September 7, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 closed relatively unchanged on above average volume. All eyes will be on the ECB tomorrow as domestically there isn’t much on the schedule this week. With that said, there is a ton of stuff scheduled for later this month. This includes an OPEC meeting, FOMC meeting, and the first presidential debate between Hillary and Donald.

Stocks in play today included: GW Pharmaceuticals (GWPH) +21.7%, J.C. Penney (JCP) +5.9%, Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) +5.9%, and Sprouts Farmers Markets (SFM) -13.7%

The VIX didn’t move much, closing below 12, at 11.94.

Crude oil futures prices caught a bid today, and is now on a three-day winning streak. Over that period, crude futures have been up nearly 6%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Sally Beauty Holdings (SBH), which traded 10.4 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Sonic Corporation (SONC), which was 5 times normal options volume.

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow:

Key Economic Data:
8 Sep 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 11:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
8 Sep 2016- BKS, CONN, NAV, FNSR, VMEM, VNCE
9 Sep 2016- EROS, KR

Key Conferences:
Barclay’s CEO Energy-Power Conference (runs till 9/8); Barclay’s Global Consumer Staples Conference (runs till 9/8); Citigroup 2016 Global Technology Conference (runs till 9/8);
Apple Event Conference; Baird Global Healthcare Conference (runs til 9/8); Cowen Global Transportation Conference (runs till 9/8); Goldman Sachs Retail Conference (runs til 9/8); KBW Insurance Conference (runs till 9/8); RBC Capital Global Industrials Conference (runs till 9/8); Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference (runs till 9/8)

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September 5, 2016 The Week Ahead

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The S&P 500 closed the week slightly higher and sitting very close to all-time highs. With that said, we’ve got a short week ahead of us due to the Labor Day Holiday. There isn’t much on the schedule in terms of economic reports and earnings. However, September should heat up, we’ve got the first presidential debate, an OPEC meeting, and FOMC meeting to look forward too this month.

Based on the VIX close on Friday, there isn’t a whole lot of fear going into the week. The VIX dropped 11% and closed at 11.98.

Crude oil futures prices continued to cool off, dropping more than 5% on the week. Of course, all eyes and ears will be on the OPEC member comments as their meeting approaches.

Moving on, gold futures prices gained a slight edge from the previous week. In addition, T-bond futures prices fell about 1% on the week.

Here is what else is on the schedule for the upcoming week:

Key Economic Data:
8 Sep 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 11:00 AM ET

Key Earnings:
6 Sep 2016- PLAY
7 Sep 2016- FRAN, HPE, TLRD, FCEL, GWRE
8 Sep 2016- BKS, CONN, NAV, FNSR, VMEM, VNCE
9 Sep 2016- EROS, KR

Key Conferences:
6 Sep 2016- Barclay’s CEO Energy-Power Conference (runs till 9/8); Barclay’s Global Consumer Staples Conference (runs till 9/8); Citigroup 2016 Global Technology Conference (runs till 9/8); Deutsche Bank Aircraft Finance & Leasing Conference (runs till 9/7).
7 Sep 2016- Apple Event Conference; Baird Global Healthcare Conference (runs til 9/8); Cowen Global Transportation Conference (runs till 9/8); Goldman Sachs Retail Conference (runs til 9/8); KBW Insurance Conference (runs till 9/8); RBC Capital Global Industrials Conference (runs till 9/8); Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference (runs till 9/8).

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September 1, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 closed relatively unchanged on above average volume. All eyes will be on the employment situation numbers tomorrow. The consensus for nonfarm payrolls is 175,000 and unemployment rate of 4.8%. With that said, based on the straddle price for the SPY, the market is implying a .7% move (or $1.48).

Stocks in play today included: Genesco (GCO) -32.8%, Wynn Resorts (WYNN) +4.3%, Tesla Motors (TSLA) -5.3%, and Las Vegas Sands (LVS) +7.2%.

The VIX closed the day slightly higher at 13.48.

Crude oil futures prices have been on a four-day slide. Over that stretch, they’ve been down nearly 9%. Of course, all eyes and ears will be on the OPEC when they meet at an energy conference later in the month.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Teradata Corporation (TDC), which traded 2.9 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Starz (STRZA), which was 55.1 times normal options volume.

