The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is positioned to open slightly lower, amid concerns over Greece's presidential election. Specifically, the European nation failed to identify a new head of state during third-round elections, pressuring the country's benchmark index nearly 11% south of breakeven at its intraday low. This pre-market action threatens to snap the Dow's seven-session win streak. Looking ahead, trading should continue to be light throughout this holiday-shortened week, with little in the way of earnings or economic data. Today, however, the Dallas Fed manufacturing survey is due out at 10:30 a.m. ET.

• Pessimism surrounds 3-D printing stocks Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) and 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD), despite Friday's sector-wide rally.
• Option traders continued buying QUALCOMM, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) calls, anticipating post-earnings upside in early 2015.
• In case you missed it, a rundown of the biggest IPOs in 2014, and what to look for in the year ahead.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are nearly 23 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 764,179 call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 421,432 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.55, while the 21-day moving average edged down to 0.64.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is down 0.1% at 89.95.
• Crude oil has jumped 1.3% at $55.42 per barrel.
• Gold has slipped 0.3% at $1,192.20 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

New Year's week kicks off with the Dallas Fed manufacturing survey. There are no notable earnings on tap.

Overseas Trading

Asian stocks ended mixed, with a possible Ebola infection in Tokyo dominating headlines. As a result, Japan's Nikkei -- which gained earlier in the session on an approved $29 billion stimulus package -- closed 0.5% lower. Elsewhere, China's Shanghai Composite gained 0.4% and hit a four-year intraday high, amid a rule change for loan-to-deposit ratios from the People's Bank of China. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Hang Seng popped 1.8%, and South Korea's Kospi dropped 1%.

European bourses are mostly lower, as political uncertainty surrounding Greece's presidential election weighs on sentiment. France's CAC 40 and Germany's DAX are off 0.4% and 0.7%, respectively, while London's FTSE 100 is up a modest 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 (INDEXDJX:DJI) is pointed higher, putting the blue-chip index on pace for its seventh consecutive daily win. While there is nothing to expect today in the way of earnings reports or economic data, traders may want to watch retail stocks, after the International Council of Shopping Centers reported the best holiday season sales growth since 2011. Elsewhere, Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is in focus, as investors await news regarding an upgrade to the automaker's Roadster model.

• A multi-year high for Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) brought these option bulls to the table.
• 5 ways Electronic Arts Inc.'s (NASDAQ:EA) Madden Mobile can help long-suffering football fans.
• In case you missed it, tread cautiously on these 2 sectors in early 2015.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average 2 Minute (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are nearly 58 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 465,330 call contracts traded in Wednesday's holiday-shortened session, compared to 279,144 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.60, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.65.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 0.1% at 89.98.
• Crude oil has tacked on 0.9% at $56.36 per barrel.
• Gold has popped 2% at $1,196.40 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Today's economic and earnings calendars are empty.

Overseas Trading

Asian bourses mostly rose in light post-Christmas trading, despite Japan posting an unexpected drop in industrial output and its fourth straight monthly decline in inflation. At the close, Japan's Nikkei was up 0.06%. Elsewhere, China's Shanghai Composite soared 2.8%, with financial stocks advancing following news that authorities will ease liquidity requirements for banks. Meanwhile, South Korea's Kospi added 0.1%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng remained shuttered.

Most European benchmarks are closed today due to the Christmas holiday.

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 looking to build off of yesterday's first-ever close north of 18,000, with futures pointed solidly higher ahead of the holiday-shortened session. While markets will close at 1 p.m. ET and activity is expected to be light, traders are looking forward to latest report on jobless claims and crude inventories. However, the earnings docket is bare.

• How traders responded to the GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO) rally.
• AbbVie Inc's (NYSE:ABBV) exclusive deal with Express Scripts Holding Company (NASDAQ:ESRX) took its toll on a number of pharmaceutical stocks.
• Traders are split on these 2 names, which have been positively and negatively impacted by falling crude prices.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average 2 Minute (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are nearly 44 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.12 million call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 582,043 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.52, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.64.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is down 0.2% at 89.89.
• Crude oil is sliding, off 2.3% at $55.80 per barrel.
• Gold is 0.1% lower at $1,177.30 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

With markets shuttered tomorrow for the holiday, weekly jobless claims will come out this morning. Also set for release is the regularly scheduled crude inventories update. Markets will close at 1 p.m. ET for Christmas Eve. There are no major earnings reports on the docket.

