The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is poised for a fourth straight day of gains, as traders brush off yesterday's decision by the European Central Bank (ECB) to no longer allow Greece to use government bonds as collateral for loans. Instead, traders are cheering a rebound in crude oil, Pfizer Inc.'s (NYSE:PFE) acquisition of Hospira, Inc. (NYSE:HSP), and some relatively dovish statements from Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren, who encouraged the Fed to adopt a "policy of patience" in regard to raising interest rates. Also in focus today will be weekly jobless claims and productivity and labor costs -- which come ahead of tomorrow's highly anticipated nonfarm payrolls report -- as well as international trade data.

• What $700 billion means to Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) bulls.
• 3 advantages to trading options.
• Bearish earnings backlash from the brokerage bunch sent these three notable names spiraling.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are roughly 62 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 971,527 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 572,415 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.59, while the 21-day moving average edged down to 0.66.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is fractionally lower at 93.96.
• Following Wednesday's sharp sell-off, crude oil is on the mend. At last check, futures were up 2.6% to trade at $49.72 per barrel.
• Gold, meanwhile, is down 0.2% at $1,262.60 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Weekly jobless claims, productivity and unit labor costs, and international trade data are slated for release today. Twitter (TWTR), GoPro (GPRO), LinkedIn (LNKD), Sirius XM (SIRI), Activision Blizzard (ATVI), AstraZeneca (AZN), Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD), Dunkin Brands (DNKN), Expedia (EXPE), LeapFrog (LF), Lions Gate Entertainment (LGF), Michael Kors (KORS), Nu Skin (NUS), ON Semiconductor (ONNN), Pandora Media (P), Philip Morris (PM), Sierra Wireless (SWIR), Sprint (S), Symantec (SYMC), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (TEVA), and Yelp (YELP) will step into the earnings confessional. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian markets finished mostly lower today, as news the ECB banned Greece's use of government debt as collateral for loans overshadowed a decision by the People's Bank of China to cut reserve requirements for banks. By the close, China's Shanghai Composite was down 1.2%, while Japan's Nikkei and South Korea's Kospi shed a respective 1% and 0.5% amid a batch of weak corporate earnings reports. Hong Kong's Hang Seng, meanwhile, managed to tack on 0.4%.

The ECB's vote to cut Greece's lifeline is pressuring European benchmarks lower at midday. At last check, the French CAC 40 is off 0.3%, London's FTSE 100 is eyeing a 0.2% loss, and the German DAX is down 0.1% -- despite reports the European Commission upgraded its 2015 growth forecasts for the eurozone.

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

After two straight days of energy-related triple-digit gains, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is signaling a lower start amid a sharp drop in crude oil. Also in focus today will be a raft of earnings reports -- including those from blue chips Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) and Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) -- as well as the ADP employment report, and a pair of updates on business activity.

• M&A chatter has been rampant of late, with stories out of the solar sector, the office supplies industry, and the online travel family.
• The catalyst behind Twitter Inc's (NYSE:TWTR) 6.2% pop ahead of tomorrow's earnings report.
• Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White breaks down the Super Bowl indicator and offers up a lesson in market randomness.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 38 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.1 million call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 599,278 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.54, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.67.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 0.1% at 93.71.
• After notching a notable milestone on Tuesday, crude oil has plunged 3% to trade at $51.45 per barrel.
• Gold, meanwhile, is 0.6% higher at $1,267.80 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

