It looks like U.S. equities are poised to start the second quarter on a bearish note, with futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) lower ahead of the open as yesterday's selling pressure continues. It'll be a busy day on the Street, with a slew of economic data on tap, including auto sales and ADP's employment report. Also, traders will welcome a new name, as GoDaddy Inc (NYSE:GDDY) begins trading today.

• Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White explains how tomorrow's S&P 500 close could set the stage for the rest of 2015.
• This athletic apparel name has been a long-term outperformer -- but now bears are calling a top.
• For a second straight day, Tesla partnership rumors drove speculative players straight to SolarCity Corp (NASDAQ:SCTY).

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are roughly 43 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 663,299 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 433,090 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.65, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.66.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index nudged 0.05% higher to 98.40.
• Crude oil is down 0.2% at $47.50 per barrel.
• Gold has added 0.1% at $1,184.70 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

April Fools' Day is no joke this year, as the calendar features motor vehicle sales, the ADP employment report, construction spending, the Markit PMI, the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) manufacturing index, and weekly crude inventories. Plus, there will be speeches from San Francisco Fed President John Williams and Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart. Acuity Brands (AYI) and Monsanto (MON) will flex their earnings muscle. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Stocks in Asia were a mixed bag once again. On one hand, China's Shanghai Composite surged 1.7%, after two key reports on factory activity topped consensus estimates, but indicated ongoing softness in the mainland economy. Also finishing with a gain was Hong Kong's Hang Seng, tacking on 0.7%. However, South Korea's Kospi fell 0.6%, while Japan's Nikkei gave back 0.9%.

European bourses, though, are all higher, with strong regional manufacturing data to thank. At last check, France's CAC 40 was the biggest gainer, boasting a 1.2% lead. Germany's DAX has picked up 0.9%, with London's FTSE 100 adding 0.7%.

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

U.S. stocks are prepared to backpedal after yesterday's triple-digit victory. Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are signaling a sizable dip, as traders take their cues from bearish action overseas on the last day of the first quarter -- putting the blue-chip index's slim quarterly gains at risk. A number of key economic indicators make up today's schedule, with the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index, Chicago purchasing managers index (PMI), and consumer confidence all slated for release. Additionally, no fewer than three regional Fed presidents are slated to deliver speeches today, which investors will watch carefully for clues of future policy moves.

• Option bulls rushed to Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) amid M&A buzz -- the same reason a fellow Dow component was able to touch an all-time high.
• Call buying picked up on Best Buy Co Inc (NYSE:BBY) and another retail stock that's been seeing increased activity of late.
• Just one session after being buoyed by earnings numbers, BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) was suffocated by negative analyst attention.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are roughly 96 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 794,197 call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 419,926 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio plummeted to 0.53, while the 21-day moving average dropped to 0.65.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 0.5% at 98.47.
• Crude oil is down 2.2% at $47.61 per barrel.
• Gold is off 0.1% at $1,184.10 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

The S&P/Case-Shiller home price index is due out today, plus the Chicago PMI, and Conference Board's latest consumer confidence index. There will also be speeches from Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester, Kansas City Fed President Esther George, and Richmond Fed President Jeffrey Lacker. Conn's (CONN) and Real Goods Solar (RGSE) will release earnings reports. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian equities were mixed after yesterday's surge, with some traders taking profits off the table. China's Shanghai Composite and Japan's Nikkei each pulled back 1%, with South Korea's Kospi and Hong Kong's Hang Seng gaining 0.5% and 0.2%, respectively.

In Europe, stocks are tumbling, with indexes lower across the board after a round of economic data -- including a slower pace of deflation in March, which raised questions as to whether the central bank will stay the course with its long-term stimulus plans. London's FTSE 100 is pacing the losers with a 1.2% decline, with Germany's DAX falling 0.9% and France's CAC 40 losing 0.7%.

