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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May 29, 2017 The Week Ahead

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Another week… another all-time high. That’s what it feels like for market participants as the market continues to slowly push higher. It’s been 231 trading days without having a 5% drawdown from our peak, making this the longest streak since 1996.

What will give?

It seems like the media is trying its best to portray the President and his regime a failure. But traders and investors are playing a different tune. That said, a large chunk of the earnings are behind us and we are entering the slow days of summer.

After climbing above 15 a couple weeks ago, the VIX is now below 10, after closing at 9.81 on Friday.

Here are how some of the most popular ETF Indices performed: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) +1.43%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) +1.11%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +1.33%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) +2.45%

Oil prices fell during the week, in a classic– buy the rumor and sell the news scenario following the OPEC meeting.

Here are how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed: United States Oil Fund (USO) -1.91%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.19%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.95%.

No trading on Monday in observance of Memorial Day.

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

Key Economic Data:
30 May 2017- Personal Income and Outlays 8:30 AM ET
01 June 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; ISM Manufacturing Index 10:00 AM ET; EIA Petroleum Status Report 11:00 AM ET
02 June 2017- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET; International Trade 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
30 May 2017- ENS
31 May 2017- KORS, VRA, BOX, HPE, PANW, SMTC, OLLI
01 June 2017- CIEN, DG, EXPR, AVGO, BOOT, GWRE, LULU, VMW, WDAY, ZUMZ
02 June 2017- HOV

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May 21, 2017 The Week Ahead

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All major stock indices sold off this week. Despite still trading near all-time highs, we saw our first real taste of volatility on Wednesday when the S&P 500 plunged 1.82%.

Market fear erupted when rumors of a Trump impeachment started making the rounds. Some believe the rally in the stock market this year has been driven by expectations that Trump’s economic policies would boost business.

Some media outlets painted the picture that Trump’s administration was in serious trouble, putting additional selling pressure on stocks. That said, the markets did rally on Thursday and Friday.

Interestingly, on Wednesday, the VIX had one of it’s largest percentage gains on record, popping more than 46%, moving from 10.65 to 15.59. The VIX ended up closing at 12.04 on the week.

The coming week is packed with economic data including GDP, FOMC Minutes and the 172nd OPEC Meeting.

Here are how some of the most popular ETF Indices performed: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) -0.28%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) -1.08%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) -0.59%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) -0.55%

Oil prices rebounded but are still down more than 10% on the month. Here are how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed: United States Oil Fund (USO) +5.33%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.91%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +2.20%.

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

Key Economic Data:
23 May 2017- New Home Sales 10:00 AM ET
24 May 2017- PMI Composite Flash 10:30 AM ET; Existing Home Sales 10:00 AM ET; EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET; FOMC Minutes 2:00 PM
25 May 2017- International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET; Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
26 May 2017- Durable Goods Orders 8:30 AM ET; GDP 8:30 AM

Key Earnings:
22 May 2017- BAH, A
23 May 2017- AZO, CBRL, DSW, TOL, INTU, TTWO, UVV
24 May 2017- AAP, LOW, TGI, TIF, GES, HPQ, NTAP, PSTG, PVH, UHAL, WSM
25 May 2017- ANF, BBY, BURL, DLTR, SIG, BRCD, COST, GME, MRVL, PDCO, SPLK, VEEV, VNET, ZOES

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May 14, 2017 The Week Ahead

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The stock market saw a minor sell off during the week. All but one major average finished lower, the Nasdaq. That said, sell-offs have been few and far between. The VIX actually had its lowest reading since 1993 this week; however, managed to close above 10, at 10.40 on Friday.

Earnings have been decent with some few exceptions. For example, Macy’s fell 18.5%, and J.C. Penney Company dropped 17.12%. That said, more retailers will be announcing next week, they include: Wal-Mart, Gap Stores, Urban Outfitters, and Target.

Here are how some of the most popular ETF Indices performed: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) -0.30%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) -1.06%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) -0.36%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) +0.77%

Oil prices rebounded but are still down more than 10% on the month. Here are how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed: United States Oil Fund (USO) +3.00%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.87%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.15%.

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


Key Economic Data
16 May 2017- Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET; Industrial Production 9:15 AM ET
17 May 2017- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET,
18 May 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; Philly Fed Survey 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings
15 May 2017- TRVG, VIPS
16 May 2017- DKS, HD, SINA, SPLS, SSYS, TJX, VRTU, JACK, URBN, STV
17 May 2017- AEO, QIWI, TGT, CSCO, FLO, LB, SNPS
18 May 2017- BONT, EXP, MNRO, RL, SSI, WMT, AMAT, CRM, GPS, MCK, ROST
19 May 2017- CBD, DE, FL

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May 7, 2017 The Week Ahead

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The stock market shows no signs of slowing down. It’s been resilient to say the very least. That said, the next obstacle comes this Sunday, with the French presidential election being the catalyst. The markets are hoping that Emmanuel Macron wins, who represents the establishment. On the other hand, if Marine Le Pen pulls off the upset, we could see an increase in market volatility on Monday. That said, the markets aren’t betting on it, on Friday, the VIX closed at 10.57.

Here are how some of the most popular ETF Indices performed: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) +0.68%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) -0.05%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +0.33%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) +1.44%

Earnings continue to flow, some of the interesting names reporting include: Disney, Snap Inc., Yelp, and Electronic Arts.

Here are how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed: United States Oil Fund (USO) -5.66%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.87%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -3.11%.