ADP's employment report, the ISM non-manufacturing index, Markit's flash purchasing managers manufacturing index (PMI), and the Energy Information Administration's (EIA) petroleum status report come out today. MRK, General Motors (GM), Keurig Green Mountain (GMCR), 21st Century Fox (FOXA), Allstate (ALL), Automatic Data Processing (ADP), Atmel (ATML), Boston Scientific (BSX), Clorox (CLX), Glu Mobile (GLUU), GW Pharmaceuticals (GWPH), Humana (HUM), iRobot (IRBT), Level 3 Communications (LVLT), Marathon Petroleum (MPC), Motorola Solutions (MSI), NXP Semiconductor (NXPI), Ralph Lauren (RL), Sony (SNE), Suncor Energy (SU), Tableau Software (DATA), Under Armour (UA), Weatherford (WFT), Whirlpool (WHR), and Yum! Brands (YUM) will report earnings. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian benchmarks settled mostly higher today. In Japan, the Nikkei jumped nearly 2% amid a rally in financial stocks and a cooling yen. Elsewhere, South Korea's Kospi tacked on 0.6%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.5%. China's Shanghai Composite, meanwhile, bucked the regional uptrend -- shedding 0.9% following a report that showed the services sector grew at its slowest rate in six months.

European markets are lower at midday, but have pared their losses after the People's Bank of China said it reduced the amount of reserve deposits required by banks for the first time since May 2012. At last check, London's FTSE 100 is down 0.6%, the German DAX is off 0.4%, and the French CAC 40 is flirting with a 0.2% loss.

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 for another day of gains, with futures pointed comfortably higher ahead of the bell. Helping to prop up investor sentiment is a new round of proposals from Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis to help tackle the country's debt issues, as well as an extended rebound in crude oil. Additionally, traders will be digesting the latest round of earnings reports -- including one from United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS) -- as well as updates on car sales and factory orders. Meanwhile, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard is slated to take the podium at 10 a.m. ET.

• Seadrill Ltd (NYSE:SDRL) and Cameron International Corporation (NYSE:CAM) rose in step with oil, but options traders reacted in decidedly different ways.
• Some unwelcome attention from Evercore ISI sent these 2 troubled retailers plunging to fresh lows.
• The moving average Schaeffer's Senior VP of Research Todd Salamone is keeping a close eye on.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are 44 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 776,991 call contracts traded on Monday -- the fewest since Dec. 30 -- compared to 590,705 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio jumped to 0.76, while the 21-day moving average edged down to 0.67.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is slightly lower at 94.48.
• Crude oil is 2.4% higher at $50.77 per barrel.
• Gold, meanwhile, is down 0.1% at $1,275.50 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Today's docket includes motor vehicle sales and factory orders. Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS), BP (BP), Chipotle (CMG), Aetna (AET), Arch Coal (ACI), Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Array Biopharma (ARRY), Gannett (GCI), Gilead Sciences (GILD), IAC/InterActiveCorp (IACI), Myriad Genetics (MYGN), National-Oilwell Varco (NOV), New York Times (NYT), Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO), and UPS will step into the earnings spotlight. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian markets finished mixed today. On the plus side, China's Shanghai Composite surged 2.5% thanks to a rally in financial and energy names, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.3%. Elsewhere, Japan's Nikkei retreated 1.3% on the back of a strengthening yen, while South Korea's Kospi settled with a 0.04% loss.

European markets are in rally mode at midday. Helping boost today's price action is a pop in the energy and mining sectors, with the latter up following a widely expected interest-rate cut by the Bank of Australia. Additionally, investors are taking a glass-half-full approach to a fresh round of proposals put forth by Greece's new finance minister, Yanis Varoufakis, to end the country's dispute with creditors. Against this backdrop, the French CAC 40 is up 1.2%, while the German DAX is flirting with a 1% gain and London's FTSE 100 is 1.1% higher.

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

After logging its biggest monthly drop in a year, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is poised to start February off on a strong note. In focus today will be earnings from blue chip Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) -- which is up following its fourth-quarter beat -- as well as updates on personal income and outlays, manufacturing activity, and construction spending. Additionally, crude oil should garner its fair share of attention, with futures signaling a higher start amid rumors of a potential refinery strike. Meanwhile, traders will be keeping one eye trained on Greece, as the new left-wing government looks to reverse the country's austerity program.

