Volatility

Disney shares are up solidly in the premarket after delivering solid earnings and subscription numbers. Meanwhile, an analyst downgrade of Apple has some questioning whether the recent runup in tech shares has gotten ahead of itself.

Today’s post-session earnings lineup includes results from Disney and Wynn Resorts. However, we’re about three-quarters of the way through earnings season, and some of the investor focus seems to be turning back toward worrisome virus headlines.

In addition to earnings, investors will be focused on any news from Washington that has to do with the next round of stimulus. Another piece of information expected today is ISM manufacturing data.

Stocks have a slightly stronger tone this morning after FAANGs reported blowout quarters late yesterday. Still, it’s unclear if the market can build on their momentum, with major indices fading a bit ahead of the opening bell. Focus could be on Congress and any last-minute stimulus moves.

You don’t see this often: Four of the most widely-held and talked about companies all report today after the close. Meanwhile, there’s a weaker tone early as investors digest GDP and initial claims.

Eyes turn toward Washington today as tech executives testify to Congress while the Fed meeting wraps up. Facebook reports after the close, and lots of other earnings reports are being digested this morning.

As expected, Fed decides to keep interest rates unchanged. There was a slight optimistic tone from Chairman Powell in his discussion of the overall financial situation, which appears to be showing signs of improvement.

The earnings barrage continues, gold makes a new high, and eyes turn to the Federal Reserve—specifically Wednesday's post-meeting press conference—for clues on the central bank's economic and policy outlook.

It’s the busiest earnings week of the year, and that’s not all. There’s a Fed meeting and congressional debate of a fresh stimulus, too. The market is coming off its first negative week in the last four.

Trying to figure out your financial planning during a time of market volatility? Learn how to stick to your financial goals.

In addition to earnings, investors remain focused on the virus situation and stimulus news. Tensions between the U.S. and China are back in focus and could put further pressure on the stock markets as the week comes to a close.

After starting off with some optimism, the tables turned Thursday morning after higher than expected initial jobless claims. Investors continue to digest Tesla and Microsoft, while awaiting Intel after the close.

The day begins with mounting tensions between the U.S. and China providing some pressure. All eyes are likely to turn toward Tesla, and to some extent Microsoft, later on as those two report after the close.

Yesterday’s strong performance looks like it could spill over into today’s trading as equity futures are up ahead of the open. Focus will be on earnings and any signs of progress on a coronavirus vaccine.

With little in the way of major economic data this week, investors might be looking toward Washington and corporate earnings reports to provide a fresh catalyst.

Stocks look like they’re attempting a comeback early Friday after yesterday’s virus-related weakness. However, bonds are up and crude is down, possible signs that caution continues.

There’s a full menu for investors today as Netflix awaits after the close. This morning includes earnings from Bank of America and Morgan Stanley, along with retail sales and jobless claims. Market has a weak tone early, but pattern lately has been to bounce back.

Sentiment seems to have shifted markedly since Monday, as some good news on the vaccine front, combined with an upbeat start to earnings season, helped turn things around after a rough start to the week.

Earnings season starts with JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup reporting today. Although earnings were less than year-ago results, some of the stocks in the Financial sector seem to be moving up. The big question is if the broader markets will trade above critical support levels.

Earnings week starts with a green tone despite caseloads spiking in Florida over the weekend. There’s optimism about possible treatments and vaccines, and China’s market was up again earlier Monday.

A good defense is the best offense, right? It’s sometimes true for investing as well. Here’s what investors should know about defensive investing and defensive sectors.

Are you an investor who follows the daily or weekly ebb and flow of your retirement accounts? If so, market downturns might be a bit unsettling at times. But what if instead of focusing on today’s bottom line you focused instead on outcomes—your progress toward your goals? Here’s how.

As June begins, focus may increasingly turn toward virus caseloads amid the tentative reopenings of all 50 U.S. states. Any sign of a major new wave of cases might be more market-moving than typical earnings and data.

The escalating coronavirus pandemic that triggered a bear market in U.S. stocks in early 2020 looks to have tipped us into a possible recession. How can you prepare for and invest during a recession and bear market?

Earnings data typically grab the headlines in April, but this year, markets are still weighing the impact of coronavirus on the economy, as well as the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary stimulus.

Learn about the Bollinger Bands technical indicator and how it can help identify volatility and overbought/oversold conditions in stocks and indices.

