July 29, 2018 The Week Ahead

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Stocks were mixed as earnings continue to roll on. On Friday, we posted one of the highest quarterly GDP number in four years, at 4.1%

Going into next week, market participants will be watching what comes out of the FOMC announcement, as well as another busy earnings week.

Stocks in play during the week included: TWTR -21.4%, GRUB +17.03%, and FB -16.7%

Here are how some of the most widely traded index ETFs performed over the week:
Powershares QQQ ETF (QQQ) -0.77%, SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) +0.62%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (DIA) +1.53%, iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) -1.91%

The VIX closed at 13.03 on Friday.

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Here are how some futures and commodity ETFs performed over the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +1.20%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -1.08%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -0.63%.

Economic Releases:
31 July 2018- Personal Income and Outlays 8:30 AM ET

1 Aug 2018- ISM Mfg Index 10:0 AM ET; EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET; FOMC Meeting Announcement 2:00 PM ET

2 Aug 2018- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET

3 Aug 2018- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET; International Trade 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
30 July 2018- CAT, BAH, BLMN, CRCM, FDC, KBR, L, STX, AKS, AVB, KLAC, UDR, SBAC, SPWR, TNET, UDR, VNO

31 July 2018- ARNC, BP, CHTR, CS, FIS, HRS, HUN, MAS, PFE, SHOP, VNTR, XYL

1 Aug 2018- FLOW, BNP, ENR, FLOW, GRMN, HUM, SODA, SSYS, TAP, TEX, CENX, FEYE, FIT, MET, YUMC, WYNN, ZNGA, WMB, HLF, TSLA, ADP, TRIP, FEYE, CRUS, CONE, CF

2 Aug 2018- AET, AVP, CI, CTSH, DWDP, HFC, ICE, K, MGM, SFM, TEVA, W, WLTW, YUM, ZTS, BMRN, CARB, CBS, CERN, DATA, NUS, SHAK, TTWO, WU

3 Aug 2018- CBOE, KHC, LYB, AXL

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April 26, 2017 Market Wrap Up

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After enjoying a record setting day yesterday, some stock indices took a breather. However, the Russell 2000 bucked the trend and closed the day positive. Over the last couple of trading sessions, the VIX has gotten beat up, as its now trading below 11 at 10.85.

The catalyst?

Looks like the French election, which happened on Sunday was the reason global markets rose on Monday. Earnings have been okay thus far, and President Trump is pushing towards policies that will boost business sentiment.

Earnings will continue to be heavily watch, here are some names that reported: Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (DPS) -5.52%, Procter & Gamble (PG) -2.52%, Seagate Technology (STX) -16.83% and Twitter (TWTR) +7.91%

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -0.97%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.55%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.49%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Sientra Inc. (SIEN), which traded 10.3 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Agios Pharmaceuticals (AGIO), which traded 5.4 times normal option volume.

Here is what is left on the schedule:

Key Economic Data:
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:
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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October 6, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 grinded higher on less than normal volume today. As mentioned yesterday, we’re sitting close to all-time highs. This, of course, sets the stage for tomorrow’s employment situation numbers. Interestingly, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) is only implying a .6% move for tomorrow.

Stocks in play today included: Twitter (TWTR) -20%, Salesforce.com (CRM) +4.2%, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (ALNY) -48.4%, and Genco Shipping (GNK) +47%.

The VIX closed below 13, dropping nearly 2% and closing at 12.84.

Crude oil futures prices climbed above $50 per barrel and are now sitting around 3-month highs. Again, this sets the stage for an interesting OPEC meeting which is set for Oct 8 to Oct 13. The meeting will on the Algiers deal which was informally agreed upon recently.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in MasTec (MTZ), which traded 24.3 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Dynergy (DYN), which saw 7.2 times normal options volume.

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

Key Economic Data:
7 Oct 2016- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET

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October 5, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 bounced back after a two-day sell off. However, it’s worth noting that volumes were well below average. With that said, the S&P 500 is less than 2% shy of all-time highs. In respect to the Nasdaq, it’s even closer to all-time highs.

