Earnings Season Highlights

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A collection of noteworthy post-earnings reactions
Published on Mar 16, 2015 at 8:23 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

Despite crude oil plumbing six-year lows, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is poised to bounce back from last week's drubbing, with the blue-chip index set to follow its overseas counterparts into the black. Stocks in China and Germany assailed new heights, with the former rallying on fresh stimulus hopes, and the latter capitalizing on an ailing euro. Meanwhile, other central banks will be in focus this week, including the Bank of Japan (BoJ) and U.S. Federal Reserve, both slated for two-day policy meetings. In the meantime, traders are poised to digest reports on New York-area manufacturing, industrial production, and the real estate market.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) were about 59 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 884,064 call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 706,676 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio soared to 0.80, while the 21-day moving average jumped to 0.63.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index has edged 0.4% lower to 99.94.
  • Crude oil is 1.2% lower at $46.52 per barrel, after earlier dipping below $44 for the first time in six years.
  • Gold is up 0.3% at $1,155.30 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

The week kicks off with the Empire State manufacturing survey, as well as industrial production and capacity utilization figures, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) housing market index. Molycorp (MCP), Inovio Pharmaceuticals (INO), and MagicJack VocalTec (CALL) will report earnings. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Stocks in Asia finished mostly higher, with the Shanghai Composite rallying 2.2% to end at a five-year high, thanks to China's pledge to bolster the economy. Elsewhere, Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.5%, while South Korea's Kospi ticked 0.1% higher. After touching a fresh 15-year peak in intraday action, Japan's Nikkei backpedaled to a 0.04% loss ahead of the BoJ policy statement.

A weak euro helped the German DAX topple 12,000 for the first time, with the index last seen 1.2% higher. Meanwhile, London's FTSE 100 was up 0.5% at midday, while France's CAC 40 is on pace for a 0.7% gain.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our Education Center topics on Option Volume and Open Interest Configurations.

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Mar 13, 2015 at 8:29 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) are pointed slightly lower ahead of the open, after the index erased its 2015 losses yesterday with a triple-digit gain. While there won't be much in the way of earnings numbers for investors today, they will have the producer price index (PPI) and the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index to digest. Against this backdrop, both the Dow and S&P 500 Index (SPX) could struggle to maintain their hard-earned year-to-date gains.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are about 39 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 947,977 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 618,462 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.65, while the 21-day moving average fell to 0.62.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index has added 0.1% to hit 99.57.
  • Crude oil is 1% lower at $48.63 per barrel.
  • Gold is up 0.3% at $1,155.50 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

Closing out the week's economic news is the PPI, along with the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index. Ann Inc (ANN) will round out the earnings docket. To see what is coming up on next week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian benchmarks soared higher on Friday. Starting in Japan, the Nikkei finished 1.4% higher, and hit a nearly 15-year high as a softer yen supported blue chips. Also making gains was China's Shanghai Composite, which added 0.7% to settle at a six-week peak. In South Korea, the Kospi was able to finish positive for the first time this week, closing 0.8% higher, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng also clawing its way into positive territory, with an advance of 0.1%.

Things aren't so sunny in Europe, where indexes are slightly lower at midday after German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble told Australian media he couldn't rule out the possibility of Greece accidentally exiting the eurozone. At last check, London's FTSE 100 was off 0.2%, the French CAC 40 was down 0.04%, and Germany's DAX had dropped 0.02%.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our Education Center topics on Option Volume and Open Interest Configurations.

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Mar 12, 2015 at 8:04 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) are pointed higher this morning, as the index looks to recover from Wednesday's losses. Traders are encouraged by strong gains in Asia following an unexpected monetary policy move, while looking forward to key U.S. economic news due out today -- namely, retail sales and weekly jobless claims numbers. Also on tap are a number of earnings reports, including names such as El Pollo Loco (LOCO) and Dollar General (DG).

