Today In the Markets – Fri 08/18

THE GIST (“THE WHAT”) Rising yields and fears of contagion from China’s emerging property crisis kept sentiment low. Opening lower following reports of Chinese builder Evergrande’s bankruptcy, the S&P 500 index managed to claw back most of the day’s losses to close the session mostly flat at 4369.71, down fractionally by 0.65 point (-0.015%). Note: Our (more…)

Today In the Markets – Wed 08/16

  THE GIST (“THE WHAT”) The S&P 500 index extended losses for the second session in a row, registering a five-week low after hawkish FOMC meeting minutes showed that while policymakers are united in their resolve to bring inflation to their target annual rate of 2%, they remain divided on whether to pause rate hikes (more…)

Today In the Markets – Tue 08/15

THE GIST (“THE WHAT”) The S&P 500 index broke below its 50-day moving average, a closely watched gauge of momentum, for the first time since March, led by weakness in bank stocks. Losses accelerated during the last hour of the session alongside rising yields. The index closed the session near day’s lows at 4437.85, down (more…)

Today In the Markets – Mon 08/14

THE GIST (“THE WHAT”) Strength in chip stocks lifted the broader S&P 500 index in today’s choppy trading. Gains were limited as yields jumped amid China’s looming property debt crisis. Gaining momentum during the last hour of the session, the index closed near day’s high at 4489.72, up 25.67 points (0.58%). Note: Our daily “S&P 500 (more…)

Today In the Markets – Thu 08/10

THE GIST (“THE WHAT”) July’s benign CPI report raised the odds of Fed’s rate pause, boosting the S&P index during the opening hour. Initial rally, however, faded as bond yields moved higher following hawkish comments by San Francisco Fed President Daly. The index closed the volatile session with a fractional gain of 1.14 points (0.03%) (more…)

Today In the Markets – Wed 08/09

THE GIST (“THE WHAT”) Interest rate sensitive mega-cap stocks were sold-off ahead of crucial inflation data, sending the broader market lower. Selling intensified during the last hour of the rollercoaster session. The S&P 500 index closed the session near day’s lows at 4467.71, down 31.67 points (-0.70%). Note: Our daily “S&P 500 Trading plan” will be (more…)

Today In the Markets – Tue 08/08

THE GIST (“THE WHAT”) Moody’s lowered credit ratings for ten small and medium sized banks, reigniting health concerns of U.S. banks and triggering a sell-off in regional stocks that lead the broader market lower. Weaker-than-expected China’s export numbers stoked global recessionary concerns, further dampening sentiment at the open. The S&P 500 index tumbled during the (more…)

Today In the Markets – Mon 08/07

THE GIST (“THE WHAT”) The S&P 500 index snapped a four-day losing streak following optimistic economic data and strong earnings. Gains, however, were capped as yields rose midsession following hawkish comments by Fed Governor Bowman and NY Fed President Williams. The index closed the session with a modest gain of 40.41 points (0.90%) at 4518.44. (more…)

Today In the Markets – Thu 07/27

THE GIST (“THE WHAT”) Gapping higher at the open, the S&P 500 index struggled to maintain the gains after hitting a 16-month high. Eventually giving up gains during the afternoon session, the index tumbled as yields jumped higher following reports that the Bank of Japan could raise its long-term interest rates. The index closed the (more…)

Today In the Markets – Wed 07/26

THE GIST (“THE WHAT”) The highly awaited Fed policy decision proved to be non-event after the Fed raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points, hiking for the 11th time in past 12 policy meetings, pushing the fed funds target range to a 22-year high of 5.25% to 5.50%. The S&P 500 index closed (more…)