• Despite this biopharmaceutical stock's recent struggles, option bulls haven't relented.
• These traders are rolling the dice on a rebound for Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HPQ).
• In case you missed it, 3 stocks to keep an eye on this month.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average 2 Minute (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are 53 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.1 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 757,868 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.68, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.68.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is down 0.1% at 94.75.
• Crude oil is poised to extend Friday's upward momentum, and was last seen 0.7% higher at $48.57 per barrel.
• Gold, meanwhile, is 0.3% lower at $1,275.60 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

The first week of February kicks off with personal income and spending data, the Markit purchasing managers' manufacturing index (PMI), the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) manufacturing index, and construction spending. XOM, Advent Software (ADVS), Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF), Hartford Financial (HIG), Owens-Illinois (OI), Pitney Bowes (PBI), and Sysco (SYY) will release earnings. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Most Asian benchmarks finished lower today, following a worse-than-expected reading on Chinese manufacturing, as well as a fresh round of initial public offerings. By the close, China's Shanghai Composite was down 2.5%, Japan's Nikkei had shed 0.7%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng was off 0.1%. South Korea's Kospi managed to buck the regional bearish bias to add 0.2%, despite a drop in the country's December account surplus.

European markets are higher at midday, amid a rebound in crude oil and a batch of well-received earnings reports. At last check, the German DAX is up 0.4%, the London FTSE 100 is flirting with a 0.2% lead, while the French CAC 40 is 0.1% 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 (INDEXDJX:DJI) is primed for a drop out of the gate, as investors brace for the advance reading on fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) -- as well as a raft of other economic and earnings data. Among the companies releasing quarterly results this morning are Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) and MasterCard Inc (NYSE:MA), the latter of which topped expectations. Meanwhile, the Dow will almost certainly end January south of breakeven -- its second straight monthly loss -- which could be a sign of things to come.

• Short-term bulls upped the ante on this biopharmaceutical stock amid a management shake-up.
• United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) gave back some post-earnings gains yesterday, but call buyers are keeping the faith.
• In case you missed it, a closer look at these bearish bets on Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL).

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are roughly 77 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.1 million call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 902,777 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio jumped to 0.79, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.68.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is down 0.2% at 94.60.
• Crude oil has popped 0.8% to $44.89 per barrel.
• Gold is up 0.6% at $1,264 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Today's economic calendar includes the advance reading on fourth-quarter GDP, the employment cost index, the Chicago purchasing managers index (PMI), and the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment survey. AbbVie (ABBV), Altria Group (MO), Eli Lilly (LLY), ImmunoGen (IMGN), Ingersoll-Rand (IR), Mattel (MAT), Novo Nordisk (NVO), NuStar Energy (NS), Tyson Foods (TSN), Weyerhaeuser (WY), and Xerox (XRX) will release earnings.

Overseas Trading

Asian equities settled mostly lower, as traders digested the latest round of earnings and a small rebound in crude prices. China's Shanghai Composite dropped 1.6%, pressured by weakness among insurance firms and train makers. Hong Kong's Hang Seng followed suit, slipping 0.4%, while South Korea's Kospi edged 0.1% lower. The lone gainer was Japan's Nikkei, which tacked on 0.4%, as traders shrugged off a disappointing consumer price index reading for December.

European benchmarks are lower at midday, following data that signaled deeper deflation in January -- which overshadowed a slight retreat in December unemployment throughout the region. At last check, London's FTSE 100 is off 0.4%, the German DAX has given back 0.3%, and France's CAC 40 is 0.2% lower.

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 pointed slightly higher in pre-market trading -- attempting to find a footing after a nearly 200-point drubbing -- as traders continue to digest yesterday's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy announcement and a raft of quarterly reports. Among the biggest names on the earnings front this morning are Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA) -- which is getting hammered on underwhelming revenue data -- and Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), which topped estimates. Meanwhile, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL), and Visa Inc (NYSE:V) are among the companies divulging results this evening.