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are roughly 59 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 872,647 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 580,798 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio stayed at 0.67, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.62.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is down 0.7% at 99.06.
  • Crude oil has added 0.9% at $50.48 per barrel.
  • Gold is up 7% at $1,158.40 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

Weekly jobless claims, retail sales, import and export prices, and wholesale inventories are all on today's docket. On the earnings front, Aeropostale (ARO), Dollar General (DG), El Pollo Loco (LOCO), JA Solar (JASO), and The Children's Place (PLCE) will present. To see what else is coming up on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Most Asian markets got a boost Thursday from a surprise rate cut at the Bank of Korea, though South Korea's Kospi settled down 0.5% as the won recovered from its recent lows. Japan's Nikkei added 1.4%, and China's Shanghai Composite gained 1.8% to touch a six-week peak, thanks to a surge from financial names amid ongoing stimulus speculation. Elsewhere, Hong Kong's Hang Seng tacked on 0.3%.

Bourses in Europe are mixed at midday, with traders considering yesterday's cautiously optimistic comments by European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi, as well as mixed inflation data from across the region. London's FTSE 100 takes the top spot with a 0.9% lead. The French CAC 40 and German DAX are each roughly 0.2% lower.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our Education Center topics on Option Volume and Open Interest Configurations.

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Mar 11, 2015 at 8:26 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is ready to continue this up-and-down week, with futures suggesting a start in the black after yesterday's triple-digit drop. U.S. stocks are tracking gains in European indexes, which are also fighting back from a major sell-off. Traders continue to consider the surging dollar and the price of oil leading up to the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) meeting next week, amid growing speculation of a June hike in interest rates.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are roughly 35 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 885,807 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 596,476 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.67, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.62.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is up 0.7% at 99.28.
  • Crude oil has added 0.2% at $50.18 per barrel.
  • Gold is down 0.1% at $1,158.70 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

Weekly crude inventories and the Treasury budget will be released today. Express (EXPR), Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (KKD), Men's Wearhouse (MW), Shake Shack (SHAK) and Tahoe Resources (TAHO) will flex their earnings muscles. To see what else is coming up on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian markets finished mixed on Wednesday, as traders took in a wide range of disappointing economic data from China -- though the Shanghai Composite managed to eke out a 0.2% gain amid renewed stimulus hopes. Japan's Nikkei added 0.3% on a slimmer-than-expected drop in machinery orders, while South Korea's Kospi dropped 0.2%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng was off 0.8%.

European bourses are bouncing back after yesterday's sell-off, as investors await remarks from European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi at a monetary policy conference in Frankfurt. At last check, London's FTSE 100 was up 0.09%, while the French CAC 40 and German DAX each added more than 1.5%.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our Education Center topics on Option Volume and Open Interest Configurations.

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Mar 10, 2015 at 8:38 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

U.S. stock markets are poised to start in the red this morning, after yesterday's M&A-heavy session had the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) flirting with 18,000 once again. Benchmarks are being hit by weakness overseas, and oil's ongoing slump. With not much in the way of economic data or earnings reports, investor focus will be heavily directed toward the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). At last check, futures on the Dow, S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (COMP) were all trading sharply below fair value.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 158 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 884,937 call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 575,347 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.65, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.62.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is up 0.7% at 98.30.
  • Crude oil remains right below $50, down 0.8% at $49.60 per barrel.
  • Gold is off nearly 0.2% at $1,164.60 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

The JOLTS report will headline Tuesday's economic calendar. For earnings, Barnes & Noble (BKS), FuelCell Energy (FCEL), and VeriFone (PAY) will report. To see what else is coming up on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Indexes in Asia were lower across the board, as traders digested China's latest inflation data. Japan's Nikkei fell 0.7% on a weaker yen, South Korea's Kospi dropped 0.4%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng skidded 0.9%. In China, the Shanghai Composite was off 0.5%, with major banking names dragging down the index.

European bourses are on course to follow their Asian counterparts into the red, with continuing discussions over Greece's bailout and lower oil prices dampening the mood of investors. At last check, London's FTSE 100 was off 1.2%, while the French CAC 40 and German DAX were 0.9% and 1% lower, respectively.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our Education Center topics on Option Volume and Open Interest Configurations.