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

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is ready to try and make up for last week's losses, with futures pointed sharply higher ahead of the open. The positive starts mirrors the action overseas, as traders around the globe respond favorably to Friday's comments from Fed Chair Janet Yellen, who alluded to a gradual rise in interest rates. Looking ahead, personal income and spending, as well as pending home sales, will hold traders' attention today.

• Why this biotech stock lost 69% on Friday.
• Breaking down this bold bullish bet on struggling Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT).
• A round of positive analyst attention had Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) calls in high demand.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are about 120 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 789,359 call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 625,401 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio jumped to 0.79, while the 21-day moving average held at 0.66.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 0.7% at 97.93.
• Crude oil has fallen 1.3% at $48.25 per barrel.
• Gold is off 1.5% at $1,182.70 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Today, we'll see data on personal income and spending, along with pending home sales and the Dallas Fed manufacturing survey. Fed Vice Chair Stanley Fischer will give a speech, too. Cal-Maine Foods (CALM) and UTi Worldwide (UTIW) will present earnings. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian indexes ended higher on Monday. In China, the Shanghai Composite added 2.6% to land a seven-year peak, as comments from People's Bank of China Governor Zhou Xiaochuan sparked expectations for further stimulus. Hitting a four-week high was Hong Kong's Hang Seng, which closed 1.5% higher, with Japan's Nikkei and South Korea's Kospi tacking on 0.7% and 0.5%, respectively.

Major European bourses, too, were black across the board at last check. Leading the way is the German DAX with a 1.4% lead, followed by France's CAC 40, which is 1.1% higher. In London, the FTSE 100 is up 0.4% at last check.

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

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is modestly lower ahead of the bell, and the blue-chip index may be on pace for a fifth consecutive loss. While traders have one eye trained overseas on the conflict between Saudi Arabia and rebels in Yemen, most of their attention will be on stateside developments, with U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) set for release this morning, and Fed Chair Janet Yellen due to speak just before the close. On a related note, Fed Vice Chair Stanley Fischer took the podium earlier, and said the nonbank financial sector -- which includes hedge funds and insurance companies -- has "generally reduced its vulnerability to the types of shocks that we saw during the crisis."

• Why health care stocks Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:MYGN) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) went in opposite directions yesterday.
• As Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) flirts with the round-number $50 level, short-term speculators are getting ambitious.
• Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) was in the bullish crosshairs following rumors of a possible acquisition.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are roughly 11 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 994,232 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 581,586 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dove to 0.58, while the 21-day moving average held at 0.65.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 0.1% at 97.53.
• Crude oil has given back some of yesterday's gains, down 1.6% at $50.59 per barrel.
• Gold is off 0.4% at $1,201 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Today's docket includes the final reading on fourth-quarter GDP and the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index. Scheduled to report earnings are BlackBerry (BBRY), Carnival Corp (NYSE:CCL), GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME), and Finish Line (FINL). To see what is on next week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian markets settled mostly lower, pressured by worries over the mounting conflict in Yemen and weak data out of Japan. Specifically, Japan's Nikkei retreated 1% after the country's consumer price index (CPI) sparked fresh deflationary concerns; similarly, retail sales disappointed. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Hang Seng slipped a mere 0.04%, and South Korea's Kospi finished 0.1% lower. By contrast, China's Shanghai Composite muscled 0.3% higher to finish near a seven-year high, despite a 4.2% year-over-year drop in industrial profits.

Stocks in Europe are mixed, as investors trade cautiously ahead of the U.S. GDP and the speech from Yellen. France's CAC 40 and the German DAX are both up 0.5%, while London's FTSE 100 has shed 0.4%.

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

It appears yesterday's triple-digit sell-off on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) will continue this morning, despite a relatively quiet day on the earnings and economic fronts. Meanwhile, speaking from Germany, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard called on the central bank to normalize monetary policy, due to improvements in the economy -- though he added "monetary policy will remain exceptionally accommodative" amid normalization. Elsewhere, commodities are getting a lift, as Saudi Arabia's airstrike against rebels in Yemen is driving crude sharply higher.

• Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) and Avago Technologies Ltd (NASDAQ:AVGO) were among the semiconductor stocks that got wrecked on Wednesday.
• Keurig Green Mountain Inc (NASDAQ:GMCR) continued its downtrend, bringing short-term put buyers to the table.
• How this embattled stock pulled off a double-digit, single-day gain.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are nearly 99 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 987,157 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 684,767 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio slipped to 0.69, while the 21-day moving average held at 0.65.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is off 0.4% at 96.56.
• Crude oil has jumped 4.4% to trade at $51.37 per barrel.
• Gold is up 0.8% at $1,207.30 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Weekly jobless claims will be released today. Accenture (ACN), ConAgra Foods (CAG), Lululemon Athletica (LULU), Commercial Metals (CMC), and GameStop (GME) will unveil earnings. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian stocks were mostly lower, tracking yesterday's sell-off in U.S. markets. Japan's Nikkei was off 1.4%, bringing it to a nine-day low. Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 0.1%, while South Korea's Kospi lost 1%. The Shanghai Composite, however, was able to muster a 0.6% gain.

The scene is similar in Europe, where bourses are lower across the board, as political troubles in Yemen weigh on investor sentiment. The German DAX is down 1.7%, the French CAC 40 is off 1.5%, and London's FTSE 100 has given back 1.4%.

Due to technical issues, the Unusual Put and Call Activity charts are unavailable today. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is struggling to choose a direction ahead of the bell, as investors continue to eye a choppy dollar. Also, Wall Street is looking forward to the latest report on durable goods orders and the regularly scheduled crude inventories update. On the earnings front, the big news this morning is a weak sales forecast from Apollo Education Group Inc (NASDAQ:APOL), which has the shares sitting on a 14.3% deficit. Finally, Kraft Foods Group Inc (NASDAQ:KRFT) and H.J. Heinz Company announced a merger with a projected value of roughly $40 billion, sending KRFT up more than 35% ahead of the bell.

• Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White makes a case for why stock picking could make a comeback in 2015.
• Strong fourth-quarter results lifted Digital Ally, Inc. (NASDAQ:DGLY) -- as well as sector peer TASER International, Inc. (NASDAQ:TASR).
• In case you missed it, a closer look at 3 stocks that could outperform in April.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average 2 Minute (DJIA) are roughly 4 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 751,475 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 523,710 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio jumped to 0.70, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.65.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is off 0.4% at 96.80.
• Crude oil has dipped 0.3% to trade at $47.36 per barrel.
• Gold is up 0.2% at $1,193.80 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

The Energy Information Administration's (EIA) weekly crude inventories report, as well as data on durable goods orders, will hit the Street today. Five Below (FIVE), Francesca's (FRAN), Pacific Sunwear (PSUN), Paychex (PAYX), PVH (PVH), Red Hat (RHT), Worthington (WOR), and Yingli Green Energy (YGE) will step into the earnings confessional. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian benchmarks settled mostly higher, despite ongoing concerns about Chinese economic growth and losses for U.S. stocks. Japan's Nikkei muscled 0.2% higher, close to a 15-year peak. Hong Kong's Hang Seng and South Korea's Kospi added 0.5% and 0.1%, respectively -- even as the latter posted its weakest gross domestic product (GDP) since 2009. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Composite gave back 0.8%, snapping a streak of 10 straight daily wins.

European stocks are lower at midday, as concerns over Greece's liquidity offset growing optimism among German businesses. Specifically, the German DAX is down 0.7%, even though the Ifo business sentiment index rose more than expected this month. Similarly, the French CAC 40 is off 0.8%, and London's FTSE 100 has retreated 0.2%.

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

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is signaling a positive start to the day, as Wall Street prepares itself for a number of economic reports. Specifically, the consumer price index (CPI), Markit's purchasing managers manufacturing index (PMI), and new home sales are due out this morning. Meanwhile, traders are digesting the latest remarks from St. Louis Fed President James Bullard, who said earlier, "Zero is no longer the appropriate interest rate for the U.S. economy." However, he also hedged his hawkish language, adding that monetary policy will remain "extremely accommodative." Overseas, the big news includes a reported Airbus plane crash in southern France, as well as Greece's plans to present an economic reform proposal to a group of eurozone finance ministers by no later than Monday.