• Option bulls pounced on this solar stock amid unsubstantiated buyout rumors.
• A round of negative analyst attention pressured Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:FCX) to a fresh five-year low.
• In case you missed it, how is Facebook Inc's (NASDAQ:FB) post-earnings reaction impacting these option bulls?

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

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.2 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 830,467 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.67, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.67.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 0.2% at 94.64.
• Crude oil has gained 0.3% to trade at $44.58 per barrel.
• Gold is headed lower again, down 1.3% at $1,269.90 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Weekly jobless claims and pending home sales are slated for release today. V, AMZN, GOOGL, B/E Aerospace (BEAV), Blackstone (BX), Broadcom (BRCM), Celgene (CELG), Colgate-Palmolive (CL), ConocoPhillips (COP), Deckers Outdoor (DECK), Dow Chemical (DOW), Gigamon (GIMO), Harley-Davidson (HOG), hhgregg (HGG), InvenSense (INVN), JDS Uniphase (JDSU), JetBlue Airways (JBLU), Microchip Technology (MCHP), NetSuite (N), Nokia (NOK), Potash Corp./Saskatchewan (POT), PulteGroup (PHM), QLogic (QLGC), Ryland (RYL), Sherwin-Williams (SHW), Stanley Black & Decker (SWK), Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO), Time Warner Cable (TWC), and Viacom (VIAB) will step into the earnings confessional.

Overseas Trading

Stocks in Asia fell on a round of disappointing earnings, as well as sinking oil prices -- exacerbated by the U.S. supply glut. China's Shanghai Composite retreated 1.3% on reports that 46 financial firms will be investigated by regulators. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Hang Seng and Japan's Nikkei each shed 1.1%, with the latter getting hit by weaker-than-expected retail sales growth in December. South Korea's Kospi gave back 0.5%, as well.

European indexes are mixed, as investors digest the latest FOMC policy statement and the ongoing energy swoon. The German DAX is unchanged, following a slight decrease in this month's unemployment rate, relative to December. Elsewhere, London's FTSE 100 and France's CAC 40 are down 0.3% and up 0.3%, respectively. Also of note, a number of European officials will gather today to discuss the ongoing unrest in Ukraine.

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 set to open sharply higher, ahead of this afternoon's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy decision. The risk-on attitude is being sparked by earnings beats from Dow component Boeing Co (NYSE:BA), as well as tech heavyweight Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) -- a welcome break from yesterday's raft of weak reports, which sparked a huge sell-off. Looking ahead, Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) will divulge quarterly numbers after the close.

• A closer look at this major pre-earnings bet on GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO).
• Can Netflix, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:NFLX) positive momentum carry through week's end? These traders think so.
• This telecom issue soared on M&A rumblings, bringing option bulls to the plate.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are roughly 98 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 945,523 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 716,428 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio jumped to 0.76, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.67.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 0.1% at 94.10.
• Crude oil is down 1.5% at $45.55 per barrel.
• Gold looks ready to give back some of yesterday's gains, off 0.1% at $1,291.50 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Crude inventories and the FOMC policy announcement come out today. FB, AmerisourceBergen (ABC), Anthem (ANTM), Biogen Idec (BIIB), Cirrus Logic (CRUS), Citrix Systems (CTXS), EMC Corporation (EMC), Fiat Chrysler (FCAU), General Dynamics (GD), Hess (HES), International Game Technology (IGT), International Paper (IP), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), Meritor (MTOR), Progressive (PGR), QUALCOMM (QCOM), Steel Dynamics (STLD), T. Rowe Price (TROW), Tractor Supply (TSCO), and Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) will report earnings.

Overseas Trading

Asian markets ended mixed, as investors took a cautious approach ahead of today's Fed policy statement. China's Shanghai Composite was the biggest mover, losing 1.4% on continued worries over sagging industrial profits. Elsewhere, South Korea's Kospi tacked on 0.5%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng and Japan's Nikkei gained 0.2% each -- the latter boosted by strength among exporters.

