Schaeffer's Top Stock Picks for '25

ECB Stimulus Plans Lift Dow Jones Industrial Average

The ECB will implement bond-buying measures next Monday

Mar 5, 2015 at 11:53 AM
facebook X logo linkedin


The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is staring at modest gains around midday, as the blue-chip index attempts to snap a two-day losing streak ahead of tomorrow's payrolls report. Notably, U.S. markets got a lift from European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi, who upped European growth forecasts for this year and next, and said the eurozone's bond-buying stimulus will kick off next Monday, March 9 -- with an expected end date of September 2016. This follows news that the ECB and Bank of England (BoE) both elected to leave interest rates as-is. Stateside, traders are digesting a batch of uninspiring economic reports -- including an unexpected jump in weekly jobless claims, a downward revision to fourth-quarter productivity, and a sixth consecutive month-over-month drop in factory orders.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

Midday Market Stats

Among the stocks with notable call volume is Lululemon Athletica inc. (NASDAQ:LULU), which is 0.4% higher at $65.79 amid unconfirmed buyout buzz. The contracts are crossing at 10 times the expected intraday clip, powered by a 1,545-contract sweep that was bought to open at the weekly 3/6 66-strike call, according to Trade-Alert. Technically speaking, LULU is up nearly 18% year-to-date.

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:CSIQ) is one of the notable advancers on the Nasdaq, courtesy of a fourth-quarter earnings beat and possible spinoff plans. At last check, CSIQ was up 8.2% at $32.65, bringing its year-to-date lead to nearly 35%.

Another alternative energy name is pacing the Big Board gainers after hitting the earnings confessional -- specifically, Vivint Solar Inc (NYSE:VSLR), which has jumped 19.1% to trade at $10.16. Helping the shares northward -- and into positive year-to-date territory -- was a narrower-than-forecast quarterly loss.

Daily Chart of VSLR Since December 2014

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is off 0.1 point, or 1%, at 14.09, but appears to have found a foothold at the key 14 level.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 2.22, with puts more than doubling calls. SPY was last seen 0.2 point, or 0.1%, higher at $210.38.

 
 

You have the chance to join one of Bernie's most exclusive programs, complete access at HUGE savings!

As we prepare for a new administration to take the reins in Washington, the near-term market landscape is rife with uncertainty.

The Federal Reserve has already hinted at the turbulence ahead, lowering its interest rate outlook for 2025.

Meanwhile, breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and other transformative sectors have unlocked incredible profit potential.

But these opportunities are fleeting, and timing is everything. That's where Quick-Hit Trader comes in.

Quick-Hit Trader is designed for precision and speed, getting you in and out of the market in a flash. While other investors scramble to navigate volatile conditions, you'll have access to expertly curated trades that leverage these rapid shifts to deliver explosive profits in short order.

This is your chance to capitalize on the fast-moving market like never before. Are you ready to make your move?