Volatility

Investors optimistic about Intel and American Express earnings. However, concerns of coronavirus still linger as it could impact consumer activity in Asia.

Earnings continue with investors focusing on Texas Instruments, Procter & Gamble, and airlines. But coronavirus fears may mute investor sentiment.

Stocks entered the recovery room Wednesday morning after yesterday’s virus-related weakness. Strong earnings from IBM and improving international subscriber numbers from Netflix seem to be helping.

As U.S. investors returned to their desks to begin a holiday-shortened week, they were facing concerns about the coronavirus outbreak, Trump’s impeachment, and a downgraded IMF forecast.

A long weekend begins tomorrow with stocks rolling up new record highs. Strong earnings, a fresh batch of eye-popping housing data, and simply momentum could continue supporting the rally.

The direction appears to be up early on after Morgan Stanley reported solid results with the trading business in good shape. Firm retail sales and low jobless claims also might help.

As pen hits paper on a phase one China deal today, investors have their eyes focused on more bank earnings, along with inflation data today and retail sales tomorrow.

Investors seem to be cautious heading into earnings season amid predictions for an overall decline in earnings growth.

The market has a positive tone early Monday after Friday’s lower close, helped in part by optimism as a China trade delegation prepares to fly to Washington. Big banks begin reporting tomorrow.

Stocks remain in record territory despite a weaker than expected jobs number. But several big-name retailers posted disappointing earnings. Next week, the big banks open their books to kick off a fresh earnings season.

With tensions over Iran easing, the market gets back to what it was doing a week ago as investors anticipate earnings and tomorrow’s jobs report. Fed speakers also on the agenda.

Markets are set to open flat this morning, but it's not your typical open. Stocks, crude oil, and gold were among the asset classes seeing wild overnight gyrations after an Iranian attack on U.S. military facilities in Iraq.

Signs this morning that tensions have been easing, at least among investors, include that oil was pulling back and equity index futures were pointing to a flat-to-slightly-higher open after gains in Asian and European markets.

Stock futures start the week in the red amid more geopolitical tension, but things aren’t dramatically out of shape. This week brings a handful of earnings, followed by monthly payrolls.

Stocks are giving back much of yesterday’s gains here in pre-market trading as investors react to last night’s U.S. military strike. Gold, crude, and bonds all are getting a lift as fear hits the market.

It’s a new decade, but China remains center stage just as it did for most of last year. A government stimulus and firm manufacturing data there seem to have U.S. indices reaching for record highs.

This morning, stocks are looking lackluster as the last trading day of the decade begins. Investors are eyeing the Iraq situation and a Boeing-Turkish Airlines settlement.

The market is in the middle of the Santa Claus rally period—so-called because the last five trading days of the year and the first two of the new year are often kind to stocks.

Adding to the optimism that has been helping fuel record-breaking stock performance, media reports noted that Chinese industrial company profits grew in November.

This morning, investors are returning from a holiday break apparently with optimism as the expected trade deal signing nears and data have shown strong holiday retail sales.

Bulls are likely looking for a Santa Claus rally during the last few days of this year and the first couple of next year.

The stock market starts the holiday week near all-time peaks, in contrast to a year ago when it was carving what now looks like a major bottom. China’s tariff lifting is giving indices some early strength today.

On the last Friday before the holidays really take hold, investors are digesting earnings results from Nike, an unchanged U.S. GDP reading, and the start of quadruple witching.

The early tone looks a bit weak today after overnight losses around the world. Nike reports after the close, and choppy trading could be in the cards ahead of quadruple witching tomorrow.

As optimism about the trade deal continues, FedEx is throwing some cold water on the celebration with disappointing quarterly numbers and guidance.

Volatility could return to the picture in 2020 as the U.S. election approaches even while Brexit and China trade issues continue to spin their webs.

Stocks could be in for a bit of a pause as investors seem to be breathing a sigh of relief after getting some closure on big issues last week.

Investors are still digesting the Phase One trade deal agreed to last week and looking ahead to housing data, Nike earnings and a quadruple witching later this week.

A day after stocks set fresh record highs on excitement about a possible U.S.-China trade deal, investors still seem to be sailing along on momentum from those trade winds.

Geopolitics dominate the picture as investors await the UK election and U.S. tariffs outcomes. Meanwhile, a big jump in jobless claims and a soft inflation number might stir economic worries.

The Fed likely surprised few if anyone Wednesday, leaving rates right where they were after three rate cuts in a row. Fed officials see muted inflation, a strong labor market, and soft business spending.

The Fed decision today could be anti-climactic, with futures prices indicating virtually no chance of any policy changes. At the same time, the Dec. 15 tariff deadline gets closer.

A report by The Wall Street Journal said the United States and China are working on a possible delay of the Dec. 15 tariffs.

A busy week began Monday with disappointing Chinese export data weighing on stocks. The Fed meeting begins tomorrow, and Dec. 15 marks an important new tariff deadline.

Strong jobs report could mean the week ends on an optimistic outlook, after what seemed to be a choppy few days filled with uncertainty. Sentiment data ahead and Fed meets next week.