Political season really takes off in March with a host of Democratic presidential primaries. This might become more of an influence on market action as the weeks go by, along with some late-breaking earnings, coronavirus fears, and a Fed meeting.

The monthly U.S. Employment Situation report—commonly called the jobs report—is perhaps the most closely watched fundamental indicator for traders and investors. Here’s why.

As the 2020 calendar flips to February, volatility has returned to the market in the form of deadly virus. Meanwhile, earnings season rolls on, as do impeachment hearings. Fed testimony also ahead.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Trading with your emotions during times of market volatility? Explore whether a robo-advisor may be able to help.

Looking for volatility exposure? Learn about volatility products including VIX options.

The average true range indicator could be a new arrow in your quiver of technical analysis tools.

Temporarily protect your retirement against volatility risk. Here are some retirement- planning strategies.

Structural changes in the loan market over the last decade have shifted many loans from the balance sheets of big banks to those of institutional and retail investors. What risks might these loans pose to investors?

Got stock options? Set goals and have a plan. Here are three steps to consider for your equity compensation plan.

CD investing isn’t limited to walking into your local bank branch and opening an account. Learn the potential benefits and risks of brokered CDs and how they differ from bank-issued CDs.

February’s market seems poised for more possible volatility as investors watch how geopolitical issues like Brexit and U.S.-China tariff tensions unfold. Meanwhile, Q4 earnings season, now underway, is presenting a mixed bag and the government shutdown continues.

Though January was marked by a steady climb in the stock market after a December selloff, the month seemed charged with uncertainty as major geopolitical questions remained unanswered and consumer confidence appeared to waver.

Learn about several emerging macroeconomic risk areas that could impact the financial markets in 2019.

Volatility data is focused on the long term. Traders are focused on the short term. There is a way to convert volatility data so it can be useful for the trader.

Turmoil struck the markets in December as the Fed raised interest rates again. Stocks sank sharply amid worries about the economy, China tariffs, and more potential rate hikes next year.

Does volatility worry you when it comes to the stock you've received as compensation? Learn tips to help manage this valid concern.

Here’s why you need to keep your retirement money growing even when you’re already using it (hint: inflation and longevity).

Investors can expect more volatility in December, when the stock market could react to a number of events.

The October's stock saw volatile trading that had investors on a rock ride as earnings season got underway. The Nasdaq plunged into correction territory in a sudden late-month slide.

The recent rise in volatility means it could be time to talk about strategies designed to capitalize on elevated volatility levels.

New to stock investing? Learn the basics of stocks, earnings, dividends, and how a stock’s value is determined.

The recent wave of volatility might serve as a reminder of the importance of using a diversified investment trading approach. Here are some tips to avoid possible traps in these choppy markets.

Using volatility and market statistics is one of many keys to successful stock market trading. Learn how to incorporate them into your investment strategy.

Learn how option straddles and strangles can give you exposure to implied volatility.

With the earnings calendar tools available on the TD Ameritrade thinkorswim Platform, you can be in the know when it comes to the earnings season.

Learn about the dynamics of foreign exchange volatility, and where to find currency volatility data.

Learn about “black swan” events and how you can attempt to protect yourself and your portfolio from adverse shocks.

Looking ahead to the second half, it’s possible that politics in Washington and Q2 earnings could help set the tone. Can strength seen in the first half conti

The U.S. presidential election cycle theory of the stock market says that the market moves based on the year of the president's term. Is there any proof?

Implied volatility tends to be mean reverting. But what does that really mean? Learn how options traders can potentially benefit from monitoring implied volat

When trying to select the right option strategies, which do you choose? Looking to IV percentiles for clues to VIX levels may help.

ETFs have matured but they’re not done evolving. Morningstar’s Scott Burns urges income-seeking investors to expand their minds and their research.

Volatility’s tendency to level out after a spike can present strategy opportunities, especially selling strategies found with strangles and iron condors.

Use volatility to pick an options strategy to speculate on a given direction, rather than to replace fundamental analysis and charts to determine potential.

Study intermarket analysis, specifically bonds, for potential clues on the next leg for Federal Reserve policy and stock market reaction.

Trying to time the market? Add sentiment analysis to your stock trading approach to help narrow the time horizon around an underlying security’s move.

Check out short-term options pricing to gain a sense of how the underlying stock could move around an earnings release. You can track straddles or use the TD

Out-of-the-money call options may be hard to trade when volatility is low, but there are good opportunities for cheaper options trades during market extremes.