Earnings Season Highlights

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A collection of noteworthy post-earnings reactions
Published on Feb 19, 2015 at 8:36 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is pointed lower ahead of the bell, after Germany threw a wet blanket on an initial bailout celebration. Specifically, it was confirmed that Greece requested an extension to its loan agreement with European creditors, but reports hit the Street that Germany wasn't impressed, rejecting the proposal. Also weighing on futures is a report from the American Petroleum Institute (API), which pointed to a bigger-than-expected spike in domestic oil stockpiles -- sending crude futures back to the $50-per-barrel marker ahead of today's holiday-delayed inventories update from the government.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are about 25 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 971,501 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 562,922 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio remained at 0.58, while the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.65.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is up 0.2% at 94.34.
  • Crude oil is poised to extend yesterday's drop, down 3.8% at $50.80 per barrel.
  • Gold, meanwhile, is up 1.6% at $1,219 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

Crude inventories, weekly jobless claims, the Markit purchasing managers manufacturing index (PMI), and the Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey are slated for release today. Wal-Mart (WMT), Ariad Pharmaceuticals (ARIA), Brocade Communications (BRCD), Century Aluminum (CENX), Community Health Systems (CYH), DIRECTV (DTV), Eldorado Gold (EGO), Frontier Communications (FTR), Goldcorp (GG), Hormel Foods (HRL), IMAX (IMAX), InterDigital (IDCC), Intuit (INTU), Linn Energy (LINE), Marvell (MRVL), Newmont Mining (NEM), Noble Energy (NBL), Nordstrom (JWN), Pan American Silver (PAAS), Priceline (PCLN), Rocket Fuel (FUEL), Silver Standard (SSRI), and Vanda Pharmaceuticals (VNDA) will step into the earnings confessional. To see what's coming up on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Japan's Nikkei notched a 15-year high before settling on a 0.4% gain, as traders reacted to the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) meeting minutes and encouraging export data. Markets in Hong Kong, China, and South Korea were closed for the Lunar New Year.

European markets are mixed at midday, as speculators absorb the latest headlines on Greece. While it was confirmed that the cash-strapped country requested a six-month extension to its loan agreement with eurozone creditors, reports have emerged that Germany has rejected the request, arguing it's "not a substantial proposal for a solution." At last check, London's FTSE 100 and Germany's DAX were both 0.1% lower, while France's CAC 40 was up 0.3%.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

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

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Feb 18, 2015 at 8:36 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

After eking out a win on Tuesday -- and finishing a second straight day north of 18,000 -- the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is poised for a breather this morning. However, there are plenty of market-moving events on the day's docket, including Greece's formal submission for a loan extension and the minutes from the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. Also slated for release today are reports on housing starts, inflation, and industrial production.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average 2 Minute (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are about 20 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1 million call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 586,234 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.58, while the 21-day moving average fell to 0.65.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is up 0.2% at 94.28.
  • Crude oil is poised to snap its recent winning streak, down 1.9% at $53.25 per barrel.
  • Gold, meanwhile, is off 0.2% at $1,205.90 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

Housing starts, industrial production data, January's producer price index (PPI) and core PPI, and the FOMC's meeting minutes come out today. Actavis (ACT), Angie's List (ANGI), Avis Budget (CAR), Barrick Gold (ABX), BioCryst Pharmaceuticals (BCRX), Denny's (DENN), Fluor (FLR), Garmin (GRMN), Hecla Mining (HL), Huntsman (HUN), Intrepid Potash (IPI), Key Energy Services (KEG), Marathon Oil (MRO), Marriott (MAR), Pharmacyclics (PCYC), SolarCity (SCTY), SunEdison (SUNE), Sunoco (SUN), Virgin America (VA), Williams Companies (WMB), and Yandex N.V. (YNDX) will report earnings. To see what's coming up on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

A record-setting day on Wall Street translated into gains for Asian benchmarks. Japan's Nikkei rallied 1.2%, amid a cooling yen and news the Bank of Japan stood pat on its current monetary policy, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng tacked on 0.2%. Markets in Shanghai and South Korea were shuttered for the Lunar New Year.

