January 26, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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The markets closed the day relatively mixed. The S&P 500, Dow, and Russell 2000 closed negative. While the Dow Jones Industrials and the Nasdaq closed the day up. We finally saw Dow 20k the other day.

Some strong earnings performers included: Wynn Resorts (WYNN), Southwest Airlines (LUV), and L3 Technologies (LLL)

Some weak earnings performers included: Alphabet (GOOG), Starbucks (SBUX), and Juniper Networks (JNPR)

The VIX continues to move lower, it closed at 10.63, down nearly 2% on the day.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +1.95%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.34%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.93%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in YUM China Holdings (YUMC), which traded 26.3 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in NutriSystem Inc. (NTRI), which traded 17.6 times normal option volume.

Here is what is left for tomorrow:

Key Earnings Release Dates:
27 Jan 2017- ABBV, APD, BEN, CL, CVX, HON, UBS

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January 24, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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The markets closed the day relatively strong. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrials, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 all finished green. With that said, the Dow Jones Industrials are less than 100 points from 20k.

Some strong earnings performers included: Alibaba Group (BABA), Du Pont (DD), and Kimberly Clark (KMB)

Some weak earnings performers included: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and AK Steel (AKS)

The VIX continues to move lower, it closed at 11.07, down nearly 6% on the day.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +0.44%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.69%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.45%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in CONE Midstream Partners (CNNX), which traded 15.3 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in LSB Industries Inc (LXU), which traded 10.5 times normal option volume.

Earnings will continue to be the theme for the rest of the week and the next couple. Check below:

Key Economic Data:
25 Jan 2017- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
26 Jan 2017- International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, New Home Sales 10:00 AM ET

Key Earnings Release Dates:
25 Jan 2017- BA, EAT, FCX, HBAN, HES, PG, NSC, NVS, NYCB, PGR, ROK, SC, STT, TXT, UTX, CCI, EBAY, FFIV, LRCX, LVS, MCK, PUB, QCOM, URI, VRTX, WDC
26 Jan 2017- AEP, ALK, BHI, CAT, CELG, DGX, DOV, DOW, F, HP, JBLU, LEA, LLL, LUV, MJN, NOC, RCI, EFTC, FLEX, GOOG, INTC, JNPR, KLAC, MSFT, PYPL, SBUX, SYNA, SWFT, VMW
27 Jan 2017- ABBV, APD, BEN, CL, CVX, HON, UBS

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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 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 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%.

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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 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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December 18, 2016 The Week Ahead

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The S&P 500 and Nasdaq traded slightly lower on the week. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average managed to have its sixth straight week of gains. All in all, major indices are all hanging around 52-week highs as we approach the Christmas holiday.

Being that it is Christmas week, one could expect volumes to lighten and volatility to be relatively low. No surprise, with the VIX closing at 12.20 on Friday.

Crude oil futures prices were nearly 1% higher on the week, as they are not to far off 52-week highs. Sentiment has been bullish ever since Non-OPEC and OPEC members agreed to make production costs.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +0.96%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.31%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -2.13%.

Here are some important events worth watching during the week:

Key Economic Data:
21 Dec 2016- Existing Home Sales 10:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
22 Dec 2016- Durable Goods Orders 8:30 AM ET, GDP 8:30 AM ET, Philly Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, Personal Income and Outlays 10:00 AM ET
23 Dec 2016- New Home Sales 10:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
19 Dec 2016- LEN
20 Dec 2016- BBRY, CCL, DRI, FDS, GIS, KMX,NAV, FDX, NKE, SCS
21 Dec 2016- ACN, FINL, LNN, PAYX, CAMP, BBBY, MU, RHT
22 Dec 2016- CAG

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December 11, 2016 The Week Ahead

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The S&P 500 had another impressive week, gaining more than 3% and up 6% over the last 30 days. On the other hand, the Russell 2000 has been even more impressive, gaining nearly 6% on the week and almost 16% over the last 30 days. With that said, all eyes are focused in on the FOMC and how the market will react to a widely anticipated rate hike.

Based on how the VIX close on Friday, there is very little fear in the market at the moment. The VIX is now trading below 12, and closed at 11.75 on Friday.

Crude oil futures prices were relatively flat on the week after last week’s surge to near 52-week highs. They’re trading above $50 per barrel and threatening to take out this year’s highs.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -0.35%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -1.77%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -1.56%.

Here are some important events worth watching during the week:

Key Economic Data:
14 Dec 2016- PPI 8:30 AM ET, Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET, Industrial Production 9:15 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET, FOMC Meeting 2:00 PM ET, FOMC Forecasts 2:00 PM ET, Fed Chair Press Conference 2:30 PM ET
15 Dec 2016- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, Philly Fed Survey 8:30 AM ET
16 Dec 2016- Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
12 Dec 2016- KMG, RENN, STRP, PAY
13 Dec 2016- GMS, HEI
14 Dec 2016- APOG, ARWR, JOY, LAKE, PIR,
15 Dec 2016- AIR, ADBE, JBL, NAV, ORCL, RAD, SAFM, SCHL
16 Dec 2016- CCL

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December 8, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 continued to move higher today, as the Santa Claus rally continues to be on schedule. The darling of the market continues to be the Russell 2000, it gained more than 1.5% today. The Russell 2000 Index ETF (IWM) is nearly up 15% on the month.

Despite the market moving higher, we saw some hedgers come in, the VIX was up more than 3.4% and closed at 12.64.

Stocks in play today included: Wynn Resorts (WYNN) -10.8%, Las Vegas Sands (LVS) -12.72%, Majesco Entertainment (COOL) +65%, Express Scripts Holdings (ESRX) -6.8%

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +1.89%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -1.25%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.19%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Tractor Supply Company (TSCO), which traded 5.9 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Northern Trust Corporation (NTRS), which saw 6.6 times normal options volume.

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

Key Earnings:
9 Dec 2016- MTN

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December 6, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 continued to chug along, and the Russell 2000 reached an intraday high during today’s session. All eyes are on the FOMC meeting next week. As of now, the market is pricing in a rate hike. With that said, trading volumes are expected to dry out as we approach the holiday season. For example, today was about half the volume we normally see in the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY).

This can be seen with what’s been going on in the VIX. The VIX closed below 12, at 11.79 today.

Crude oil futures snapped a four-day winning streak, however; they’ve been on an absolute tear following the OPEC announcement last week, trading above $50 per barrel.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Tableau Software (DATA), which traded 2.8 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in PharmAthene (PIP), which saw 9.8 times normal options volume.

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

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

Key Earnings:
7 Dec 2016- LULU, XRX, COST, HRB, UNFI
8 Dec 2016- CIEN, FRED, HOV, VNCE, AVGO, FNSR
9 Dec 2016- MTN

Key Conferences:
Goldman Sachs European Industrials Conference (runs till 11/7); KeyBanc Consumer Conference (runs till 11/7); UBS Media Communications Conference (runs till 11/7); Raymond James Technology Conference (runs till 11/7)
Cowen Energy & Natural Resources Conference (runs till 11/7); Goldman Sachs Financial Services Conference (runs till 11/7)
7 Dec 2016- Barclay’s Technology Conference (runs till 11/8); Citigroup Healthcare Conference (runs till 11/8)

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