The stock market is bouncing back nicely from the week’s soft start as hopes grow for trade talk progress. A series of analyst upgrades and a mixed set of earnings are also in focus.

The rough open to December appears ready to take a pause Wednesday as the trade headlines look a bit more positive. Risk-off assets, which shot up on Tuesday, could be interesting to watch for their reaction if stocks move higher.

The possibility of a partial trade deal getting signed soon is looking shakier this morning after Trump suggested delaying signing such an economic pact until next year.

Cyber Monday is here, with investors expected to focus on holiday shopping data from some of the biggest retailers. U.S. manufacturing data this morning also might get a close look.

Trade-deal optimism appears to be on the back foot as investors return to the market for a shortened equities session today that doesn’t feature any major economic data reports.

Positive comments from Washington and Beijing on trade continue to keep the wind in investors’ sails despite a lowered outlook from Deere as the trade war drags on.

After yesterday’s record-setting rally, stocks have a flat feel to start Tuesday. Retail earnings are in focus with more results this morning, and investors are digesting Powell’s latest words.

The shortened holiday week begins with retail still at center stage ahead of Black Friday. China is also in the headlines as hope grows for a Phase One trade deal.

The question for today is whether a strong set of retail earnings overnight and this morning can translate into gains for the broader market, where trade concerns continue to be a burden.

The market continues to show resilience in the face of tariff talk headlines even as some risk trades come back into favor. Retail earnings season continues with more big names this afternoon.

Shares of Target and Lowe’s are surging this morning as investors digest strength in their earnings, but the overall market appears to be under pressure amid worries about the ongoing trade war.

Tariffs have been part of American economic history from the country’s origins. Are tariffs good or bad for investors?

Optimism seems to be higher after a bit of positive news on the trade front. Meanwhile, shares of retailers Home Depot and Kohl's are off amid lowered guidance.

The week might get off to a bit of a slow start because so much of the data and earnings start Tuesday. There’s a mixed tone early, with focus on progress in trade negotiations.

As retail sales show a rebound, U.S.-China trade talks come closer to the signing of a phase one deal, and with most of the third quarter earnings out of the way, investor sentiment appears to be more stable as we head toward the holiday season.

It was another impressive quarter from Walmart and the company’s guidance points to a healthy holiday shopping season. That said, there’s some caution overall in the market today as bonds continue to rise and jobless claims come in above expectations.

Today, investors are scheduled to get the second major economic speech in as many days as the Federal Reserve chief will follow comments from President Trump that didn’t have much impact on the market.

Should you switch from trading long options strategies to short options strategies when volatility levels are high? Sometimes prices are high for a reason.

Although an easing of trade tensions is one of the reasons that has helped lift stocks to record highs recently, a much-discussed partial deal has yet to be signed. So investors will likely be tuning in to President Trump’s speech later today when he's expected to address the Economic Club of New York at a luncheon.

The week looks like it might get off to a soft start following overseas losses amid Hong Kong and trade jitters. Still, the market is in healthy shape, and Walmart earnings later this week are a possible highlight.

It looks like a flat to slightly lower open Friday in what might be a “maintenance” kind of session where just keeping this week’s gains could seem like a victory. Trade and Disney remain front and center.

Thursday begins with the market apparently in turn-around mode after huffing and puffing a little yesterday. Positive trade news could help, and Disney reports after the close.

Investors and traders seem to be looking for a catalyst now that earnings season is mostly behind us, the Fed’s rate cut is in the rear view, and we don’t have much in the way of trade war-related news this morning.

The week begins with the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DJI) apparently ready to join its cousin indices at new record highs as positive trade news gives the markets an early boost.

The latest government report on the domestic employment situation came in way better than expected, offering the market another encouraging data point after a gauge of manufacturing in China pointed to expansion there.

It might have been a green morning for stocks, but a report raising questions about the chance of a long-term deal with China has indices under pressure. Strong earnings from Apple, Facebook and Starbucks late yesterday could help blunt the blow.

Stocks barely registered a reaction after the Fed cut rates this afternoon, a move analysts had widely expected. The Fed did signal a possible pause, but that also isn’t a big surprise.

The markets could feel a little slow this morning as investors await the Fed decision, Apple, and Facebook later today. In the meantime, GDP surprised with a reading that beat estimates.

The market is a bit subdued this morning as investors perhaps take some profits amid a generally positive, but mixed, bag of earnings news.

Today is the start of an epic week on Wall Street marked by around 150 S&P 500 companies reporting, a Fed meeting, and key payrolls and manufacturing data.

The markets may experience some hangover from Amazon’s disappointing earnings yesterday but could see some recovery as other major companies such as Visa, Intel, and Verizon showed more encouraging results.

It’s the busiest day of earnings season, with more than 40 S&P 500 companies set to report. Investors start the day poring over results from Twitter, Microsoft, and Tesla, with Amazon waiting in the wings.

