If you are trading options contracts, you should make it a point to understand cash-settled options. Cash-settled options settle on cash payment at expiration, as seen with index options. Seems simple enough, right? However, unlike stock/equity options and some futures contracts, the underlying asset is not provided on the settlement date.

There are so many different options products and options strategies available to retail investors today. If you are brand new to options trading, we hope this breakdown helps you along the path toward a profitable options trading portfolio. If you ever need a hand when it comes to trading ideas, just reach out to the Schaeffer's Investment Research team. Schaeffer's specializes in providing customer's with trading profiles so you can best understand the right options trading approach for your portfolio based on both your risk profile and your portfolio goals.

What are cash-settled options?

Cash-settled options are, quite literally, options with a settlement at the time of expiration that is paid out in cash. There is no physical delivery required with this options contract. With these options contracts, traders can typically avoid high transaction fees or transport costs. Additionally, traders may utilize them to prevent the management of storage costs, downside risks, and other concerns. 

Types of cash-settled options include:

• Cash-or-nothing options
• Binary options
• Digital options
• Standard index options

We will focus on how the settlement works, pricing, advantages and disadvantages, how to utilize cash-settled options, and more. As with all options trading strategies, the first step is understanding the risk. Investments in the securities markets, and especially in options and futures, are speculative and involve substantial risk. The information that we provide should not be a substitute for advice from an investment professional. We encourage you to obtain personal advice from your professional investment advisor and to make independent investigations before acting on the information that you obtain from Schaeffer's Investment Research. Only you can determine what level of risk is appropriate for you.

How does settlement work?

Let's look at settlement in the most straightforward way possible. Cash settlement opportunities can happen in two different potential scenarios for where the purchased option falls on expiration day:

1. "In-the-money" when the strike price at purchase is less than the underlying security price at expiration, a profit is obtained.
2. "Out-of-the-money" when the strike price at purchase is greater than the underlying security price at expiration, a loss is incurred.

Since cash-settled options have no inherent worth, the costs associated with them are typically based on the stock market or external capital. The intrinsic value is based on demand, and overall, the possibility of making money through trading cash-settled options is based on a combination of factors.

There is little distinction between equity options and cash-settled when it comes to method trading. The most significant factor is that cash is involved in the settlement rather than any further physical delivery. Cash-settled options take on risk, but all options trading strategies involve their own level of risk.

How are the options priced?

The pricing of cash-settled options takes two major factors into account: intrinsic value and inherent worth or the external price. The intrinsic value stands for a particular underlying component that currently exists -- for instance, an index fund based on the S&P 500 performance. The intrinsic value also defines where the value is determined for an options trader. Substantial movement on an underlying index can drastically affect the price and cost of a cash-settled option.

External price is determined by several factors, including Greeks, supply and demand, brokerage fees, expiration date, type of option, and intrinsic value. The way options pricing works is complex and can feel overwhelming for someone new to options. We have broken it down simply here. Schaeffersresearch.com is an excellent resource for understanding all aspects of options trading.

Why should someone trade cash-settled options? Or why shouldn't they?

The single most significant benefit of cash-settled options is that it is a trading alternative to protect portfolios based on commodities and indexes that do not deal with equity-specific options. Cash-settled options allow traders to bet on an entire market's trends, or defend a position based on a specific anticipated move. For example, buying a cash-settled index option during a significant bull or bear market can protect an equity portfolio.

The single most significant disadvantage to utilizing cash-settled options is the same as with any other type of options. Options involve significant risk and, if you are trading without confidence and proper education, that risk can be unnecessarily exacerbated.

Purchasing & Selling

Trading cash-settled index options is normally as simple as trading other sorts of alternatives options. The easiest and generally least expensive way to buy and sell options is through an online brokerage like can be found in Schaeffer's Broker Center. Online brokers generally offer affordable rates or even zero transaction fees. Keep in mind, depending on the options that are being traded, the company may require additional information or verification of your experience level based on time trading and trades made before you are approved to trade more complex assets.