• For the second time in as many days, Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE:HLF) was one of the Big Board's biggest gainers.
• Disappointing data dragged this pharmaceutical stock to a 69% loss, while one sector peer touched a 10-year high on upbeat drug news.
• Call buyers finally took notice of this Dow component's technical tenacity.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average 2 Minute (DJIA) are roughly 43 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 907,438 call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 503,796 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio edged down to 0.56, while the 21-day moving average held at 0.64.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is off 0.3% at 96.75.
• Crude oil has tacked on 0.5% to trade at $47.69 per barrel.
• Gold is up 0.4% at $1,192.80 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

The release of new home sales data and the CPI comprise today's docket. Slated to report earnings are McCormick (MKC), Sonic (SONC), and Steelcase (SCS). To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian equities were mixed, as traders digested a surprise drop in China's HSBC flash manufacturing PMI. On the negative side, Japan's Nikkei surrendered 0.2% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng gave back 0.4%. Conversely, South Korea's Kospi picked up 0.2%, thanks to some positive eleventh-hour momentum, while China's Shanghai Composite rebounded from a 1% midday deficit for a tenth straight daily win, finishing 0.1% above the flatline.

European bourses are mostly higher amid a raft of encouraging economic data -- including a nearly four-year high in eurozone business activity this month. Specifically, France's CAC 40 is up 0.2%, after Markit's preliminary composite PMI showed a second straight month of private sector growth, while London's FTSE 100 has edged 0.1% north. However, the German DAX is down 0.1%, as reports that a Lufthansa-operated plane has crashed overshadow a better-than-expected PMI.

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

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) appears ready to take a breather following last week's strong finish, as investors await a number of economic reports and speeches from central bank officials on tap this week. Today, the latest existing home sales numbers will hit the Street, while Fed Vice Chair Stanley Fischer and San Francisco Fed President John Williams will take the podium. Also, during a speech in France earlier this morning, Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester expressed optimism about the economy, and said a June interest-rate hike is a "viable option." Meanwhile, crude has pulled back from last week's gains, as weekend remarks from Saudi Arabia's oil minister suggested the nation would stand pat on current oil production.

• Long-term laggard Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:FCX) and its sector peer bounced back, but options traders think there's more upside on the horizon.
• Pessimism is building on this electric automaker and its fellow China-based firm, which sat out Friday's broad-market rally.
• Biotechs had a big week last week, and these two notable names were no exception.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average 2 Minute (DJIA) are roughly 4 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.3 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 756,553 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dipped to 0.57, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.64.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is down 0.4% at 97.48.
• Crude oil has dropped 2.1% to trade at $45.59 per barrel, after Saudi Arabia's oil minister Ali al-Naimi reiterated over the weekend the country's decision to keep output levels as-is.
• Gold is off 0.3% at $1,180.60 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

The week kicks off with existing home sales. There are no notable earnings reports scheduled. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian benchmarks finished mostly higher, following the lead of U.S. equities on Friday. Japan's Nikkei jumped 1% to reach its loftiest mark in 15 years, while China's Shanghai Composite soared 2% amid strength in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, to finish at a nearly seven-year high. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Hang Seng picked up 0.5%, while South Korea's Kospi settled 0.03% below breakeven.

Stocks in Europe are getting pummeled at midday, as traders brace for a meeting between Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss the former nation's bailout reforms. At last check, the German DAX is down 1.3%, the French CAC 40 has retreated 1%, and London's FTSE 100 is 0.3% lower, pulling back from Friday's record high amid weakness in energy and basic materials stocks.