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

Key Economic Data:
10 May 2017- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
11 May 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, PPI 8:30 AM ET
12 May 2017- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM ET; Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
08 May 2017- JD, LBTYA, NWL, ON, ONDK, SYY, TSN, AMC, EOG, FN, HTZ, MAR, P, TSO
09 May 2017- AGN, CBOE, DF, DISCA, DUK, RESI, SEAS, TDG, VRX, BUFF, DIS, EA, FOSL, JAZZ, MCHP, NEWR, NVDA, PCLN, TRIP, TRUE, TWNK, YELP, ZAYO
10 May 2017- COTY, CROX, IPXL, MYL, SODA, TIME, VSI, WIX, FOXA, HOLX, LPSN, SNAP, WFM, SYMC
11 May 2017- KSS, OA, M, SNK, TPB, VSTO, JWN, CA, JAG
12 May 2017- GOLF, JCP

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April 23, 2017 The Week Ahead

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Stocks rebounded across all major indices over the week. On Sunday, the world will shift their attentions to the upcoming French elections. Of course, depending on the outcome, it could create some much needed volatility for traders. However, the markets have proven to be resilient. Recent shocks like Brexit and the Trump presidential victory have only lead to short-lived bursts in volatility.

Outside of the French election, earnings will dominate the headlines, along with the release of the GDP numbers on Friday.

Here are how some of the most popular ETF Indices performed: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) +0.89%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) +2.67%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +0.43%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) +1.66%

With the market posting strong gains, the VIX fell back to below the 15 level, closing Friday’s trading session at 14.63.

Some of the largest publically traded companies in the world will report this week. They include: Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Exxon, and Procter & Gamble.

Here are how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed: United States Oil Fund (USO) -7.28%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.06%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.24%.

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

Key Economic Data:
25 April 2017- New Home Sales 10:00 AM ET
26 April 2017- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
27 April 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; Durable Goods Orders 8:30 AM; International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET
28 April 2017- GDP 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
24 April 2017- HAL, KMB, HLX, AA, ESRX, CDNS, NEM, RMBS, SLCA, SWFT, SANM, WHR, ZION
25 April 2017- AKS, CAT, CIT, CNC, DD, FCX, GLW, KO, LLY, LMT, MCD, MMM, PCAR, PHM, PNR, R, TRU, CB, CMG, COF, CREE, DFS, JNPR, SYK, T, TXN, UHS
26 April 2017- ANTM, BAX, DPS, HES, HSY, NDAQ, NOC, NSC, ROK, PG, SLAB, SONS, STT, STX, TWTR, UTX, X, WM, WRK, WYN, AMGN, CAVM, BWLD, FFIV, NOW, ORLY, PYPL, SAM, TSCO, XLNX
27 April 2017- ABBV, APD, BMY, BSX, BWA, CELG, CMCSA, CME, DOW, F, GRUB, IP, IRM, JCI, LAZ, LLL, LUV, MPC, POT, SIRI, SPG, UAA, UNP, UPS, AIV, AMZN, BIDU, EXPE, GOOGL, GPRO, INTC, MLNX, MAC, MSFT, SBUX, VRTX, WDC
28 April 2017- CL, COG, CVX, GM, GT, HST, LYB, PSX, SYF, VFC, XOM, WY

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April 16, 2017 The Week Ahead

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Stocks were sluggish over the 4-day trading week, as all major indices closed sharply lower.

Here are how some of the most popular ETF Indices performed: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) -1.24%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) -1.37%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) -1.01%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) -1.24%

The VIX gained 24%, closing at the highest level we’ve seen year-to-date, at 15.96. Some market pundits are jumping for joy, calling this the return of volatility. However, it might be premature given that upcoming earnings will dictate where the market goes next.

That said, we’ll be hearing from the likes of: Netflix, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Johnson & Johnson, American Express, Ebay, and General Electric– to name a few.

Here are how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed: United States Oil Fund (USO) +2.49%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.87%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +2.87%.

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

Key Economic Data:
18 April 2017- Housing Starts 8:30 AM ET; Industrial Production 9:15 AM ET
19 April 2017- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
20 April 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; Philly Fed Survey 8:30 AM
21 April 2017- PMI Composite Flash 9:45 AM ET; Existing Home Sales 10:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
17 April 2017- NFLX, CUDA
18 April 2017- BAC, GNC, GS, HOG, JNJ, RF, SCHW, UNH, CAMP, IBKR, IBM, ISRG, LRCX, NAVI
19 April 2017- BLK, AMTD, HBAN, GPC, MS, TXT, USB, AXP, EBAY, QCOM, URI, VMI, CSX, CP
20 April 2017- BK, BX, DGX, DHI, NUE, PM, KEY, PPG, TRV, VZ, MAT, NCR
21 April 2017- GE, HON, COL, KSU, IPG, MAN, SLB, SWK, WBC

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April 9, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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Most major indices sold off a little bit over the week, however; given the political headwinds (US launching missiles against Syria) it was a rather slow week of trading. Here are how some of the most popular ETF Indices performed: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) -0.23%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) -1.43%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +0.02%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) -0.31%

The VIX did move higher on the week, closing at 12.87, a rise of 1.34 points from the previous Friday close.

ETF Performers: United States Oil Fund (USO) +3.01%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.21%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.62%.

The markets will be closed on Friday, in observance of Good Friday. However, earnings kick off on Thursday, which could bring some volatility into the markets. Companies that will be announcing on Thursday include the likes of Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo.

Outside of that, this shortened week could be slow, with potential outliers coming from political and geopolitical headlines.

Check out the dates below for a detailed look at the weekly schedule.

Key Economic Data:
12 April 2017- EIA Petroleum Status 10:30 AM ET
13 April 2017- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; PPI 8:30 AM ET
14 April 2017- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM ET; Retail Sales 8:30 AM

Key Earnings:
11 April 2017- OZRK
12 April 2017- FAST, PIR
13 April 2017- APOG, C, JPM, WFC

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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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