European markets are mostly higher at midday, thanks to a round of well-received earnings reports. Meanwhile, traders are keeping a cautious eye trained on Greece, which will submit a loan-extension request later today. At last check, the French CAC 40 is up 0.9%, while the German DAX is enjoying a 0.5% lead. Elsewhere, London's FTSE 100 is fractionally lower, despite a drop in the country's unemployment rate.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

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

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Feb 17, 2015 at 8:30 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is sticking close to the flatline this morning, as traders digest the latest developments in the Greek bailout saga. Specifically, negotiations between the fiscally strapped country and eurozone finance ministers were halted on Monday after Greece's government declined a six-month extension to the current bailout program. A new meeting is expected to be scheduled for Friday.

Back on the homefront, traders will return from the long holiday weekend to updates on regional manufacturing and housing. Additionally, Philadelphia Fed President Charles Plosser is scheduled to speak at 12:45 p.m. ET.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are about 3 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.3 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 739,576 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio edged up to 0.56, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.66.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is down 0.3% at 93.96.
  • Crude oil is poised to add to last week's gains, up 0.1% at $53.70 per barrel.
  • Gold, meanwhile, is 0.5% lower at $1,220.70 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

Today's docket includes the Empire State manufacturing survey, Treasury International Capital (TIC) data, and the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) housing market index. Agilent (A), Agios Pharmaceuticals (AGIO), CF Industries (CF), Devon Energy (DVN), Fossil (FOSL), Goodyear Tire (GT), Jack in the Box (JACK), La-Z-Boy (LZB), Medtronic (MDT), MGM Resorts (MGM), Momenta Pharmaceuticals (MNTA), Rackspace (RAX), Walter Energy (WLT), Waste Management (WM), and Wolverine Worldwide (WWW) will step into the earnings spotlight. To see what's coming up on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Minus cues from Wall Street and amid a low-volume session, Asian markets settled mostly higher today. In China, the Shanghai Composite tacked on 0.8%, thanks to a rally in property stocks, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng and South Korea's Kospi each added 0.2%. Elsewhere, Japan's Nikkei shed 0.1%, due to a strengthening yen.

Most European benchmarks are in the green at midday, boosted by strength in the resources sector. On the data front, U.K.'s consumer price index hit its lowest level on record, pulling the country closer to deflation, while economic sentiment in Germany edged higher in January. At last check, London's FTSE 100 is up 0.3%, the French CAC 40 is 0.2% higher, while the German DAX is off 0.1%.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

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

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Feb 13, 2015 at 8:38 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is modestly higher ahead of the bell, still benefiting from yesterday's ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine -- which continues to prop up a rebound in energy prices, as well. Also encouraging a risk-on attitude among investors is news that Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has agreed to meet with representatives from the troika of international lenders to discuss the nation's debt problems, with government spokesman Gabriel Sakellaridis telling reporters the country will "do whatever we can so that a deal is found on Monday." In addition, traders are digesting positive economic growth results out of the eurozone. Back on the home front, the week's economic calendar closes out with import and export prices, as well as the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are nearly 27 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.3 million call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 720,993 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.55, while the 21-day moving average edged down to 0.66.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is up 0.1% at 94.23.
  • Crude oil is 1.3% higher at $52.83 per barrel.
  • Meanwhile, gold has tacked on 0.3% to trade at $1,224.60 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

Today's economic calendar includes import and export prices, as well as the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey. Exelon (EXC), J.M. Smucker (SJM), Red Robin Gourmet (RRGB), and Restaurant Brands International (QSR) will release earnings. To see what's on next week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian benchmarks ended mostly higher, helped by yesterday's news of a ceasefire between Ukraine and separatist rebels, and word that Greece is willing to compromise over its debt situation. China's Shanghai Composite added 1%, led by strength in property developers and financial names. Elsewhere, Hong Kong's Hang Seng and South Korea's Kospi popped 1.1% and 0.8%, respectively. However, Japan's Nikkei slid 0.4% on a stronger yen, which pressured exporters.

