June 25, 2017 The Week Ahead

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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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November 3, 2016 Market Wrap Up

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The S&P 500 closed the day lower, making it 8 straight losing sessions in a row. Many believe that the uncertainty in the upcoming US Presentational election has been the catalyst for the sell-off. With that said, based on the markets reaction, they are pro-Hillary. Unfortunately, she has been dropping in the polls because of all the alleged criminal activities she has been involved in.

The VIX absolutely surged today, closing 11.4% higher, at 22.08.

Stocks in play today included: Lannett Co. (LCI) -22%, WPX Energy (WPX) +11.9%, Ishares Nasdaq Biotech ETF (IBB) -3%

Crude oil futures prices have sold off about 9% this week, and are on a four-day losing streak.

On the options front, we saw large call buying activity in Dynegy (DYN), which traded 4.6 times normal option volume. In addition, we saw heavy put buying in Tenet Healthcare Corp. (THC), which saw 166 times normal options volume.

Here’s what’s on tap for tomorrow:

Key Economic Data:
4 Nov 2016- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET; International Trade 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
4 Nov 2016- DUK, HUM, MSG, NRG, REGN, REV, RLGY, WLTW

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October 6, 2015 Market Wrap Up

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October 6, 2015 Market Wrap Up

The S&P 500 finished the day slightly lower, after five straight days of upward action. Interestingly, that was the longest winning streak of the year (to-date).

The biotech continues to get hit; some politicians and media are expressing anger towards the way many of these companies are conducting business. For example, Pfizer (PFE) has raised prices on 133 drugs this year…and they are not the only ones. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund (IBB) is down over 10% over the last month.

The VIX was up, closing at 19.40, the second closing below 20 this week.

The energy sector was up today; the United States Oil Fund (USO) was up nearly 5%.

On the options front, we saw bullish call buying in Immunomedics (IMMU). Options that saw bearish put buying were in Jabil Circuit (JBL).

Key Economic Data:
8 October 2015- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, FOMC Minutes 2 PM ET

Key Earnings:
7 October 2015- MON, STZ
8 October 2015- DPZ, AA

Key Events:
6 October 2015 (runs till the 9th)- Amazon Services Invent Conference

September 29, 2015 Market Wrap Up

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September 29, 2015 Market Wrap Up

The S&P 500 finished the day slightly higher, however; we gave up most of our gains and even went negative for a decent portion of the day. In fact, we hit lows that we have not seen since August 24.

The biotech sector is still reeling off the comments made by politicians, regarding the cost of drug prices and more regulation. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund (IBB) is down over 10% in the last week.

The VIX was actually down, closing at 26.83. For now, it appears that 20 might be a new base level.

The energy sector was up today; the United States Oil Fund (USO) was up less than 1%.

On the options front, we saw bullish call buying in Burlington Stores Inc (BURL). Options that saw bearish put buying were in Lululemon Athletica Inc (LULU).

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

Key Economic Data:
1 October 2015- Jobless Claims 8:30 AM ET, ISM Manufacturing Index 10 AM ET
2 October 2015- Employment Situation 8:30 AM ET

Key Earnings:
29 September 2015- COST
1 October 2015- MU

Key Events:
29 September 2015 (runs till 10/1)- American Gaming Association Global Gaming Expo
29 September 2015 (runs till 9/30)- Wolfe Research Power & Gas Leaders Conference