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

It's poised to be another volatile day on the Street -- this time to the upside -- with futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) up triple digits ahead of the bell. The week's big price moves were stoked by the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) two-day policy-setting meeting, so it seems only fitting that the week will conclude with a pair of speeches from Fed officials. Specifically, Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart and Chicago Fed President Charles Evans are slated to take the podium later this morning. Elsewhere, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is also signaling a higher start, while the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) could once again take aim at the highly watched 5,000 mark. Additionally, all three indexes are poised for healthy weekly gains.

• Is this big bank headed for a round-number breakout? These speculative players are betting on it.
• Option traders were quick to react to the big strides made by Kite Pharma Inc (NASDAQ:KITE) and its sector peer.
• In case you missed it, why these 3 stocks could be poised for a short squeeze.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are roughly 119 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 987,129 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 583,905 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.59, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.64.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is down 0.3% at 98.95.
• Crude oil is poised for a second straight day of losses, off 1.2% at $44.98 per barrel.
• Elsewhere, gold is up 0.3% at $1,172.30 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

There are no economic reports slated for release today, but Fed officials Dennis Lockhart and Charles Evans will speak. Darden Restaurants (DRI), KB Home (KBH), and Tiffany (TIF) will unveil earnings. To see what is coming up on next week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian markets ended the week on a mixed note. On the plus side, China's Shanghai Composite surged 1%, amid a rally in financial stocks, while Japan's Nikkei added 0.4%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng, however, snapped its two-day winning streak to finish 0.4% lower, while South Korea's Kospi settled down 0.03%.

European benchmarks are higher at midday, as traders express optimism that Greece will hammer out a new economic reform agenda. At last check, the German DAX is up 1%, the French CAC 40 is enjoying a 0.2% lead, and London's FTSE 100 has tacked on 0.1%.

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

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is poised to pull back after Wednesday's big Fed-influenced rally, with futures pointed modestly lower. On the economic front, traders will digest the latest weekly jobless claims, as well as the Philadelphia Fed's manufacturing index. Additionally, Fed Governor Daniel Tarullo will take the stage later this morning, while Dallas Fed President Richard Fisher bids adieu to the central bank. Among stocks to watch, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will join the DJIA today, and shares of the tech titan are up about 0.2% ahead of the big debut.

• This financial firm was dealt another fundamental blow, and options traders responded in kind.
• A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nod sent Retrophin Inc (NASDAQ:RTRX) soaring, while disappointing data had its sector peer tumbling.
• Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner breaks down this year's bracket odds -- as well as his preferred strategy. (Also, don't forget to keep an eye on these 3 stocks during the Big Dance.)

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are about 13 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 979,088 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 639,101 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.65, while the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.64.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 0.2% at 98.76.
• Crude oil is on pace to erase all of Wednesday's Fed-induced gains, off 2.9% at $45.30 per barrel.
• Gold, meanwhile, is 1.1% higher at $1,163.90 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Weekly jobless claims and the Philadelphia Fed survey will be released today. Nike (NKE) and Lennar (LEN) will tell all in the earnings confessional.

Overseas Trading

Most Asian benchmarks followed in their U.S. counterparts higher today, thanks to the Federal Reserve's cautious stance on raising interest rates. Hong Kong's Hang Seng rallied 1.5%, China's Shanghai Composite added 0.2% to extend its daily winning streak to seven, and South Korea's Kospi rose 0.5%. Japan's Nikkei sat out the day's uptrend, though, shedding 0.4% on the back of a strengthening yen.

European markets are enjoying modest gains at midday, buoyed by the outcome of Wednesday's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. However, traders are keeping a cautious eye trained on a European Union (EU) summit, where the fiscal state of Greece will be a hot topic. At last check, the French CAC 40 is up 0.2%, London's FTSE 100 is flirting with a 0.1% lead, and the German DAX is 0.02% higher.

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

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is set to continue Tuesday's Fed-related sell-off, with futures pointed solidly lower ahead of the bell. All eyes will be on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) today, with the central bank's latest policy decision set for release at 2 p.m. ET, and a press conference with Fed Chief Janet Yellen to follow. Anxiety is building that the FOMC will drop the word "patient" from its policy statement, and provide clues as to when interest rates will be raised. Also weighing on investor sentiment is crude oil's downward trajectory. Black gold is headed lower once again, after the American Petroleum Institute said last night crude supplies rose by more than expected. Official figures will be released by the Energy Information Administration later this morning.