Summary

A cash-settled option is an options contract that utilizes specific futures, indices, and markets to create an intrinsic value and price where, upon expiry or execution, a trader can profit in cash. The fundamental economic tool behind a cash-settled option does not require a physical item that denotes value, yet instead is based on price change over time. Losses are incurred when a cash-settled options contract loses value over the time the option is held. Cash-settled options have made it possible to grow the liquidity in the markets. Cash-settled options require much less time as well as much smaller price movement to profit before expiration.

Stock futures are mixed this morning, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) looking to bounce back from last night's triple-digit drop, with a roughly 132 point lead, while S&P 500 Index (SPX) futures are also poised for muted gains. Futures on the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX), meanwhile, are pointed lower after scoring a notable win during Wednesday's session. Investors are mulling over the Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates near zero, as well as a U.S. second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) reading, which accelerated 6.5% year-over-year -- much lower than the 8.4% annualized growth expected. Jobless claims data also disappointed, with 400,000 people filing for initial unemployment benefits, compared to the 385,000 anticipated.   

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

• Is INFY ready to climb to even more fresh highs?
• The pharma stock bulls may want to consider next month. 
• Plus, MRK's Q2 report in line with forecasts; TAP sees earnings beat; and FB falls on H2 prediction. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw more than 1.5 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 821,130 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.52 and the 21-day moving average rose to 0.52.
2. The shares of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) are off 1% in electronic trading after its second-quarter earnings fell in line with estimates, while its revenue topped expectations. Growth for the company's cancer drug Keytruda also fell mostly in line with expectations. MRK has been testing its footing near its year-to-date breakeven, and is looking to open just below the level. 
3. Molson Coors Beverage Co (NYSE:TAP) also entered the earnings confessional, and the stock was last seen up 2.4% in electronic trading after the firm's second-quarter profits and revenue beat analysts' forecasts. TAP is up over 50% in the last nine months. 
4. Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) reported a and top- and bottom-line beat, but forecast slowing revenue growth during the remainder of 2021, due to Apple's (AAPL) updated privacy policies. FB is sporting a 36% year-to-date lead, but is down 3.3% in electronic trading.

5. Also on tap for today is June's pending home sales index. 

Hang Seng Surges, Brushing Off Earlier Regulation Concerns

Markets in Asia finished higher today. Hong Kong's Hang Seng jumped 3.3%, as tech stocks affected by regulation concerns earlier in the week soared. Plus, China's securities regulators noted that the country will continue to allow Chinese companies to go public in the U.S., as long as they meet listing requirements. China's Shanghai Composite closed 1.5% higher, the South Korean Kospi added 0.2%, and Japan's Nikkei settled up 0.7%.

European markets are higher as well, as investors unpack a large number of big-name earnings, including those from Credit Suisse and Volkswagen. Meanwhile, economic sentiment in the euro zone rose to a record high, with the monthly survey rising up to 119 points in July. London's FTSE 100 is up 1% midday, while the French CAC 40 and German DAX have risen 0.8% and 0.5%, respectively. 

Today initial and continuing jobless claims are on tap, as well as a gross domestic product (GDP) reading for the second quarter, and June's pending home sales index. 

The following companies are slated to release quarterly earnings today, July 29:

A.O. Smith Corp. (NYSE:AOS -- $69.40) manufactures and markets residential and commercial gas and electric water heaters, boilers, tanks, and water treatment products in North America, China, Europe, and India. A.O. Smith will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:AGIO -- $50.00) engages in the discovery and development of medicines in the field of cellular metabolism and adjacent areas of biology. Agios Pharmaceuticals will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Allegro Microsystems Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGM -- $25.28) designs, develops, manufactures, and markets sensor integrated circuits (ICs) and application-specific analog power ICs for motion control and energy-efficient systems. Allegro Microsystems will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Alliance Data Corp. (NYSE:ADS -- $99.09) provides data-driven marketing, loyalty, and payment solutions in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. Alliance Data will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Ares Management Corp. (NYSE:ARES -- $68.69) operates as an alternative asset manager in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Ares Management will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