European stocks are solidly higher at midday, following a better-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) reading for the eurozone, and encouraging developments out of Ukraine and Greece. Germany's DAX raced to a record high after the nation's own GDP topped estimates, and was last seen 0.5% higher. Meanwhile, London's FTSE 100 and France's CAC 40 are both up 0.6%.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

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

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Feb 12, 2015 at 8:30 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is signaling a fast start this morning, as news of a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire overshadows yesterday's meeting of eurozone finance ministers, which failed to produce a resolution to the Greek debt crisis. Also promising to help the index is an earnings beat from blue chip Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO), which is pointed nearly 7% higher ahead of the bell. Looking ahead, a number of key companies are scheduled to report after the close -- including Groupon Inc (NASDAQ:GRPN) -- while weekly jobless claims and retail sales highlight the day's economic calendar.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are nearly 90 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.05 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 658,556 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio slipped to 0.63, while the 21-day moving average edged down to 0.67.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is down 0.3% at 94.67.
  • Crude oil has jumped 2.8% at $51.18 per barrel.
  • Meanwhile, gold is up 0.3% to trade at $1,222.60 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

Weekly jobless claims, December business inventories, and January retail sales are slated for release today. GRPN, Zynga (ZNGA), Alpha Natural Resources (ANR), American International Group (AIG), Apache (APA), Avon Products (AVP), Boyd Gaming (BYD), CBS (CBS), Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE), Cyberark Software (CYBR), Dr Pepper Snapple (DPS), Himax Technologies (HIMX), Hospira (HSP), Kellogg (K), King Digital Entertainment (KING), Kraft Foods (KRFT), Manchester United (MANU), Melco Crown Entertainment (MPEL), Pinnacle Entertainment (PNK), Qlik Technologies (QLIK), Radian Group (RDN), Shire plc (SHPG), Shutterfly (SFLY), and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) will step into the earnings confessional. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Stocks in Asia finished mostly higher, despite the impasse in negotiations between Greece and its creditors, as well as a pullback in oil prices. Japan's Nikkei led the gainers after being closed on Wednesday, adding 1.9% on encouraging machinery orders data for December as well as a weaker yen. The Shanghai Composite tacked on 0.5% as the People's Bank of China injected cash into the market, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.4%. However, South Korea's Kospi dipped 0.2%, hurt by weakness among energy stocks.

European benchmarks are higher around midday, after Ukraine and Russia struck a ceasefire agreement -- with Russian President Vladimir Putin committing to the removal of heavy artillery from the disputed territory. This positive news overshadowed the inability of eurozone finance ministers to reach a bailout agreement with Greece. London's FTSE 100 is up less than 0.1%, with the Bank of England indicating there won't be an interest rate hike in 2015. Elsewhere, the French CAC 40 and German DAX are up 0.9% and 1.6%, respectively.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

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

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Feb 11, 2015 at 8:25 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is bracing for a drop out of the gate, ahead of this morning's much awaited meeting of European finance ministers -- including Greece's Yanis Varoufakis, who is expected to offer new reform proposals in an attempt to gain the support of creditors. On the domestic front, while it's a relatively light session for economic data, a number of big names will head to the earnings confessional -- including blue chip Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) and electric automaker Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), which both report after the close.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are nearly 53 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 897,029 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 590,045 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.66, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.68.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is fractionally higher at 94.78.
  • Crude oil is up 0.1% at $50.07 per barrel.
  • Meanwhile, gold has added 0.4% to trade at $1,237.10 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