Stocks in play today included: Twitter (TWTR) +5.6%, Salesforce.com (CRM) -5.8%, Resolute Energy (REN) +20%, and KBR (KBR) +12.4%

The VIX closed below 13, dropping 3.4% on the day.

Oil prices are off to another hot start, up 3% on the week and closing in on 3-month highs. One can attribute the gains to bullish readings out of the API and DOE inventory reports.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in EP Energy (EPE), which traded 16.8 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH), which saw 20.3 times normal options volume.

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

Key Economic Data:
6 Oct 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
7 Oct 2016- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
6 Oct 2016- HELE, RT

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September 8, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 closed the day lower as volume is starting to slowly creep up. With that said, volatility has been virtually non-existent. We’ve more than 2 months worth of trading where S&P 500 has not had a +/- 1% move. As mentioned the other day, volatility should pick up as we near some catalysts later in the month.

Stocks in play today included: Western Refining Logistics (WNRL) -8%, Twitter (TWTR) -6%, Transocean (RIG) +5.4%, and Clovis Oncology (CLVS) +15%

The VIX caught a bid, however; it’s still trading below 13, and closing at 12.51.

Crude oil futures prices caught a bid today after a larger than expected drawdown in weekly inventory numbers. Crude oil futures are up over 9% during the last four trading sessions.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Dow Chemical (DOW), which traded 4.4 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Accenture (ACN), which was 4.3 times normal options volume.

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow:

Key Earnings:
9 Sep 2016- EROS, KR

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July 26, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 closed relatively flat ahead of a heavy earnings schedule and the FOMC tomorrow. We had earnings out of Twitter (TWTR) -12.3%, Apple (AAPL) +6.2%, and Akamai (AKAM) -10.9%

Stocks in play today include: Linear Technology (LLTC) +27%, Analog Devices (ADI) +13%, Logmein (LOGM) +27.8%, and Cesca Therapeutics (KOOL) +39%.

The VIX closed nearly 1.5% higher, finishing at 13.05.

Crude oil futures prices continue to get hit, now down 5 out of the last 6 days and closing below $43 per barrel.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Kennametal Inc (KMT), which traded 50.1 times normal volume. We also saw a ton of bearish bets being placed in Schlumberger (SLB), which traded 2.8 times usual volume.

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

Key Economic Data:
27 July 2016- Durable Goods Orders 8:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET, FOMC Meeting Announcement 2:00 PM ET
28 July 2016- International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
29 July 2016- GDP 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
27 July 2016- ARMH, ANTM, CMCSA, DB, DPS, GLW, GRMN, HES, HLT, IR, KO, LVLT, MDLZ, MO, NDAQ, NOC, ROK, SIX, STT, SVU, STM, AF, CA, CAKE, CRUS, GRPN, INFN, LM, MCK, NOW, PXD, ORLY, VRTX, WFM, XLNX
28 July 2016- APD, AZN, BWA, BMY, CAB, CELG, CL, CLF, CME, COMM, COP, DOW, ESV, F, GRUB, HOG, HSY, IP, LEA, LLL, MA, MJN, NOV, PENN, POT, WWE, AMZN, CBS, BIDU, CY, DECK, ES, EXPE, GOOGL, HIG, INVN, N, RSG, STRZA, WDC
29 July 2016- ABBV, AN, BUD, CBOE, CPN, CVX, LYB, MRK, NWL, PSX, SAVE, UPS, WG, XOM

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April 26, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The market was relatively flat today, ahead of a heavy earnings and data week. The S&P 500 closed the day at 2091.70.

This evening we got results out of Twitter (TWTR) -9.3%, Apple (AAPL) -8.5%, and Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) -2.3%.

Overall, this should have a negative effect on the market. However, we’ve got the FOMC announcement which has the potential to shift the markets in either direction.

The VIX caught a bid, closing the day at 13.96.

Crude Oil has had a nice bounce today, climbing in the after hours after seeing a draw in the API data. We’re now trading above $44 a barrel.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Huntington Bancshares Inc (HBAN). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in ExamWorks Group (EXAM), which saw 7.4 times usual options volume.

Stocks in play included: Sarepta (SRPT) -31%, Amira Nature Foods (ANFI) -16.6%, and Valeant Pharmaceuticals +2.2%.