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Mar 9, 2015 at 8:32 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is signaling a cautiously optimistic start to the week, as fears of an impending Fed rate hike continue to weigh on investor sentiment following Friday's payrolls report. While things will be relatively quiet on the economic and earnings fronts, future Dow component Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will be in focus, as the company holds its Apple Watch launch event this afternoon. Overseas, the European Central Bank (ECB) kicks off its bond-buying program today, while a number of eurozone finance ministers will gather to discuss Greece's economic reform strategy.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are roughly 18 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1,116,602 call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 743,627 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.67, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.62.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is down 0.2% at 97.46.
  • Crude oil is 0.4% higher at $49.79 per barrel.
  • Gold is also higher, gaining 0.8% at $1,174.10 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

To kick off the week, Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester will speak in Washington, D.C. Qihoo 360 Technology (QIHU), United Natural Foods (UNFI), and Urban Outfitters (URBN) will present earnings.To see what else is coming up on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian stocks were mostly lower on growing fears of a U.S. interest-rate hike. Japan's Nikkei fell 1%, with a worse-than-expected final fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) reading weighing on equities. In South Korea, the Kospi also shed 1%, after closing Friday at a five-month peak. Elsewhere, Hong Kong's Hang Seng gave back 0.2%. China's Shanghai Composite was able to break into positive territory, adding 1.9%, thanks to strong gains in banking names.

European investors are also concerned about U.S. rate hikes, as markets are lower at midday. Traders are also keeping a cautious eye trained on Switzerland, as reports circulate the central bank could be considering another interest-rate reduction. Meanwhile, the ECB kicked off its massive bond-buying program today. At last check, the French CAC 40 and London's FTSE 100 were both off 0.7%, with the German DAX 0.1% lower.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our Education Center topics on Option Volume and Open Interest Configurations.

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Mar 6, 2015 at 8:18 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

After snapping its recent losing streak Thursday on the back of some well-received news from overseas, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is treading lightly this morning. Traders are taking a wait-and-see approach to the Labor Department's nonfarm payrolls report -- due out at 8:30 a.m. ET. Also on today's docket is an update on international trade data. Meanwhile, financial firms could garner their fair share of attention, after the Federal Reserve released the first round of results from its annual stress tests last night.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are roughly 2 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 916,597 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 588,088 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.64, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.62.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is 0.4% higher at 96.76.
  • Crude oil is on pace to pare a portion of yesterday's losses, up 0.6% at $51.07 per barrel.
  • Gold, meanwhile, is down 0.1% at $1,195.30 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

The week closes out with the highly anticipated nonfarm payrolls report, as well as international trade data. Foot Locker (FL) and Staples (SPLS) will take their turn on the earnings stage. To see what's on next week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian benchmarks finished on both sides of breakeven, ahead of today's highly anticipated U.S. jobs report. In Japan, the Nikkei jumped 1.2% -- after hitting a new 15-year peak -- as a cooling yen buoyed exporters. South Korea's Kospi, meanwhile, tacked on 0.7% to settle at its highest perch in five months, thanks to a rally in tech and auto names. Elsewhere, China's Shanghai Composite gave back 0.2% amid continued concerns over the country's lackluster growth forecast, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng lost 0.1%.

European benchmarks are mixed at midday, as traders await an update on employment out of the U.S. At last check, the French CAC 40 and the German DAX are both flirting with 0.2% gains, while London's FTSE 100 is off 0.2%.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our Education Center topics on Option Volume and Open Interest Configurations.

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Mar 5, 2015 at 8:30 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is poised to snap its two-day losing streak, after the European Central Bank (ECB) and Bank of England (BoE) opted to leave interest rates at their lowest levels on record. Speculators will now await a press conference from ECB President Mario Draghi -- slated for 8:30 a.m. ET -- for clues on the central bank's recently announced $66 billion bond-buying program. Back on the homefront, weekly jobless claims, productivity and labor costs, and factory orders are all on tap.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 43 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 798,636 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 489,223 put contracts. Both the resultant single-session equity put/call ratio and the 21-day moving average arrived at 0.61.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is up 0.2% at 96.14.
  • Crude oil is on pace to add to yesterday's gains, up 0.5% at $51.81 per barrel.
  • Gold, meanwhile, is off 0.03% at $1,200.50 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

Weekly jobless claims, productivity and labor costs, and factory orders are set for release today. Canadian Solar (CSIQ), Ciena (CIEN), Costco Wholesale (COST), Diamond Foods (DMND), Finisar (FNSR), Joy Global (JOY), and Kroger (KR) will release quarterly results. To see what else is coming up on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian benchmarks settled mostly lower today, after China's uninspiring growth target weighed on investor sentiment. Specifically, the country said it believes gross domestic product (GDP) will reach 7% in 2015 -- its lowest forecast in 11 years. By the close, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was off 1.1%, and China's Shanghai Composite was down 0.9%. Japan's Nikkei managed to buck the bearish bias, tacking on 0.3% amid a rally in the healthcare sector, while South Korea's Kospi was nearly unchanged.