European bourses are sitting mostly lower, with a sell-off among Greek banking stocks weighing on sentiment throughout the region. At last check, London's FTSE 100 was 0.1% south of breakeven, and France's CAC 40 has given back 0.5%. However, the German DAX is bucking the bearish trend, up 0.3%, helped by a strong consumer confidence survey.

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 sitting deep in the red this morning, as Winter Storm Juno descends on the East Coast. Also, a number of companies reported lackluster earnings and/or guidance this morning -- including Dow components Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT), Procter & Gamble Co (NYSE:PG), and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) -- creating headwinds. Looking ahead, a raft of economic data -- including durable goods orders -- will hit the Street this morning, while Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will lead a number of high-profile companies into the earnings confessional this evening.

• Why these put buyers are likely celebrating Microsoft Corporation's (NASDAQ:MSFT) latest quarterly report.
• Bullish betting accelerated on Mylan Inc (NASDAQ:MYL) yesterday, after the company expanded its partnership with Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD).
• In case you missed it, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) saw increased call buying amid unconfirmed buyout rumors.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average 2 Minute (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are roughly 217 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 865,102 call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 568,997 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio edged down to 0.66, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.66.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index has dipped 0.2% at 94.62.
• Crude oil is off 0.1% at $45.09 per barrel.
• Gold appears ready to rebound, up 0.1% at $1,281.80 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Today's packed docket includes durable goods orders, the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index, new home sales, and the consumer confidence index. Additionally, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will begin its two-day policy setting meeting. 3M (MMM), AT&T (T), CAT, DuPont (DD), PFE, PG, United Technologies (UTX), AAPL, Yahoo (YHOO), AK Steel (AKS), American Airlines (AAL), Amgen (AMGN), Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY), Coach (COH), Corning (GLW), Electronic Arts (EA), Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), Illumina (ILMN), Juniper Networks (JNPR), Lockheed Martin (LMT), Novartis AG (NVS), Peabody Energy (BTU), U.S. Steel (X), VMware (VMW), and Western Digital (WDC) will step into the earnings spotlight.

Overseas Trading

Asian bourses were split, as traders digested Greece's future in the eurozone and strength in U.S. equities. Japan's Nikkei soared, tacking on 1.7%, helped by a softer yen. Also finishing higher was South Korea's Kospi, which added 0.9%. However, Hong Kong's Hang Seng gave back 0.4%, taking its cue from China's Shanghai Composite -- which dropped 0.9% on news that industrial profits tumbled 8% year-over-year.

Stocks in Europe are pointed lower amid ongoing consternation over Greece's snap election results and a round of disappointing earnings. At midday, London's FTSE 100 is down 0.4% on a worse-than-anticipated gross domestic product (GDP) flash reading. Meanwhile, Germany's DAX and France's CAC 40 are 1.2% and 1.1% lower, 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 sitting solidly lower this morning, after the left-wing Syriza party -- which rejects the austerity measures imposed by foreign lenders during a recent financial bailout -- won Greece's general election yesterday. On the home front, the Dallas Fed's manufacturing survey is due out today. Meanwhile, traders are eagerly awaiting post-close earnings from Dow component Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), as well as semiconductor issue Texas Instruments Incorporated (NASDAQ:TXN).

• An encouraging sign for short-term bulls, courtesy of Schaeffer's Senior VP of Research Todd Salamone.
• Well-received drug news sent option bulls scrambling to Array Biopharma Inc (NASDAQ:ARRY) and GlaxoSmithKline plc (ADR) (NYSE:GSK).
• In case you missed it, 3 uplifting developments for Expedia Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE) call buyers.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average 2 Minute (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are roughly 42 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 995,244 call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 695,310 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio jumped to 0.70, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.66.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 0.2% at 94.97.
• Crude oil is 0.4% lower at $45.42 per barrel.
• Gold is poised to retreat further from the $1,300 level, down 0.7% at $1,283.10 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

The Dallas Fed's manufacturing survey will kick off the week. MSFT, Ashland (ASH), D.R. Horton (DHI), Seagate Technology (STX), TXN, and Zions Bancorporation (ZION) will release earnings.