AstraZeneca plc (NYSE:AZN -- $56.81) discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes prescription medicines in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, respiratory, infection, neuroscience, and gastroenterology worldwide. AstraZeneca will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX -- $81.91) develops and provides a portfolio of healthcare products worldwide. Baxter will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Brunswick Corp. (NYSE:BC -- $97.43) designs, manufactures, and markets recreation products worldwide. Brunswick will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE -- $8.11) develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas in Canada, the United States and the Asia Pacific region. Cenovus Energy will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Citrix Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:CTXS -- $114.55) provides workspace, app delivery and security, and professional services worldwide. Citrix Systems will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Cohu Inc. (NASDAQ:COHU -- $37.26) engages in the semiconductor test and inspection equipment, and printed circuit board (PCB) test equipment businesses in China, the United States, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and internationally. Cohu will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Colfax Corp. (NYSE:CFX -- $46.24) operates as a diversified technology company worldwide. Colfax will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Comcast Corp. (NYSE:CMCSA -- $57.98) operates as a media and technology company worldwide. Comcast will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

EMCOR Group Inc. (NYSE:EME -- $123.20) provides electrical and mechanical construction, and facilities services in the United States. EMCOR Group will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Federal Signal Corp. (NYSE:FSS -- $38.95) designs, manufactures, and supplies a suite of products and integrated solutions for municipal, governmental, industrial, and commercial customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. Federal Signal will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Flex Ltd. (NASDAQ:FLEX -- $16.96) design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain services and solutions to original equipment manufacturers in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Flex will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Fortis Inc. (NYSE:FTS -- $44.89) operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. Fortis will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Gentherm Inc. (NYSE:THRM -- $72.14) designs, develops, manufactures, and markets thermal management technologies. Gentherm will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Group 1 Automotive Inc. (NYSE:GPI -- $164.98) operates in the automotive retail industry. Group 1 Automotive will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

The Hershey Co. (NYSE:HSY -- $176.50) manufactures and sells confectionery products and pantry items. Hershey will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Huntington Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ:HBAN -- $13.99) is a regional bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with $123 billion of assets and a network of 839 branches, including 11 Private Client Group offices, and 1,322 ATMs across seven Midwestern states. Huntington Bancshares will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

IDACORP Inc. (NYSE:IDA -- $105.52) engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, purchase, and sale of electric energy in the United States. IDACORP will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ICPT -- $16.87) focuses on the development and commercialization of therapeutics to treat progressive non-viral liver diseases in the United States, Europe, and Canada. Intercept Pharmaceuticals will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

International Paper Co. (NYSE:IP -- $58.50) operates as a paper and packaging company primarily in United States, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Pacific Rim, Asia, and rest of the Americas. International Paper will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG -- $39.58) is an asset management holding entity. Janus Henderson Group will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Kirby Corp. (NYSE:KEX -- $59.43) operates domestic tank barges in the United States. Kirby will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

LendingTree Inc. (NASDAQ:TREE -- $202.62) operates online consumer platform in the United States. LendingTree will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Magellan Midstream Partners L.P. (NASDAQ:MMP -- $47.64) engages in the transportation, storage, and distribution of refined petroleum products and crude oil in the United States. Magellan Midstream will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

MasterCard Inc. (NYSE:MA -- $383.44) provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. MasterCard will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK -- $78.33) operates as a healthcare company worldwide. Merck will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

