March 26, 2018 The Week Ahead

It was another rough week for stocks as a number of catalysts brought uncertainty to the market.

The first, a developing story which includes Facebook and research firm Cambridge Analytica. The research firm was able to gather information of more than 50 million users by using the Facebook platform. It’s alleged that they used this information to target voters and influence political elections. That said, it’s brought an ongoing discussion on Facebook, and how it uses and shares people’s personal information. More people, including politicians, are wondering why it’s not regulated.

Facebook is one of largest companies in the world and is heavily owned in ETFs and by other financial institutions. Shares of the stock dropped by nearly 14% and closed well below its 200 simple moving average.

The second catalyst came out of Washington. On Thursday, President Trump announced a $60B border tariff on imports. Whether or not this spills into a trade war, the markets first reaction was to sell and ask questions later.

And of course, there was an FOMC meeting, debuting the new Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. As expected they raised rates. But, given the uncertainty in the market, we’ll have to pay close attention to if they’ll continue to raise rates at the pace they are expected to.

Here are how some of the most widely traded index ETFs performed over the week:
Powershares QQQ ETF (QQQ) -7.31%, SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) -5.89%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (DIA) -5.61%, iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) -4.90%

The VIX exploded, rising more than 57% on the week, closing at 24.90

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Here are how some futures and commodity ETFs performed over the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) +5.82%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +0.30%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +2.42%.

Some earnings for this 4-day week include: Walgreens, Restoration Hardware, RedHat, GameStop, and Constellation Brands.

Economic Releases:
28 March 2018- GDP 8:30 AM ET; International Trade 8:30 AM ET; EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET

29 March 2018- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; Personal Income 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
26 March 2018- PAYX, PUMP, RHT

27 March 2018- FDS, FRAN, MKC, RH, SONC, TEUM

28 March 2018- WBA, GME, PVH, UNF, OXM, PRGS

29 March 2018- LNN, STZ, MARK, SNX, TITN, WOR

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June 25, 2017 The Week Ahead

The markets returned back to it’s winning ways this week, all major indices closed higher lead by the Nasdaq. The VIX closed at 10,02 on Friday, creeping back towards historic lows.

The healthcare sector was the strongest leader, the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) gained nearly 10% on the week.

Despite the media scrutinizing the administration and oil prices down over 20% on the year the markets seem unfazed. No one knows if and when a correction will occur. We’ll be looking at GDP numbers on Friday for insight on how the overall economy has been performing.

Here are how some of the most traded ETFs performed over the week: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) +0.20%, iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) 0.51%, SPDR Dow Jones Industrials Average ETF (DIA) +0.08%, and PowerShares QQQ ETF (QQQ) +2.24%

Here is how some futures/commodity related ETF’s performed over the week: United States Oil Fund (USO) -4.11%, iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) +1.13%, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) +0.08%.

Earnings highlights for the week include: Nike, Micron Technology, and Walgreens.

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

Key Economic Data:
26 June 2017- Durable Goods 8:30 AM ET;
28 June 2017- International Trade in Goods 8:30 AM ET; EIA Petroleum Status Report 10:30 AM ET
29 June 2017- GDP 8:30 AM ET; Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET; Personal Income and Outlays 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
26 June 2017- SCHN
27 June 2017- INFO, FDS, CAMP, KBH
28 June 2017- GIS, MON, PAYX, UNF, PIR, SHLM
29 June 2017- CAG, RAD, STZ, WBA, MU, NKE

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