S&P, Nasdaq Fall as Small-Cap Stocks Outperform Again

Traders are seemingly taking a wait-and see approach amid trade talks between the U.S. and China

May 18, 2018 at 4:27 PM
facebook twitter linkedin


It was a quiet end to the trading week, with the major stock indexes failing to make a big move in either direction. Uncertainty surrounding the ongoing trade discussions with China mostly kept buyers on the sidelines, and pullbacks in tech and red-hot energy stocks weighed, as well. As such, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both failed to chip away at their weekly deficits, though the Russell 2000 Index (RUT) outperformed again, hitting an all-time high for a third straight day.

Continue reading for more on today's market, including:

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 24,715.09) held on for a fractional win today, adding just 1.1 point. Nine of the 30 Dow components closed higher. The biggest winner was Boeing (BA), adding 2.1%, while Visa (V) closed flat, and Intel (INTC) fell the most, down 2.4% at the close. The blue-chip index gave back 0.5% this week.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,712.97) fell 7.2 points, or 0.3%, and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,354.34) gave back 28.1 points, or 0.4%. The indexes had respective weekly losses of 0.5% and 0.7%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 13.42) shed 0.01 point, or 0.1%, but ended its five-week losing streak by gaining 6.1% this week. 

Closing Indexes Summary May 18

NYSE and Nasdaq May 18

5 Items on Our Radar Today

  1. Ten people were killed in a shooting at a Texas high school today. Law enforcement also found explosive devices near the building. (Associated Press via CNBC)
  2. Members of the House Freedom Caucus were the primary reason a nearly $870 billion farm bill failed to go to a vote today. The group doesn't want to consider the measure until an immigration bill is voted on first. (Reuters)
  3. Why Cowen is a buyer of Nvidia stock.
  4. The merger buzz that weighed on Mattel shares.
  5. GOOGL shares fell ahead of a unflattering "60 minutes" story

Corporate Earnings Chart May 18

Unusual Options Activity May 18

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Suffers Worst Week of 2018

Oil prices closed in the red today, but they still had a strong week. June-dated crude futures were down 21 cents, or 0.3%, at $71.28 per barrel by the close. Oil managed a 0.8% weekly gain -- its third in a row.

Gold prices rose today, finishing up $1.90, or 0.2%, at $1,291.30 per ounce. Still, the precious metal had its worst week of the year, closing down 2.2%.

 

Now is the time to join our thriving community of Event Traders who consistently profit from every earnings season. With this discounted subscription opportunity, you'll stay ahead of the curve and seize opportunities others miss. Do not let Q3 earnings season pass you by – subscribe now and supercharge your portfolio with expert insights that turn market reactions into profit-generating opportunities!! Don't waste another second... join us right now before the next trade targeting +200% is released!