Overseas Trading

Asian stocks finished mixed, following Greece's election results. China's Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 1% and 0.2%, respectively. However, Japan's Nikkei gave back 0.3%, despite news that December imports rose by a larger-than-anticipated margin on a year-over-year basis. South Korea's Kospi was down fractionally, with Kia Motors dropping 6% on disappointing fourth-quarter guidance.

European benchmarks are also mixed on the Syriza party's win, and amid news the European Union will host an emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. At midday, London's FTSE 100 is 0.2% lower, while the French CAC 40 and German DAX are up 0.3% and 0.8%, 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 extend yesterday's central bank-related rally, with futures pointed higher this morning. Sparking the risk-on attitude is Thursday's massive stimulus announcement from the European Central Bank (ECB), which sent the Dow to a 260-point gain. The blue-chip barometer is now on pace to notch its first weekly win of the year. Also in focus today will be the latest round of quarterly earnings reports -- with General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) and McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) among the many names unveiling their results -- as well as an update on existing home sales.

• The upside potential of these 3 notable names.
• Is sentiment shifting toward this rebounding gold stock?
• In case you missed it, your go-to guide on the ins and outs of put buying.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are 24 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.1 million call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 649,877 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.58, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.65.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 1.3% at 95.28.
• Crude oil is 0.3% higher at $46.44 per barrel.
• Gold, meanwhile, is poised to test its footing atop the $1,300 mark, and was last seen 0.3% lower at $1,296.70 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Today's economic calendar includes the existing home sales report and the Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators. GE, MCD, Bank of New York Mellon (BK), Honeywell (HON), Kimberly-Clark (KMB), and Rockwell Collins (COL) will release their earnings data.

Overseas Trading

Asian benchmarks followed their U.S. counterparts into the green today, as traders cheered the ECB's massive stimulus program. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng rallied 1.3% amid well-received M&A news, while Japan's Nikkei tacked on 1.1%, and South Korea's Kospi jumped 0.8%, despite a worse-than-expected reading on fourth-quarter gross domestic product. China's Shanghai Composite, meanwhile, added 0.3%, following a stronger-than-forecast HSBC flash purchasing managers index.

Markets in Europe are extending their ECB-related gains, with a better-than-expected report on eurozone business activity helping to buoy investor sentiment. Looking ahead, traders will be keeping a close eye on Greece, which is scheduled to hold a snap election for a new parliament on Sunday. At last check, the French CAC 40 is up 2.5%, the German DAX is 2.3% higher, and London's FTSE 100 is flirting with a 0.4% lead.

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 for a fourth straight day of gains, with futures pointed solidly higher this morning. Stoking the bullish flames is hope that European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi will unveil a fresh round of stimulus measures at today's press conference -- and if yesterday's reports are accurate, it could be massive. Ahead of this highly anticipated event, the central bank announced no change to its key interest rate.

Back on the homefront, there will be plenty to hold investors' attention. On the economic front, weekly jobless claims and the holiday-delayed crude inventories report will be released. Additionally, a slew of companies reported quarterly earnings, including American Express Company (NYSE:AXP), eBay Inc (NASDAQ:EBAY), and F5 Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:FFIV).