Our chief market strategist breaks down the day's top business stories and offers insight on how they might impact your trading and investing.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DJI) could find itself under pressure today after disappointing results from McDonald’s and Travelers, but there are plenty of positive earnings reports out there this morning as well.

Earnings continue to be the focus as nearly 25% of S&P 500 companies report this week. Today’s a little light, but tomorrow’s calendar is packed as investors prepare for McDonald’s, Lockheed Martin and others.

All investments experience market volatility, which is why retirement portfolio strategies should focus on allocating assets across investments of different risk levels.

Data from China showed the world’s largest economy grew at the slowest pace in nearly three decades, and the weaker than expected print threatened to take the fizz out of stocks. But U.S. shares seem to be holding up well as a strong start to earnings season continued with Coca-Cola (KO) shares gaining after the soft drink maker reported revenue that topped expectations.

News that Britain and the European Union have struck a preliminary Brexit deal boosted market sentiment. While the deal still has to be approved by British lawmakers and other EU member states, the draft deal seems to have gone a long way toward soothing investors worried about the state of the global economy.

Bank of America became the fifth major bank to report so far this earnings season, and it came in with better-than-expected results. The spotlight shines on Netflix this afternoon.

Earnings season kicks off today with a quartet of major banks reporting. The results so far point to a mixed picture, with strength at some balanced by weakness at others as we await more color from executives on the calls.

The day starts with investors re-evaluating the meaning of a “phase one” agreement with China amid varying news reports. The earnings season gets underway with a bang tomorrow.

When companies report quarterly earnings, the stakes can be high. A single earnings miss can dent an investment portfolio that’s concentrated. Here are a few ideas for managing idiosyncratic risk.

The market is in rally mode early Friday as optimism grows about possible progress in today’s trade talks. That said, there’s always a chance things could go south, so keep the seatbelts fastened.

It’s been hard to make sense of the news flow, and by this morning equities index futures had pared their losses as investors apparently strap in to see what actually happens.

Investors are once again more optimistic ahead of high-level trade talks that start tomorrow after Bloomberg reported that China is still open to a partial trade deal and a Financial Times article said the Asian nation has offered to boost its yearly purchases of U.S. farm products.

Trade talks start Thursday but the mood is negative on Wall Street this morning as negative reports in the news seem to dominate. A lower than expected inflation read is also in the mix.

When volatility rears its occasional head, some investors consider cashing out stocks. But are there better ways to ride out market volatility? Cameron May explains.

With earnings season still a week away and the jobs report behind us, trade talks are likely to take center stage this week as China and the U.S. resume negotiations.

> A volatile week comes to a close with a monthly jobs report that fell a bit short of consensus estimates. But the unemployment rate fell to a level not seen since 1969. How might this reflect on the U.S. consumer and on Fed policy?

Things seem to be getting a bit more stable this morning after two days of dramatic declines. Payrolls data looms large on Friday, but before that we get earnings from Costco later today.

All sectors finished lower Wednesday as concerns over weakness in manufacturing and fresh trade concerns weigh stock markets for the second straight day.

We’re seeing the slide continue today and global stocks took it on the chin. Lennar earnings offer some positive energy for the housing sector, and odds of a Fed rate cut are rising.

With uncertainty over trade talks, future economic growth, and political developments still lingering over the market, there are still positive elements to monitor such as solid earnings, strong job market, and low inflation.

The main worry with impeachment is whether the process might distract from trade talks or give China an advantage. Meanwhile, Nike earnings looked good and reinforced ideas that consumers are generally healthy.

What is a smart-beta ETF? Explore what qualifies as a smart-beta fund and what systems define this type of ETF.

Our chief market strategist breaks down the day's top business stories and offers insight on how they might impact your trading and investing.

Investors appear unsure of what to make of the past couple days of trade developments, as optimism about China and the United States sitting down at the negotiating table has been tempered with some troubling signs.

On Wall Street, investors this morning seem to be a bit upbeat, heartened by developments on the trade front and by yet another major economy cutting interest rates.

A Fed rate cut yesterday doesn’t appear to be helping the market much today. Existing home sales are due later this morning and other central banks left rates unchanged.

In a move widely expected by the market, the Federal Open Market Committee lowered the target fed funds rate 25 basis points to a range between 1.75% and 2%. This marks the second cut in as many months. Despite expectations, stocks fell on the news.

The Fed is widely expected to cut rates this afternoon, so there’s not much intrigue there. However, FedEx earnings last night might have raised some eyebrows as trade pressure seems to be affecting its business.

The Fed meets today with chances of a rate cut still high but down from where they were. Geopolitics are still front and center as people assess crude’s huge rally and wait for more news from the Gulf.

In these times of stock market volatility, many investors are looking for yield in fixed income and dividend stocks. However, there’s risk in these investments, too, so know what you’re getting into.

As trade war fears heat up between the U.S. and some of its major trading partners, some investors may be looking for tariff protection. Here are some things to consider as you aim for a “trade-war-proof” portfolio.

When volatility falls, many option traders turn to these five strategies designed to capitalize on depressed volatility levels.