The Energy Information Administration's (EIA) weekly petroleum status report and the Treasury budget come out today. CSCO, TSLA, Baidu.com (BIDU), AOL (AOL), Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM), Applied Materials (AMAT), ARM Holdings (ARMH), Cheesecake Factory (CAKE), FireEye (FEYE), Lorillard (LO), MetLife (MET), Mosaic (MOS), NetApp (NTAP), NVIDIA (NVDA), Owens Corning (OC), Panera Bread (PNRA), PepsiCo (PEP), Select Comfort (SCSS), Tesoro (TSO), Time Warner (TWX), TripAdvisor (TRIP), Whole Foods (WFM), Yamana Gold (AUY), and Zulily (ZU) will report earnings. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian equities settled mixed, as traders digested the latest drop in oil prices and braced for today's meeting of eurozone finance ministers. China's Shanghai Composite and South Korea's Kospi each added 0.5% -- with the former helped by a vow to support economic growth from the People's Bank of China. However, Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 0.9%. Japan's Nikkei was shuttered for holiday.

European markets are south of the flatline around midday, as jitters rise ahead of the aforementioned gathering of finance ministers. The German DAX has dipped 0.2%, London's FTSE 100 is off 0.4%, and the French CAC 40 has given back 0.5%.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

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

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Feb 10, 2015 at 8:20 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is pointed sharply higher ahead of the open, aided by rumors of a potential six-month extension for Greece's bailout program. Also promising to help the Dow recover from yesterday's nearly triple-digit loss are better-than-anticipated quarterly results from blue chip The Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO). In terms of economic data, today's session will be relatively light, highlighted by the Labor Department's Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and a speech from Richmond Fed President Jeffrey Lacker.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are nearly 99 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 812,519 call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 611,411 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.75, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.68.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index has added 0.2% at 94.66.
  • Crude oil is down 0.9% at $52.39 per barrel.
  • Elsewhere, gold has slipped 0.4% to trade at $1,236.90 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

Today's docket includes the Labor Department's JOLTS. Akamai Technologies (AKAM), Blue Nile (NILE), CVS Health (CVS), Dean Foods (DF), Genworth Financial (GNW), Kinross Gold (KGC), LifeLock (LOCK), Molson Coors Brewing (TAP), Monster Worldwide (MWW), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN), RetailMeNot (SALE), Reynolds American (RAI), Seattle Genetics (SGEN), SouFun Holdings (SFUN), Spirit Airlines (SAVE), Starwood Hotels (HOT), Talisman Energy (TLM), and Western Union (WU) will step into the earnings spotlight. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Stocks in Asia settled mixed, following China's weaker-than-expected inflation data for January, and amid ongoing concerns about Greece's debt situation. Japan's Nikkei gave back 0.3% as the yen strengthened, while South Korea's Kospi dropped 0.6% as retailers pulled back on disappointing department store sales. Conversely, China's Shanghai Composite popped 1.5% as the aforementioned inflation data raised expectations for additional stimulus measures. Lastly, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was virtually unchanged.

European bourses are mostly higher around midday, amid rumors the European Commission could extend Greece's bailout program for six months -- and ahead of tomorrow's emergency meeting of eurozone finance ministers in Brussels. At last check, the German DAX and French CAC 40 are up 0.8% and 1.2%, respectively. London's FTSE 100 is down 0.1%.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

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

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Feb 9, 2015 at 8:24 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is bracing for a drop out of the gate, as terms for Greece's bailout remain unresolved. In fact, Greek bonds tumbled following a speech by the country's new Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who recommitted himself to ending austerity measures previously imposed by the European Union. On the domestic front, traders remain concerned about a potential interest rate hike, following last Friday's strong payrolls report. Also, while no economic data is slated for release today, toymaker Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS) reported an earnings beat earlier, as well as an additional $500 million in share buyback authorization.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are about 56 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.21 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 834,697 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio jumped to 0.69, while the 21-day moving average held steady at 0.67.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is slightly higher at 94.66.
  • Crude oil appears ready to sustain its upward momentum after the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cut its forecast for 2015 non-OPEC global oil-supply growth, up 2.1% at $52.79 per barrel.
  • Elsewhere, gold has tacked on 0.3% to trade at $1,238.80 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