Overseas Trading

Asian benchmarks ended mostly higher, with traders encouraged by yesterday's strong third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) reading out of the U.S. Japan's Nikkei popped 1.2% on strength in the automotive sector, following Tuesday's holiday closure. South Korea's Kospi and Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.4% and 0.1%, respectively. The lone decliner was the Shanghai Composite, which gave back nearly 2% as financial stocks retreated.

Stocks in Europe closed the shortened session mixed on low volume, with little in the way of news. London's FTSE 100 was up 0.2% and France's CAC 40 retreated 0.3%, while Germany's DAX was closed for an early start to the Christmas holiday.

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 higher following last night's historic close. Meanwhile, traders are awaiting a raft of economic data ahead of the bell, including durable goods orders, the latest gross domestic product (GDP) reading, and personal income and spending. On the earnings front, Walgreen Company (NYSE:WAG) reported better-than-expected fiscal first-quarter results.

• The technical level Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) bulls should be watching.
• 3 outperforming equities with low-priced options.
• A steep plunge in natural gas names didn't stop option traders from setting a short-term floor for this sector component.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average 2 Minute (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are roughly 50 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.17 million call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 575,930 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.49, while the 21-day moving average edged lower to 0.64.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 0.1% at 89.83.
• Crude oil is rebounding, up 1.5% at $56.07 per barrel.
• Gold is off 0.1% at $1,178.40 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Durable goods, the final reading on third-quarter GDP, personal income and spending, the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index, and new home sales are all scheduled for release today. Cal-Maine (CALM), CalAmp (CAMP), WAG, Piedmont Natural Gas (PNY), and China Finance Online (JRJC) will step into the earnings confessional.

Overseas Trading

Asian stocks settled lower, as sinking oil prices raised investor fears. The Shanghai Composite plunged 3% -- with PetroChina and Sinopec leading the way with losses of 5.6% and 4.9%, respectively -- amid news of a government investigation into stock-price manipulation. Elsewhere, South Korea's Kospi edged 0.2% lower, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 0.3%, with Dalian Wanda Commercial Properties shedding 7.8% in its public debut. Japan's Nikkei was shuttered for the Emperor's Birthday.

European indexes are trading in the green around midday, with London's FTSE 100 up 0.4% following some key brand acquisitions for consumer goods giant Unilever. Meanwhile, Frankfurt's DAX has tacked on 0.3%, while the French CAC 40 has rallied 0.7%, as the nation's third-quarter GDP was in line with estimates.

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

After a strong showing last week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is headed higher once again. Although it's expected to be a low-volume session due to the holiday-shortened week, there's plenty on the corporate front to hold investors' attention. Specifically, the biopharmaceutical sector should be in focus today, following fundamental developments for Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:CBST), AbbVie Inc (NYSE:ABBV), and Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD).

• A lesson in the importance of CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) open interest, courtesy of Schaeffer's Senior VP of Research Todd Salamone.
• Analysts at Citigroup think a rally to record highs is on the horizon for Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB).
• Option bears are eyeing more downside for this retailer, following Friday's post-earnings collapse.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 78 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.43 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 835,661 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio edged up to 0.59, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.65.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is down 0.1% at 89.49.
• Crude oil is ready to resume its recent downtrend, and was last seen 1.1% lower at $56.51 per barrel.
• Gold, meanwhile, is little changed to trade at $1,196.20 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

The holiday week kicks off with existing home sales. There are no notable earnings on tap.

Overseas Trading

Asian markets extended last week's Fed-induced rally, as a continued bounce in crude oil helped boost investor sentiment. In China, the Shanghai Composite tagged a nearly four-year high before settling with a 0.7% gain, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 1.3%. Elsewhere, South Korea's Kospi tacked on 0.7%, despite downwardly revised 2014 and 2015 growth forecasts, while Japan's Nikkei rose 0.1%.

A rebound in energy stocks has European benchmarks higher at midday. Additionally, traders appear to be taking a glass-half-full approach ahead of today's release of a flash reading on eurozone consumer confidence, as well as the Bank of England's (BoE) minutes from its latest policy-setting meeting. At last check, the German DAX is up 1%, while London's FTSE 100 and the French CAC 40 are flirting with 0.8% leads.