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow:

Key Economic Data:
2 Sep 2016- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET, International Trade 8:30 AM ET

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August 30, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 closed lower today, on below average volume. It’s been nearly two months of trading without seeing a +/- 1% move in the market. Eventually, something has to give in what has been a painfully slow summer in terms of volume and volatility.

Stocks in play today included: Potash Corporation (POT) +12%, Agrium (AGU) +7%, The Hershey Company (HSY) -10.8%, and Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) -20.3%

The VIX closed the day slightly higher, closing above 13, at 13.12.

Crude oil futures bounced back a little from yesterday’s pullback, climbing more than 1% and closing above $47 per barrel.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in NeoPhotonics Corporation (NPTN), which traded 4.6 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Ctrip (CTRP), which was 2.6 times normal options volume. Keep in mind, they have earnings tomorrow after the close.

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

Key Economic Data:
31 Aug 2016- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM
1 Sep 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, ISM Manufacturing Index 10:00 AM ET.
2 Sep 2016- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET, International Trade 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
31 Aug 2016- CHS, BLOX, BOBE, BOX, CRM, FIVE, SMTC
1 Sep 2016- CIEN, CPB, JOY, LULU, AMBA, AVGO, PAY, SWHC

Key Conferences:
Jefferies Semiconductor, Hardware, and Communications Conference (runs till 8/31)

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August 28, 2016 The Week Ahead

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The S&P 500 closed the week on a three day losing streak, however; volume has been below average and volatility has been virtually non-existent. With that said, we’re only about 1% off our highs. For the most part, traders have been focusing on stocks in the news versus what’s happening in the economy. At the moment, the medical space seems to be the most active. Heated arguments have been drawn up by politicians questioning their business practices. As the elections near, one could only imagine that volatility continues to pick up in the sector.

Now, the market was down about .6% on the week, however; that didn’t stop traders from buying protection. The VIX shot up during the week, closing at 13.65.

Crude oil futures prices cooled off this week, declining nearly 3%. OPEC is scheduled to meet late in September. Until then, traders will be monitoring any statements made before that meeting.

Moving on, gold futures prices fell 1.4%. In addition, T-bond futures prices fell more less than .5%.

Here is what else is on the schedule for the upcoming week:

Key Economic Data:
29 Aug 2016- Personal Income and Outlays 8:30 AM ET
31 Aug 2016- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM
1 Sep 2016- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, ISM Manufacturing Index 10:00 AM ET.
2 Sep 2016- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET, International Trade 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
29 Aug 2016- CTLT
30 Aug 2016- ANF, DSW, FRED, HRB, NCS, PANW, VEEV
31 Aug 2016- CHS, BLOX, BOBE, BOX, CRM, FIVE, SMTC
1 Sep 2016- CIEN, CPB, JOY, LULU, AMBA, AVGO, PAY, SWHC

Key Conferences:
30 Aug 2016- Jefferies Semiconductor, Hardware, and Communications Conference (runs till 8/31); Longbow Industrial Manufacturing & Technology Conference (runs till 8/30)

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August 25 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 closed relatively flat, but still down on the day. A lot of attention has been in medical stocks, as politicians are criticising their business model and even accusing them of using aggressive and unethical pricing methods on drugs. However, attention should focus back to the Jackson Hole meeting, as Fed Chairperson Yellen is set to give a speech. In addition, GDP numbers will be released before the start of the US session.

Stocks in play today include: Dollar General (DG) -17.6%, Signet Jewelers (SIG) -12.6%, St. Jude Medical (STJ) -4.96%, and Mylan (MYL) -.70%

Over the last couple of trading sessions we’ve seen a slight bid in the VIX, closing higher for the second straight day at 13.63.

Crude oil futures bounced back a little from yesterday’s pullback, climbing more than 1% and closing above $47 per barrel.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Salesforce COM (CRM), which traded 2.3 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in St Jude Medical (STJ) 60 times normal options volume.

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow:

Key Economic Data:
26 Aug 2016- GDP 8:30 AM ET, International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
26 Aug 2016- BIG

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August 23, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 crept higher today on below average trading volume. Not surprising, as it’s been the theme this entire month. Realized volatility in SPY over the last month has been 5-7% depending on which estimator you’re using. To put that in perspective, these are some of the lowest levels we’ve seen over the last four years.

Stocks in play today include: Clovis Oncology (CLVS) +28%, Best Buy (BBY) +20%, Tesla Motors (TSLA) +.85%, and J.M. Smucker Company (SJM) -8%.

