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The International Council of Shopping Centers said holiday shopping was strong
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is pointed higher, putting the blue-chip index on pace for its seventh consecutive daily win. While there is nothing to expect today in the way of earnings reports or economic data, traders may want to watch retail stocks, after the International Council of Shopping Centers reported the best holiday season sales growth since 2011. Elsewhere, Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is in focus, as investors await news regarding an upgrade to the automaker's Roadster model.
And now, on to the numbers...
Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average 2 Minute (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are nearly 58 points above fair value.
Market Statistics
The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 465,330 call contracts traded in Wednesday's holiday-shortened session, compared to 279,144 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.60, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.65.
Currencies and Commodities
- The U.S. dollar index is up 0.1% at 89.98.
- Crude oil has tacked on 0.9% at $56.36 per barrel.
- Gold has popped 2% at $1,196.40 per ounce.
Earnings and Economic Data
Today's economic and earnings calendars are empty.
Overseas Trading
Asian bourses mostly rose in light post-Christmas trading, despite Japan posting an unexpected drop in industrial output and its fourth straight monthly decline in inflation. At the close, Japan's Nikkei was up 0.06%. Elsewhere, China's Shanghai Composite soared 2.8%, with financial stocks advancing following news that authorities will ease liquidity requirements for banks. Meanwhile, South Korea's Kospi added 0.1%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng remained shuttered.
Most European benchmarks are closed today due to the Christmas holiday.
Unusual Put and Call Activity:
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