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 its Fed-induced momentum into a third straight session, with futures pointed solidly higher ahead of the bell. What's more, the blue-chip barometer is easily on pace to resume its slate of weekly wins, and is already up 2.9% from last Friday's close. Although today's economic calendar is void, it is quadruple-witching expiration, which should create some increased volatility. Additionally, speeches from Chicago Fed President Charles Evans and Richmond Fed President Jeffrey Lacker should garner some attention.

• Is triple-digit territory on the horizon for this biopharmaceutical firm? One brokerage firm certainly thinks so.
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• In case you missed it, 2 first-quarter sector standouts to keep on your watch list.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are nearly 82 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.20 million call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 691,629 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio plunged to 0.58, while the 21-day moving average moved up to 0.65.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 0.1% at 89.34.
• Crude oil is poised to bounce back, up 2% at $55.44 per barrel.
• Gold, meanwhile, is 0.2% higher at $1,196.80 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

There are no notable economic reports today. BlackBerry (BBRY), CarMax (KMX), Finish Line (FINL), and Paychex (PAYX) will step into the earnings spotlight.

Overseas Trading

Asian markets rallied in the wake of a big win on Wall Street. In Japan, the Nikkei soared 2.4% -- its best session in nearly seven weeks -- amid a cooling yen and an upbeat economic outlook from the Bank of Japan (BoJ). Elsewhere, China's Shanghai Composite and South Korea's Kospi both posted 1.7% gains, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 1.3%.

European benchmarks are mostly lower at midday, pressured by a retreat in banking and healthcare stocks. At last check, the German DAX is down 0.4%, and the French CAC 40 is off 0.2%. London's FTSE 100 is bucking the regional bearish trend, though, and is up 0.4%.

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

Fed-induced optimism sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) to its best day of the year on Wednesday, and the blue-chip barometer is set to pick up right where it left off. At last check, futures on the DJI were up 200 points, while those on the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (COMP) were also signaling impressive starts. Meanwhile, crude oil should continue to dominate headlines, with futures nearly 3% higher in electronic trading. On the economic front, weekly jobless claims and the Philadelphia Fed's manufacturing survey are slated for release.

• Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE:HLF) took a wild ride after Bill Ackman's latest jab.
• Credit Suisse sent a stinging message to Cliffs Natural Resources Inc (NYSE:CLF), sending the shares to new 10-year lows.
• Pre-earnings option traders took decidedly different routes on Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL) and Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE:RAD).

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 200 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.09 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 772,942 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.71, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.64.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is fractionally lower at 89.12.
• Crude oil is on pace to add to Wednesday's gains, up 2.9% at $58.42 per barrel.
• Gold, meanwhile, is 1% higher at $1,206.60 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Weekly jobless claims and the Philadelphia Fed's manufacturing survey come out today. On the earnings front, Nike (NKE), Accenture (ACN), Cintas (CTAS), ConAgra (CAG), NQ Mobile (NQ), Pier 1 Imports (PIR), Red Hat (RHT), RAD, and Scholastic Corp (SCHL) will report.

Overseas Trading

It was a mixed session in Asia today. Japan's Nikkei rallied 2.3% -- and reclaimed its perch atop the 17,000 mark -- amid a cooling yen and optimism ahead of tomorrow's policy decision from the Bank of Japan (BoJ). Hong Kong's Hang Seng, meanwhile, tacked on 1.1%. On the flip side, both South Korea's Kospi and China's Shanghai Composite gave back 0.1%, with the latter retreating following a report that showed new home prices fell in November.

European bourses are in rally mode at midday, tracking the Fed-induced gains of their U.S. counterparts. Adding to the bullish buzz is a better-than-expected German Ifo business climate survey. Against this backdrop, the French CAC 40 is up 2.6%, the German DAX is 2.1% higher, and London's FTSE 100 is enjoying a 1.1% lead.

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

It's been a turbulent week for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI), and the blue-chip barometer is poised to extend this roller-coaster ride in today's session. Bulls appear to be at the helm, however, with futures up more than 89 points. The central bank will be in focus, with the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) slated to unveil their latest policy decision at 2 p.m. ET, followed by a press conference with Fed Chair Janet Yellen. However, Wall Street will also be keeping a close eye on the Russian ruble, which is extending its decline against the dollar, as well as crude oil, which is lower ahead of today's weekly inventories update.