NetScout Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:NTCT -- $28.98) provides service assurance and cybersecurity solutions for protect digital business services against disruptions in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. NetScout Systems will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Nielsen Holdings plc (NASDAQ:NLSN -- $24.05) operates as a measurement and data analytics company worldwide. Nielsen will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Northrop Grumman Corp. (NASDAQ:NOC -- $360.11) operates as an aerospace and defense company worldwide. Northrop Grumman will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Omnicell Inc. (NASDAQ:OMCL -- $148.17) provides medication management automation solutions and adherence tools for healthcare systems and pharmacies the United States and internationally. Omnicell will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Overstock.com Inc. (NASDAQ:OSTK -- $75.35) operates as an online retailer in the United States. Overstock.com will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Peabody Energy Corp. (NASDAQ:BTU -- $10.77) engages in coal mining business in the United States, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, China, India, Vietnam, South Korea, and internationally. Peabody Energy will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Proto Labs Inc. (NYSE:PRLB -- $84.25) operates as an e-commerce driven digital manufacturer of custom prototypes and on-demand production parts in the worldwide. Proto Labs will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE:RLGY -- $18.74) provides residential real estate services. Realogy will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI -- $411.59) provides ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and data to the capital and commodity markets worldwide. S&P Global will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Schneider National Inc. (NYSE:SNDR -- $21.15) provides truckload, intermodal, and logistics services in North America. Schneider National will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE:STM -- $39.33) designs, develops, manufactures, and markets semiconductor products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific. STMicroelectronics will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Teleflex Inc. (NYSE:TFX -- $399.23) designs, develops, manufactures, and supplies single-use medical devices for common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in critical care and surgical applications worldwide. Teleflex will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT -- $69.10) operates in the aircraft, defense, industrial, and finance businesses worldwide. Textron will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Trimas Corp. (NASDAQ:TRS -- $33.20) manufactures and provides products for consumer products, aerospace, and industrial end markets worldwide. Trimas will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

U.S. Silica Holdings Inc. (NYSE:SLCA -- $9.96) produces and sells commercial silica in the United States. U.S. Silica will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Visteon Corp. (NASDAQ:VC -- $112.02) engineers, designs, and manufactures automotive electronics and connected car solutions for vehicle manufacturers worldwide. Visteon will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Wolverine World Wide Inc. (NYSE:WWW -- $34.08) designs, manufactures, sources, markets, licenses, and distributes footwear, apparel, and accessories in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, Canada and Latin America. Wolverine will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL -- $68.70) generates, purchases, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity. Xcel Energy will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE:YUM -- $68.70) develops, operates, and franchises quick service restaurants worldwide. Yum! Brands will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 before the bell today.

2U Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU -- $45.96) operates as an education technology company in the United States, Hong Kong, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. 2U will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN -- $3,630.32) engages in the retail sale of consumer products and subscriptions in North America and internationally. Amazon will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG -- $137.51) provides insurance brokerage, consulting, and third party claims settlement and administration services in the United States, Australia, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, New Zealand, India, and the United Kingdom. Arthur J. Gallagher will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. (NYSE:BIO -- $705.98) develops, manufactures, and markets life science research and clinical diagnostic products in the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada, and Latin America. Bio-Rad Laboratories will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

The Chemours Co. (NYSE:CC -- $32.62) provides performance chemicals in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Chemours will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Corporate Office Properties Trust  (NYSE:OFC -- $29.51) owns, manages, leases, develops and selectively acquires office and data center properties. Corporate Office will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE -- $49.09) is a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust. CubeSmart will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Deckers Outdoor Corp. (NYSE:DECK -- $404.45) designs, markets, and distributes footwear, apparel, and accessories for casual lifestyle use and high-performance activities. Deckers Outdoor will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Dolby Laboratories Inc. (NYSE:DLB -- $95.53) creates audio and imaging technologies that transform entertainment and communications at the cinema, at home, at work, and on mobile devices. Dolby Laboratories will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Consolidated Edison Inc. (NYSE:ED -- $74.59) engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. Edison will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES -- $86.38) engages in the energy delivery business. Eversource Energy will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

First Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR -- $83.48) provides photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions in the United State, Japan, France, Canada, India, Australia, and internationally. First Solar will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Forward Air Corp. (NASDAQ:FWRD -- $86.73) operates as an asset-light freight and logistics company in the United States and Canada. Forward Air will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Griffon Corp. (NYSE:GFF -- $24.36) engages in the consumer and professional products, home and building products, and defense electronics businesses primarily in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and China. Griffon will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Hercules Capital Inc. (NYSE:HTGC -- $17.37) is a business development company. Hercules Capital will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Kemper Corp. (NYSE:KMPR -- $67.70) provides property and casualty, and life and health insurance in the United States. Hercules Capital will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Limelight Networks Inc. (NASDAQ:LLNW -- $2.63) provides content delivery and related services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. Limelight Networks will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Mercer International Inc. (NASDAQ:MERC -- $11.67) manufactures and sells northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) pulp in Europe, the United States, Asia, and internationally. Mercer International will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

MicroStrategy Inc. (NASDAQ:MSTR -- $646.65) provides enterprise analytics software and services worldwide. MicroStrategy will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Mohawk Industries Inc. (NYSE:MHK -- $189.91) designs, manufactures, sources, distributes, and markets flooring products for remodeling and new constructions of residential and commercial spaces in the United States, Europe, Russia, and internationally. Mohawk will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

NextGen Healthcare Inc. (NASDAQ:NXGN -- $16.27) provides software and services for ambulatory healthcare services in the United States. NextGen Healthcare will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Pinterest Inc. (NYSE:PINS -- $76.65) provides visual discovery engine in the United States and internationally. Pinterest will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Qiagen N.V. (NYSE:QGEN -- $51.62) provides sample to insight solutions that transform biological materials into molecular insights worldwide. Qiagen will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Republic Services Inc. (NYSE:RSG -- $115.35) provides non-hazardous solid waste collection, transfer, disposal, recycling, and environmental services in the United States. Republic Services will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Silk Road Medical Inc. (NASDAQ:SILK -- $45.68) operates as a medical device company in the United States. Silk Road Medical will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

SkyWest Inc. (NASDAQ:SKYW -- $40.85) operates a regional airline in the United States. SkyWest will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Southwestern Energy Co. (NYSE:SWN -- $5.07) engages in the exploration, development, and production of natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids (NGLs) in the United States. Southwestern Energy will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

T-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS -- $145.12) provides mobile communications services in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. T-Mobile US will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

United States Steel Corp. (NYSE:X -- $24.55) produces and sells flat-rolled and tubular steel products primarily in North America and Europe. United States Steel will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Upwork Inc. (NASDAQ:UPWK -- $58.05) operates an online talent marketplace that enables businesses to find and work with various independent professionals and agencies in the United States, India, the Philippines, and internationally. Upwork will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Vocera Communications Inc. (NYSE:VCRA -- $41.27) provides secure, integrated, and intelligent communication and workflow solutions that empowers mobile workers in healthcare, hospitality, retail, energy, education, and other mission-critical mobile work environments in the United States and internationally. Vocera will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL -- $87.39) operates as an S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. Welltower will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Werner Enterprises Inc. (NASDAQ:WERN -- $44.62) engages in transporting truckload shipments of general commodities in interstate and intrastate commerce in the United States, Mexico, and internationally. Werner Enterprises will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:WWE -- $49.19) engages in the sports entertainment business in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. World Wrestling will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Yamana Gold Inc. (NYSE:AUY -- $4.26) operates as a precious metal producer. Yamana Gold will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Zendesk Inc. (NYSE:ZEN -- $4.26) operates as a customer service software company. Zendesk will report its Q2 earnings of 2021 after the market closes today.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, the month will come to a close on Friday, with the employment cost index, data on personal income, consumer spending and core inflation all due out. The Chicago purchasing manager's index (PMI) will also help wrap up the week. 

All economic dates listed here are tentative and subject to change.