Markets in Europe are higher at midday as traders cheer decisions by both the ECB and BoE to keep interest rates at record-low levels. Attention will now turn to ECB President Mario Draghi's upcoming press conference, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET. At last check, the French CAC 40 is up 0.9%, the German DAX is enjoying a 0.7% lead, and London's FTSE 100 has tacked on 0.4%.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our Education Center topics on Option Volume and Open Interest Configurations.

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Mar 4, 2015 at 8:25 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is signaling a second straight day of losses, as traders take a glass-half-empty approach following a disappointing update on private-sector employment. This data is often seen as a precursor to Friday's highly watched nonfarm payrolls report, and could provide some insight as to when the Federal Reserve plans to raise interest rates. Speaking of the Fed, a trio of central bank officials are slated to take the podium throughout the day, with Chicago Fed President Charles Evans kicking things off at 9 a.m. ET. Additionally, the Fed's Beige Book is due out at 2 p.m. ET.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 42 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 830,818 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 545,030 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio moved up to 0.66, while the 21-day moving average came in at 0.62.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is 0.4% higher at 95.72.
  • Crude oil is moving higher again, up 0.8% at $50.94 per barrel.
  • Gold is down 0.02% at $1,204.20 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

Hitting the Street today are ADP's employment report, the ISM services index, weekly crude inventories, and the Fed's Beige Book. Companies entering the earnings confessional include Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF), H & R Block (HRB), PetSmart (PETM), ReneSola (SOL), Trina Solar (TSL), and Vivint Solar (VSLR).

Overseas Trading

Asian markets ended mostly lower. One positive outlier was the Shanghai Composite, which managed to finish with a 0.5% gain. Hong Kong's Hang Seng lost 1% after poor retail numbers from January weighed on sentiment. Furthermore, Japan's Nikkei went lower once again, finishing with a loss of 0.6% in the face of a stronger yen, and South Korea's Kospi ended with a 0.2% dip.

Ahead of the European Central Bank's (ECB) meeting on Thursday, European indexes are little changed at midday. At last check, London's FTSE 100 was off 0.2%, Germany's DAX is just barely below breakeven, and France's CAC 40 is up 0.2%.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our Education Center topics on Option Volume and Open Interest Configurations.

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Mar 3, 2015 at 8:18 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

After breaking technical barriers yesterday, U.S. stocks are poised to take a breather today. Automakers will be in focus amid February sales data, while a handful of retailers are stepping into the earnings confessional. Meanwhile, speculators will keep an eye on oil, which has clawed its way back atop the mid-century mark amid fighting in Libya. In electronic trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is poised to pull back from all-time highs, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite (COMP) is looking to test its mettle in the psychologically significant 5,000 neighborhood.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 45 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 777,346 call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 444,643 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio edged down to 0.57, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.61.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is 0.1% higher at 95.55.
  • Crude oil is on the mend amid air strikes in Libya, up 1.5% at $50.35 per barrel.
  • Gold is up 0.1% at $1,209.60 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

February auto sales are due out today. Earnings reports are expected from Ambarella (AMBA), AutoZone (AZO), Best Buy (BBY), Bob Evans Farms (BOBE), Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS), JD.Com (JD), Kate Spade (KATE), Smith & Wesson (SWHC), and TiVo (TIVO).To see what else is coming up on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian indexes failed to sustain the positive momentum from the People's Bank of China's weekend interest rate reduction. The Shanghai Composite lost 2.2%, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropping 0.7%. Also reversing course was Japan's Nikkei, losing 0.1% after coming off its latest 15-year high. South Korea's Kospi, however, bucked the negative trend, adding 0.2% to hit a five-month high.