• Are option traders on the wrong side of this rallying blue chip?
• Volatility is the name of the game in the energy sector, and components Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) and Linn Energy LLC (NASDAQ:LINE) are no exceptions.
• Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner offers up his two cents on 4 pundit predictions for 2015.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 89 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.10 million call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 811,260 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio edged down to 0.74, while the 21-day moving average rose to 0.63.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 0.2% at 88.26.
• Crude oil is poised to resume its rout, down 2.9% at $54.64 per barrel.
• Gold, meanwhile, is 0.5% higher at $1,200.20 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

The latest policy announcement by the FOMC highlights today's docket, as well as the subsequent press conference from Fed Chair Janet Yellen. Also being released are the consumer price index (CPI) and the weekly crude inventories report. FedEx (FDX), General Mills (GIS), Joy Global (JOY), and Oracle (ORCL) will show their earnings power.

Overseas Trading

Markets in Asia finished on both sides of breakeven today, ahead of today's policy decision from the FOMC. In China, banking stocks helped boost the Shanghai Composite to a 1.3% win, while Japan's Nikkei tacked on 0.4%, despite a stronger yen and lackluster trade data. Elsewhere, Hong Kong's Hang Seng gave back 0.4%, and South Korea's Kospi logged a 0.2% loss.

Across the pond, indexes are trading lower at midday, amid a sell-off in stocks with ties to Russia. Additionally, investors are taking a cautious stance as Greece kicks off the first round of three in its presidential election process. At last check, London's FTSE 100 is off 0.7%, the German DAX is down 0.6%, and the French CAC 40 is flirting with a 0.4% 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 sharp losses, as oil's rout and Russia's woes continue to rile global markets. In fact, Russia's ruble hit another all-time low against the dollar, despite an unexpected overnight interest-rate hike by the country's central bank. Back on the homefront, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) kicks off its two-day policy-setting meeting today -- the final one of 2014. Additionally, housing starts and Markit's flash purchasing managers manufacturing index (PMI) are set for release.

• It was a day for the record books as Russia's economic crisis worsened.
• Option bears are piling onto Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) ahead of tomorrow night's quarterly earnings report.
• Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner takes a long, hard look at the impact oil volatility is having on stocks.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are nearly 69 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.23 million call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 920,988 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.75, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.62.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is down 0.8% at 87.74.
• Crude oil has plunged 2.8% to trade at $54.67 per barrel.
• Gold is up 0.6% at $1,214.60 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will kick off its two-day policy-setting meeting today. Also on the docket are data on housing starts and Markit's flash PMI. Darden Restaurants (DRI), FactSet (FDS), and Navistar (NAV) will report earnings.

Overseas Trading

Asian markets finished mostly lower today, following a report that showed manufacturing in China contracted for the first time in seven months. Stoking the bearish flames was an extended slide against the dollar for Russia's ruble, despite the country's central bank announcing a steep interest-rate hike. By the close, Japan's Nikkei was down 2%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 1.6%, while South Korea's Kospi surrendered 0.9%. China's Shanghai Composite, meanwhile, rallied 2.3% after authorities gave the green light to a $31 billion infrastructure package.

European benchmarks are in the red at midday, as an extended slide in oil overshadows better-than-expected readings on business activity in both Germany and the broader eurozone. At last check, the French CAC 40 is off 1.6%, the German DAX is down 0.9%, and London's FTSE 100 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.

After notching its worst weekly loss in three years last week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is ready to rally out of the gate. Traders appear to be taking a glass-half-full approach in the lead-up to the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) latest policy decision, set for release on Wednesday afternoon. Ahead of this highly anticipated event, though, a pair of reports on factory activity, as well as pending home sales data, is due out today. Additionally, Wall Street will keep one eye trained on Australia, where hostages are being held in a Sydney cafe.

• Lululemon Athletica inc. (NASDAQ:LULU) continued its post-earnings tear on Friday, helped by a round of upbeat brokerage notes.
• 3 stocks that ended last week on a high note.
• In case you missed it, 14 stories from 2014 that captured Wall Street's attention.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 95 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.09 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 855,211 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.79, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.62.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 0.2% at 88.51.
• Crude oil is down 0.1% at $58.01 per barrel.
• Gold has plunged 0.8% to $1,212.20 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

The week starts off with a bang, with the Empire State manufacturing index, industrial production and capacity utilization, the National Association of Realtors' pending home sales index, and Treasury International Capital (TIC) all slated for release. FuelCell Energy (FCEL) and VeriFone (PAY) will report earnings.