Here’s what’s left for the rest of the week:

Key Economic Data:
27 April 2016- International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10 :30 AM ET, FOMC Meeting Announcement 2:00 PM ET

28 April 2016- GDP 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET

29 April 2016- Personal Income and Outlays 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
27 April 2016- ANTM, BA, BEN, BHI, CMCSA, DPS, GSK, GRMN, HES, HLT, IP, LLL, MDLZ, NDAQ, NOC, SC, SO, UTX, AVB, FB, FSLR, HOLX, INFN, MAR, WLL, XLNX

28 April 2016- ABBV, ADP, AET, APD, BMY, CAB, CAH, CELG, CL, CLF, CME, COMM, COP, DB, DOW, DPZ, F, MA, MJN, MO, MPC, NOV, TMO, PTEN, RTN, TWC, UPS, VALE, VIAB, AMGN, AMZN, CATM, EXPE, FLEX, JNPR, LNKD, OUTR, P, QLIK, STRZA, SWKS, WDC

29 April 2016- CBOE, PSX, SHPG, XOM, TYC

January 20, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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It was another crazy day in the markets. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) opened the day at 185.03, hit a high of 188.06, and posted a low of 181.02. When the dust settled, it ended the day down 2.41 points or 1.28%. We’re close to being down 10% on the year.

The VIX continues to stay elevated, it closed above 27, however; it nearly hit 30 at one point during the session.

Crude oil futures prices are at decade lows, with no clear sign of support. We’re currently trading below $29 per barrel. Of course, this has taken a strain on the overall market. With that said, crude oil futures prices have suffered an even greater loss than equities so far this year.

Not only that, but we’ve gotten to the point where a gallon of gasoline is cheaper than a gallon of water and a gallon of milk.

Stocks in play included: Netflix (NFLX) -.45%, Exxon (XOM) -4%, Synaptics (SYNA) +27.3%, Twitter (TWTR) +5%

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Icici Bank (IBN). In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Stone Energy (SGY).

Here’s what’s on tap for the rest of the week. Keep in mind, we’ve got an ECB decision tomorrow morning.

Key Economic Data:
21 January 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, Philly Fed Survey 8:30 AM ET
22 January 2016- Existing Home Sales 10:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
21 January 2016- ALK, CP, LUV, VZ, ISRG, JBHT, MXIM, SBUX
22 January 2016- COL, GE, KSU, LM, SAP, SYF

Conferences:
20 January 2016- World Economic Forum in Davos (runs til 1/23)

October 27, 2015 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 closed the day relatively flat, it appears that the market is awaiting further news from the FOMC meeting tomorrow.

Earlier today we got earnings results from Pfizer (PFE) +2.4%, Merck (MRK) +1%, and Du Pont (DD) +2.7%.

This evening we got earnings out of Apple (AAPL) -1%, Gilead Sciences (GILD) flat, and Twitter (TWTR) -11%.

The VIX continues to show few signs of panic, as it closed the day at 15.43.

The energy sector was relatively weak; the United States Oil Fund (USO) was down more than 1% today.

On the options front, we saw bullish call buying in YRC Worldwide (YRCW). Options that saw bearish put buying in Chesapeake Energy (CHK).

In other news, Walgreens (WBA) announced that they are buying Rite Aid (RAD) for $9.41 billion.

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

Key Economic Data:
28 October 2015- FOMC Meeting Announcement 2:00 PM ET
29 October 2015- GDP 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
30 October 2015- Personal Income 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
28 October 2015- GRMN, HLT, HOT, IMAX, IP, LVLT, MDLZ, NOV, TMUS, VLO, WBA, VW, AMGN, ATML, CRUS, FFIV, GPRO, LOCK, WMB, PYPL, NE, MUR, CAVM
29 October 2015- AET, CLF, COP, ESV, JAH, JCI, KERX, MO, NOK, MTH, TEVA, TWC, VALE, ZBH, BIDU, EA, LNKD, MOBL, SBUX, WU, SCTY
30 October 2015- ABBV, CVS, XOM, MYL, CVX, CL, ETN