At midday, European bourses are just south of breakeven, as traders consider further evidence of wholesale-level deflation and falling crude prices. London's FTSE 100 was down 0.1% at last check, while Germany's DAX and France's CAC 40 were just below breakeven for the day.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our Education Center topics on Option Volume and Open Interest Configurations.

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Mar 2, 2015 at 8:27 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

After wrapping up their best month in years, the major market indexes are cautiously higher ahead of the bell. Traders are weighing another rate cut out of China and sinking crude oil prices, and readying for a slew of domestic economic reports, including Markit's purchasing managers manufacturing index (PMI) and the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) manufacturing index. At last check, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) and its peers were sitting modestly higher in electronic trading, with the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) hoping to extend its string of fresh 14-year highs.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 13 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.06 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 682,380 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio edged down to 0.64, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.62.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is 0.2% lower at 95.13.
  • After notching its first monthly win since June, crude oil is kicking March off on a sour note, down 1.6% at $48.95 per barrel.
  • Gold is up 0.5% at $1,218.90 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

The week kicks off with personal income and spending, Markit's PMI, the ISM's manufacturing index, and construction spending. Caesars Entertainment (CZR), Halozyme Therapeutics (HALO), Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Stratasys (SSYS), JinkoSolar (JKS), Mylan (MYL), and Sotheby's (BID) will all step into the earnings spotlight. To see what else is coming up on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

A weekend rate cut from China's central bank bolstered Asian benchmarks today. The Shanghai Composite soared 0.8%, with help from encouraging manufacturing data, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng tacked on 0.3%. An upbeat report on Japanese business spending helped Japan's Nikkei 0.2% higher to a nearly 15-year high, while the debut of Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S6 contributed to a 0.6% gain for South Korea's Kospi.

Stocks in Europe, on the other hand, are lower at midday, as traders digest the latest economic data and sinking crude prices. At last check, London's FTSE 100 and Germany's DAX were both 0.2% lower, while France's CAC 40 was down 0.8%.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our Education Center topics on Option Volume and Open Interest Configurations.

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Feb 27, 2015 at 8:34 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is sitting just south of breakeven, as traders brace for a raft of economic data and speeches by a number of central bank officials. The session's docket is highlighted by the preliminary fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP), followed by the latest reading on consumer sentiment. Meanwhile, Fed Vice Chair Stanley Fischer and others will take to the podium at a monetary policy forum in New York. On the commodities front, crude will attempt to recover from yesterday's drubbing, with early gains in futures pointing to a possible challenge of the $50 level in today's session.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 8 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.14 million call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 744,545 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio edged up to 0.65, while the 21-day moving average dipped to 0.62.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is 0.2% lower to 95.07.
  • Crude oil is poised to rebound from yesterday's loss, up 1.6% to trade at $48.94 per barrel.
  • Gold is off 0.1% at $1,208.40 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

The preliminary fourth-quarter GDP hits the Street today. Also on the agenda are pending home sales, the Chicago purchasing managers index (PMI), and the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index. More remarks on monetary policy could impact markets, with Fischer, New York Fed President William Dudley, and Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester all slated to speak at a forum in New York. Rounding out the week's slate of earnings reports are Goodrich Petroleum (GDP), ISIS Pharmaceuticals (ISIS), and NRG Energy (NRG). To see what's on next week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian markets closed the week on a mixed note, though Japan's Nikkei finished just above the flatline for yet another 15-year high. Meanwhile, the nation's consumer price index (CPI) showed signs of cooling inflation, a potential precursor to additional stimulus measures. Elsewhere, China's Shanghai Composite rose 0.4%, as a weaker yuan offset weakness in the financial sector. On the negative side of the ledger were Hong Kong's Hang Seng and South Korea's Kospi, which gave back 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively.

European indexes are mixed around midday, following news that German lawmakers have given the green light to extending Greece's bailout. However, traders are playing it safe ahead of today's U.S. GDP release and German inflation data. London's FTSE 100 is 0.2% lower, while France's CAC 40 and Germany's DAX have added 0.3% and 0.1%, respectively.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

For an explanation of how to use this information, check out our Education Center topics on Option Volume and Open Interest Configurations.

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

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