There are no notable economic reports today. On the earnings side of the coin, AMAG Pharma (AMAG), Computer Sciences (CSC), Coupons.com (COUP), Loews Corporation (L), NetEase.com (NTES), Neurocrine Biosciences (NBIX), Randgold Resources (GOLD), Sohu.com (SOHU), and Tidewater (TDW) will report. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian bourses finished mixed, as traders digested weakness among U.S. stocks last Friday, as well as a record trade surplus in China. The latter resulted from a surprising fall in mainland exports, and a much larger-than-expected drop in imports. China's Shanghai Composite muscled 0.6% higher amid the launch of the nation's first stock options, while Japan's Nikkei added 0.4%, thanks to a sixth straight current account surplus in December. On the flip side, Hong Kong's Hang Seng and South Korea's Kospi slipped 0.6% and 0.4%, respectively.

European equities are lower at midday, as violence in Ukraine escalates and terms of a Greek bailout continue to elude negotiators. At last check, London's FTSE 100 is down 0.7%, the French CAC 40 is off 1.1%, and Frankfurt's DAX is 1.4% lower.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

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

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Feb 6, 2015 at 8:20 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) are little changed, as traders await direction from this morning's nonfarm payrolls report. Economists are expecting the U.S. to have added 230,000 jobs last month, the unemployment rate to remain unchanged, and wage growth to edge 0.3% higher. However, thanks to several big moves this week, the blue-chip barometer is on pace to notch a solid week-over-week gain.

Also in focus today will be an early afternoon speech from Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart -- a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee -- as well as earnings reports from Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR), GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO), and Pandora Media Inc (NYSE:P). The former is solidly higher in electronic trading following its results, while the latter two are bracing for steep post-earnings plunges.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

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

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.02 million call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 679,280 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio jumped to 0.66, while the 21-day moving average moved up to 0.67.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

Currencies and Commodities

  • The U.S. dollar index is little changed at 93.60.
  • Crude oil is poised to extend its lead over the half-century mark, last seen up 3.1% at $52.03 per barrel.
  • Elsewhere, gold is 0.1% higher at $1,264.50 per ounce.
Currencies and commodities

Earnings and Economic Data

The highly anticipated nonfarm payrolls report comes out today. Alcatel-Lucent (ALU), CBOE Holdings (CBOE), Madison Square Garden (MSG), and Moody's (MCO) will release earnings.

Overseas Trading

It was a mixed finish in Asia, as caution set in regarding today's nonfarm payrolls report, as well as the future of Greece's bailout program. In Japan, the Nikkei rallied 0.8% amid a raft of well-received earnings reports, while South Korea's Kospi tacked on 0.1%. China's Shanghai Composite, meanwhile, plunged 1.9%, as next week's round of initial public offerings stoked anxiety over market liquidity. Elsewhere, Hong Kong's Hang Seng gave back 0.4%.

European benchmarks are lower at midday, as tension builds between Germany and Greece over a debt deal for the latter. At last check, the German DAX is off 0.6%, the French CAC 40 is down 0.3%, and London's FTSE 100 is flirting with a 0.2% loss.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

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

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Feb 5, 2015 at 8:24 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

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.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are roughly 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.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

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.
Currencies and commodities

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.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

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

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

Published on Feb 4, 2015 at 8:26 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

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.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 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.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

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.
Currencies and commodities

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.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

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

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

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

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.

And now, on to the numbers...

Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P and Nasdaq futures

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are 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.

NYSE and Nasdaq summary

Volatility indices

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.
Currencies and commodities

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.

Overseas markets

Unusual Put and Call Activity:

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

Unusual options activity - puts

Unusual options activity - calls

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