May 14, 2017 The Week Ahead

Education, Trading , , , , , , , ,

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

Be sure to check out our Active Trading Masters Program | Online Courses

May 11, 2017 Market Wrap Up

Education, Trading , , , , , , ,

The stock market saw its first taste of volatility; however, selling pressure subsided and stocks closed modestly lower. The VIX traded as high as 11.23 but closed at 10.60 on the day. Earlier this week, the VIX had its lowest reading since 1993.

Some of the more well known retailers released some poor earnings: Nordstrom -11%, Macy’s -16.8%, and Kohls -7.5%

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did: United States Oil Fund (USO) +0.81%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) unch. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.40%.
On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Babcock and Wilcox Enterprises (BW), which traded 5.6 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Telefonica (TEF), which traded 8.1 times normal option volume.

Here is what is left on the schedule:

Key Economic Data
12 May 2017- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM ET; Retail Sales 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings
12 May 2017- GOLF, JCP

Be sure to check out our Active Trading Masters Program | Online Courses

May 7, 2017 The Week Ahead

Education, Trading , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Be sure to check out our Active Trading Masters Program | Online Courses

April 30, 2017 The Week Ahead

Education, Trading , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The stock market posted impressive gains over the week, largely lead by a favorable French vote and somewhat decent earnings. The Nasdaq had four of its bigger firms report earnings: Amazon.com (AMZN) +2.94%, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) +3.10%, Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) +7.44%, and Intel (INTC) -0.47%. All but Intel posted impressive gains on the week.

Here are how some of the most popular ETF Indices performed: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) +1.49%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) +1.35%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +1.87%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) +2.59%

Despite politics drawing a lot of attention, the markets don’t seem to be fazed. The VIX closed at 10.82 on Friday.

Some of the largest publically traded companies in the world will report this week. They include: Apple, CVS, Pfizer, Tesla, and Facebook.

Here are how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed: United States Oil Fund (USO) -0.78%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) -0.96%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) -1.26%.

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

Key Economic Data:
03 May 2017- EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET; FOMC Meeting 2:00 PM ET
04 May 2017- International Trade 8:30 AM ET, Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET
05 May 2017- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
02 May 2017- ADM, AET, CHTR, COH, COP, CVS, EMR, ETN, EXLS, FIS, HCA, HCP, HLT, LL, MA, MOS, MRK, PFE, SABR, SHOP, AAPL, AKAM, APC, BYD, CSOD, DVN, FEYE, FSLR, FTR, GILD, EVHC, GDDY, HUBS, MDLZ, MTCH, OCLR, OKE, TEX, TWLO
03 May 2017- ADP, CDW, CLX, DLPH, EL, FLOW, GRMN, GRPN, HUM, ICE, MCK, NYT, RAI, S, SBGI, SO, TAP, TWX, YUM, AIG, ARRS, ANSS, CAKE, CATM, CF, CRUS, CXO, DDD, FB, FIT, GLUU, LNT, KHC, LVLT, PXD, PRU, RIG, TIVO, TSLA, WMB
04 May 2017- APA, CHD, CHK, D, FLR, INCY, IT, K, OXY, ZTS, VIAB, WLTW, ATVI, CBS, LOGM, MET, MRO, PKI, VECO
05 May 2017- CNP, CTSH, HCN, MC

Be sure to check out our Active Trading Masters Program | Online Courses

April 26, 2017 Market Wrap Up

Education, Trading , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Be sure to check out our Active Trading Masters Program | Online Courses

April 23, 2017 The Week Ahead

Education, Trading , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Be sure to check out our Active Trading Masters Program | Online Courses

April 18, 2017 Market Wrap Up

Education, Trading , , , , , , , , ,

All major indices sold off today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Averages performing the worst. Despite markets selling off, the VIX actually sold off, closing at 14.42– after hitting yearly highs last week.

Earnings are dominating headlines in the stock market, here are some names that reported today: Goldman Sachs (GS) -4.6%, W.W. Grainger (GWW) -11.4%, International Business Machines (IBM) -4.6%, and Yahoo (YHOO).

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -0.18%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.31%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.47%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Sysco Corp (SYY), which traded 4.9 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Equity Residential (EQR), which traded 2.3 times normal option volume.

Earnings will be the soup of the day for the rest of the week.

Key Economic Data:
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:
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

Be sure to check out our Active Trading Masters Program | Online Courses

April 16, 2017 The Week Ahead

Education, Trading , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Be sure to check out our Active Trading Masters Program | Online Courses

April 13, 2017 Market Wrap Up

Education, Trading , , , , , , , , ,

All major indices sold off today, with the Russell 2000 being the most heavily hit, dropping over 1% on the day. That being said, earnings season popped off with three major banks releasing results: Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) -3.33% , JPMorgan Chase (JPM) -1.17% and Citigroup -0(C) -0.8%

Keep in mind, some of the major banks will be releasing earnings on Thursday. Until then, expect to see political headlines dominate the news. More specifically what’s been happening with Syria and relations with Russia.

Where is the VIX in today’s action?

The VIX closed at 15.96, the highest levels we’ve seen year to date. Maybe the market is bracing for more political headwind or expecting earnings to come in flat this quarter.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +0.18%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.31%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) 0.48%.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in DHT Holdings Inc. (DHT), which traded 10.6 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Oshkosh Corporation (OSK), which traded 44.8 times normal option volume.

The markets are closed tomorrow in preparation of the Easter holiday. However, there are some economic releases on Friday, you can check out the schedule below.


Key Economic Data
14 April 2017- Consumer Price Index 8:30 AM EST; Retail Sales 8:30 AM EST

Be sure to check out our Active Trading Masters Program | Online Courses

April 11, 2017 Market Wrap Up

Education, Trading , , , , , , ,

Stocks slipped lower today, with the Russell 2000 being the only major indice closing positive. With that said volumes were relatively low across the board. With the Easter holiday coming, it’s expected to see a slowdown as we only have two more trading days left in the week.

Keep in mind, some of the major banks will be releasing earnings on Thursday. Until then, expect to see political headlines dominate the news. More specifically what’s been happening with Syria and relations with Russia.

Where is the VIX in today’s action?

It appears that traders are finding more reason to hedge. Whether that’s anticipation of earnings, geopolitical risks increasing or domestic policies falling out of favor. That said, the VIX closed +7% higher, closing above 15, at 15.07.

Now, here is how some of the other closely followed ETFs did on the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +.27%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.95%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) 1.45%.
On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in MSG Networks Inc (MSG), which traded 10.7 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Ambev SA (ABEV), which traded 161 times normal option volume.

Here is what else traders will be watching tomorrow:

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:
12 April 2017- FAST, PIR
13 April 2017- APOG, C, JPM, WFC

Be sure to check out our Active Trading Masters Program | Online Courses