• Bullish betting is running hot on rebounding Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA).
• Brean Capital took different routes on commodity concerns Cliffs Natural Resources Inc (NYSE:CLF) and Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:FCX).
• How Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) wooed Wall Street.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are nearly 81 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 865,632 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 519,089 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.60, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.65.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is 0.4% lower at 92.53.
• Crude oil is on pace to add to Wednesday's gains, and was last seen up 2% at $48.74 per barrel.
• Gold, meanwhile, is eyeing a second straight day of losses, down 0.8% at $1,282.80 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Weekly jobless claims and crude inventories come out today. Verizon (VZ), Travelers (TRV), Starbucks (SBUX), Alaska Air Group (ALK), Altera (ALTR), Capital One Financial (COF), Covidien (COV), Cypress Semiconductor (CY), E*TRADE Financial (ETFC), Fairchild Semiconductor (FCS), Huntington (HBAN), Intuitive Surgical (ISRG), Janus Capital (JNS), Johnson Controls (JCI), KeyCorp (KEY), Southwest Airlines (LUV), Skyworks Solutions (SWKS), Travelzoo (TZOO), United Continental Holdings (UAL), and Union Pacific Corp (UNP) will step into the earnings spotlight.

Overseas Trading

Asian markets finished mostly higher today, amid expectations the ECB will announce a massive stimulus package today. In China, the Shanghai Composite closed up 0.6% after the People's Bank of China executed its first reverse-repurchase program in 12 months. Elsewhere, Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.7%, while Japan's Nikkei tacked on 0.3% on the back of a cooling yen. South Korea's Kospi, however, was unable to hold on to early gains, and settled slightly below breakeven.

European benchmarks are mixed at midday, as traders digest the latest policy decision from the ECB. As expected, the central bank left its key interest rate unchanged. All eyes will now turn to an upcoming press conference from ECB President Mario Draghi for clues on a potential bond-buying program. At last check, London's FTSE 100 is up 0.5%, the German DAX is down 0.2%, while the French CAC 40 is flirting with a 0.1% loss.

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 erase Tuesday's modest gains, as discouraging comments from a European Central Bank (ECB) governing council member weigh on investor sentiment. Specifically, Ewald Nowotny said speculators "should not get overexcited" about tomorrow's meeting, where the central bank is expected to unveil a new bond-buying program.

Back on the homefront, the housing sector will be in focus, with an update on housing starts and building permits due out this morning. Traders will also be reacting to a number of blue-chip earnings, including reports from IBM Corp. (NYSE:IBM) and UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH).

• A fourth-quarter profit miss should have Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) option traders cheering.
• Wall Street took a bitter pill on the struggles facing forex-sensitive stocks FXCM Inc (NYSE:FXCM) and Yandex NV (NASDAQ:YNDX).
• Why more downside could be ahead for this media mogul.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average 2 Minute (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 70 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 942,491 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 578,526 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.61, while the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.64.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is down 0.4% at 92.72.
• Crude oil is looking to bounce back from Tuesday's sharp loss, and was last seen 0.5% higher at $46.72 per barrel.
• Gold, meanwhile, is poised for an eighth straight day of gains -- and a test of the round-number $1,300 mark -- up 0.4% at $1,299.80 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

The report on housing starts and building permits comes out today. American Express (AXP), UNH, eBay (EBAY), TD Ameritrade (AMTD), Discover Financial (DFS), F5 Networks (FFIV), Fifth Third (FITB), Kinder Morgan (KMI), Logitech (LOGI), Northern Trust (NTRS), Sallie Mae (SLM), SanDisk (SNDK), United Rentals (URI), U.S. Bancorp (USB), and Xilinx (XLNX) will report their earnings data.

Overseas Trading

Most Asian markets settled higher today, as optimism builds ahead of tomorrow's policy decision from the ECB. China's Shanghai Composite soared 4.7% amid a rally in brokerage names, Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 1.7%, and South Korea's Kospi tacked on 0.2%. Japan's Nikkei sat out the regional bullish bias, shedding 0.5% as the yen strengthened after the Bank of Japan chose to keep its current stimulus program intact.

European benchmarks are mixed ahead of tomorrow's highly anticipated ECB meeting. At last check, London's FTSE 100 is up 0.6%, after the country's unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in more than six years, while the French CAC 40 and the German DAX are down a respective 0.5% and 0.4%.

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