Overseas Trading

Most Asian markets finished lower today, as disappointing data from Japan and a hostage crisis in Sydney weighed on investor sentiment. Specifically, a worse-than-expected reading on business sentiment in Japan overshadowed a snap-election victory for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, sending the Nikkei to a 1.6% loss. Elsewhere, Hong Kong's Hang Seng settled down 1%, while South Korea's Kospi gave back 0.1%. China's Shanghai Composite managed to buck the regional bearish bias, tacking on 0.5%.

European bourses are modestly higher at midday, amid a rebound in energy stocks. At last check, the French CAC 40 is up 0.5%, London's FTSE 100 is flirting with a 0.4% lead, and the German DAX is 0.3% 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 poised to drop out of the gate, as fears continue to brew over the long-term slump in energy prices -- including an unwelcome milestone for crude yesterday. Exacerbating worries is a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), which reduced next year's forecast for global oil demand growth. Looking ahead, traders are awaiting the latest producer price index (PPI) and the preliminary Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for December.

• Option bulls targeted SodaStream International Ltd (NASDAQ:SODA), amid rumors PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE:PEP) may buy a sizable stake in the company.
• RadioShack Corporation (NYSE:RSH) sunk to an all-time low following an earnings-induced sell-off.
• In case you missed it, our founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer explains the broad-market importance of the 40 level when looking at the VelocityShares Daily Inverse VIX Short-Term ETN (XIV).

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 96 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 928,958 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 664,359 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio edged down to 0.72, while the 21-day moving average ticked higher to 0.61.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is down 0.3% at 88.36.
• Crude oil has shed 1% at $59.61 per barrel.
• Gold edged 0.3% lower to $1,222.40 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index and PPI come out today. There are no major earnings reports on the docket.

Overseas Trading

Asian bourses took their cue from yesterday's U.S. stock market rally, finishing mostly higher. Traders also priced in expectations for additional stimulus measures following a weaker-than-expected industrial production reading out of China. At the close, the Shanghai Composite was up 0.5%, with an assist from strong retail sales data for November. Meanwhile, Japan's Nikkei and South Korea's Kospi added 0.7% and 0.3%, respectively. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was the lone outlier, trimming 0.3%.

Equities in Europe are sharply lower at midday, pressured by a slumping energy sector, and amid unanswered calls for full-scale quantitative easing. London's FTSE 100 is off 1.3%, France's CAC 40 has shed 1.5%, and Germany's DAX has given back 1.2%.

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 (INDEXDJX:DJI) is sitting higher ahead of the bell, as November retail sales rose a stronger-than-forecast 0.7%, marking the fastest growth in eight months. Several other key reports are due out, too -- including weekly jobless claims and September business inventories -- which could provide potential catalysts. On the earnings front, Lululemon Athletica inc. (NASDAQ:LULU) is sitting solidly lower this morning, despite a third-quarter earnings beat, while Adobe Systems Incorporated (NASDAQ:ADBE) will step into the confessional this afternoon.

• These 2 airline stocks flew higher on positive attention from analysts.
• Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM) received a standing ovation from the brokerage bunch, following a number of fundamental developments.
• These option bulls placed upside bets on "Candy Crush" parent King Digital Entertainment PLC (NYSE:KING).

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are roughly 57 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 743,328 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio slid to 0.74, while the 21-day moving average held steady at 0.60.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is off a slight 0.04% at 88.24.
• Crude oil has rebounded 0.7% at $61.38 per barrel.
• Gold has retreated 0.5% at $1,223.10 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Weekly jobless claims will come out today, along with retail sales figures, import and export prices, and business inventories. On the earnings front, ADBE and Ciena (CIEN) will report.

Overseas Trading

Asian equities fell once again, hit by tumbling oil prices and Japan's disappointing core machinery orders reading for October. Elsewhere, South Korea's central bank maintained its interest rates, as expected. By the close, Japan's Nikkei had given back 0.9%, with the yen bouncing back (relative to the dollar), and South Korea's Kospi was off 1.5%. Elsewhere, the Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 0.5% and 0.9%, respectively.

European bourses are mixed, with traders divided on whether the European Central Bank (ECB) will launch a more extensive quantitative easing program. Around midday, France's CAC 40 is down 0.5%, amid a weaker-than-expected consumer price reading for November, while London's FTSE 100 has skidded 0.9%. Elsewhere, the German DAX is flirting with a 0.1% lead, after showing an unchanged inflation rate last month.

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