• Do the first 50 sessions set the tone for the year? If so, keep an eye on these 20 outperformers, says Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White.
• Why this newest S&P 500 Index (SPX) member could be running into a roadblock.
• Why this pair of athletic apparel makers and the drug stock du jour bucked the trend lower yesterday.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) were more than 75 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 779,655 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 579,485 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.74, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.64.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is down 0.1% at 99.53.
• Ahead of today's weekly inventories update, crude oil is off 2.2% at $44.18 per barrel.
• Gold, meanwhile, is up 0.1% at $1,149.60 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

The weekly crude inventories update will garner some attention this morning. However, all eyes will be on the FOMC, which will release its latest policy decision at 2 p.m. ET, followed by a press conference with Fed Chair Janet Yellen. Slated to report earnings are FedEx (FDX), General Mills (GIS), Guess (GES), Jabil Circuit (JBL), NQ Mobile (NQ), Renren (RENN), Silver Wheaton (SLW), and Tilly's (TLYS). To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

It was a mostly higher finish in Asia today, as traders expressed optimism ahead of today's policy decision from the FOMC. In China, the Shanghai Composite soared 2.1%, as a sharp drop in home prices fueled expectations for additional stimulus. Elsewhere, Hong Kong's Hang Seng tacked on 0.9%, thanks to a rally in solar stocks, while Japan's Nikkei added 0.6%, following a bigger-than-forecast rise in exports. South Korea's Kospi, meanwhile, gave back 0.1%, as unemployment ticked higher.

European equities are mixed at midday, as traders keep a close eye trained on the U.S. Fed. In London, the FTSE 100 is up 0.7%, despite a downwardly revised gross domestic product (GDP) forecast from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The German DAX and the French CAC 40, however, are flirting with 0.8% and 0.2% losses, respectively.

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

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is poised to pare a portion of Monday's massive gains, as traders take some profits off the table ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) latest policy decision. The two-day meeting -- which kicks off today -- is expected to shed some light on a possible interest-rate hike, with investors keeping a close eye on the FOMC's use of the word "patience." Meanwhile, the housing sector could garner some attention today, with housing starts slated for release at 8:30 a.m. ET.

• How option traders are playing this pair of software names ahead of earnings tonight.
• Why Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) and this drama-plagued casino concern sat out yesterday's rally.
• Can Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ:CELG) and this oncology stock keep making strides on the charts?

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 88 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 798,554 call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 548,211 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio plunged to 0.69, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.64.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is off 0.1% at 99.54.
• Crude oil is on pace to extend Monday's slide, down 2.4% at $45.01 per barrel.
• Gold, meanwhile, is 0.1% lower at $1,152.40 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Housing starts are the sole data point on today's docket. Meanwhile, the FOMC begins its two-day policy-setting meeting. DSW Inc. (DSW), Adobe Systems (ADBE), and Oracle (ORCL) will take their turns on the earnings stage. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Most Asian markets followed their U.S. counterparts into the green, ahead of today's FOMC meeting. In South Korea, the Kospi soared 2.1% amid a rally in blue chips and brokerage names, while stimulus hopes helped China's Shanghai Composite extend yesterday's rally to close up 1.6% at a five-year high. Elsewhere, Japan's Nikkei tacked on 1% to settle at a new 15-year peak, after the Bank of Japan chose to keep its current monetary easing program intact. Hong Kong's Hang Seng bucked the regional bullish bias, though, to close at a 0.2% loss.

It's a decidedly different setup across the pond, with most European benchmarks wallowing in red ink at midday, following a worse-than-expected reading on German investor confidence and a report indicating deflation in the eurozone last month. At last check, the German DAX is off 1.5%, and the French CAC 40 is down 0.8%, while London's FTSE 100 is clinging to a 0.02% gain.

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