Despite the rise in the market, the VIX actually closed the day higher, finishing the session at 12.38.

Crude oil futures bounced back a little from yesterday’s pullback, climbing more than 1% and closing near $48 per barrel. Talks are heating up on what OPEC nations will be doing in the future, thus adding additional volatility to the energy complex.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Mellanox Technologies (MLNX), which traded 9.3 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Concurrent Computer Corporation (CCUR) 52.1 times normal options volume.

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

Key Economic Data:
24 Aug 2016- Existing Home Sales 10:00 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM
25 Aug 2016- Durable Goods Orders 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
26 Aug 2016- GDP 8:30 AM ET, International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
24 Aug 2016- EXPR, GES, HPQ, PVH, WSM, WDAY
25 Aug 2016- FLS, EPAY, BURL, BRCD, DG, DLTR, GME, GLNG, JKS, MDT, SAFM, SHLD, SFUN, SDRL, SPLK, ZAYO, ULTA, TIF
26 Aug 2016- BIG

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August 21, 2016 The Week Ahead

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The S&P 500 closed the week flat, holding on to near record high levels. With that said, a lot of the most anticipated earnings have now past and the market is grinding on below average volume.

When will the volatility pick up?

One could imagine as the presidential elections near, we’ll start to see some fear and uncertainty creep in. The VIX didn’t really change much from the previous Friday’s close, still trading below 12 at 11.34.

Crude oil futures prices gained nearly 9% on the week. OPEC is set to meet next month, as crude oil futures are about 5% off their 52-week highs.

Moving on, gold futures prices were relatively unchanged, up less than .5%. In addition, T-bond futures prices fell more than 1%, and are now about 3.5% off their 52-week highs.

Here is what else is on the schedule for the upcoming week:

Key Economic Data:
23 Aug 2016- New Home Sales 10:00 AM ET
24 Aug 2016- Existing Home Sales 10:00 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM
25 Aug 2016- Durable Goods Orders 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
26 Aug 2016- GDP 8:30 AM ET, International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
22 Aug 2016- CTRP, QUNR, NQ, ZOES
23 Aug 2016- BBY, DY, INTU, SJM, LZB, NMBL, RGS, TOL
24 Aug 2016- EXPR, GES, HPQ, PVH, WSM, WDAY
25 Aug 2016- FLS, EPAY, BURL, BRCD, DG, DLTR, GME, GLNG, JKS, MDT, SAFM, SHLD, SFUN, SDRL, SPLK, ZAYO, ULTA, TIF
26 Aug 2016- BIG

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August 18, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 crept higher for the second straight session, pushing to us to nearly flat on the week now. Earlier in the day, earnings out of Wal-Mart Stores (WMT) was taken well as the stock closed at 74.30, touching 52-week highs.

Stocks in play today include: Corrections Corp of America (CXW) -35%, The Geo Group (GEO) -40%, Harley-Davidson (HOG) -1.7%, and Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX) -2.7%

The VIX closed lower, and now trading below 11.50, closing at 11.43.

Crude oil futures continue to ascend higher, now up over 8% on the week, and not incredibly far from the 52-wk highs, closing above $48 per barrel.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Amphenol Corp (APH), which traded 4 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Chicos Fas (CHS) at 2.8 times normal options volume.

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow:

Key Earnings:
19 Aug 2016- DE, EL, FL, MSG

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August 16, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 sold off from 52-week highs today on below average trading volume.

Stocks in play today include: The Hain Celestial Group (HAIN) -26%, Meetme (MEET) -16.7%, Stemcells (STEM) +598%, and Resolute Energy (REN) +3%

The VIX closed higher, up over 7% on the day at 12.64.

Crude oil futures continue to ascend higher, now up over 9% over the last three trading sessions. With that said, crude oil futures are are still more than 10% off their 52-week highs.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Reynolds American (RAI) at 4 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in 8×8 Inc (EGHT) at 23.3 times normal options volume.

This evening we got earnings out of Cree (CREE) -7% and Urban Outfitters (URBN) +8.8%

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

Key Earnings:
17 Aug 2016- AEO, LOW, SPLS, TGT, A, CSCO, NTAP
18 Aug 2016- BONT, WMT, AMAT, GPS, ROST, DV
19 Aug 2016- DE, EL, FL, MSG

Key Conferences:
Enercom Energy Conference (runs till 8/18)

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