB, INVN, HOLX, JNPR, LRCX, MLNX, MCK, QCOM, PYPL, SNDK, TER, TSCO, TXN, URI, VRTX
28 January 2016- ABT, BMY, DGX, F, CAT, CELG, CY, DB, HOG, JBLU, LLY, NDAQ, UA, V, VLO, POT, NUE, HSY, AMZN, EA, FLEX, SYNA, SWKS, MSFT, NOC
29 January 2016- AAL, ABBV, PCAR, APD, CL, CVX, HON, MA, PCAR, PSX, XRX