Weekly Newsletter April 28th - May 4th

Current Events:  Last week's strong 5-day rebound provided an abrupt end to sell off that occurred at the year-to-date high in early April. The rally has rekindled confidence in even the weariest of investors as the steady upward climb which began in late November continues.

What to Look for This Week

Plenty of earnings are scheduled to be announced this week to keep investors engaged throughout. Popular names such as Facebook, Allstate, and Mastercard lead the way in what should be a busy week.

News Affecting the Markets

Retirees and conservative investors alike are expected to reconsider the once very popular decision to stash money in gold. The commodity has fallen nearly $400 from its 52-week high of $1,803 to $1,420, which has forced many to question if the risk is worth it. While the volatility of gold in past years has worked in favor of bullish investors producing lofty price levels quickly, the sharp decent is likely to force many to exit just as fast.

Smart Investing

Think of Trading as a Business:  In other businesses you find a market, you learn a skill or develop a product, and then expand upon that idea until it is superior to your competitors. Trading is the same – it is a business –a war for survival, and if you want to be financially secure you will have to sacrifice, in the exact same manner as a shrewd business person. As in conventional business practices you have to be patient, focused, disciplined, committed, hard working, and in complete control of your business and oneself. To be successful in your equity trading business you can’t control the market, all you can do is identify the trend and go with it to profit. That’s not to say that you can’t be confident with your trading, but you need to realize early in your career that it is perfectly acceptable to be wrong as long as you stick to your exits and apply discipline.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: CapitalSource Inc (CSE) {After the Close}, CBL & Associates Properties Inc (CBL) {After the Close}, Eaton Corp (ETN), HCA Holdings Inc (HCA), Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ) {After the Close}, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc (JEC) {After the Close}, Las Vegas Sands Corp (LVS), Loews Corp (L), Masco Corp (MAS) {After the Close}, Newmont Mining Corp (NEM) {After the Close}, The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc (HIG) {After the Close}

Tuesday:  3D Systems Corp (DDD), Aetna Inc (AET), Avon Products Inc (AVP), Boston Properties Inc (BXP) {After the Close}, Cummins Inc (CMI), DDR Corp (DDR) {After the Close}, DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc (DWA) {After the Close}, Ecolab Inc (ECL), Edison International (EIX) {After the Close}, Ensco PLC (ESV), Equity Residential (EQR) {After the Close}, EXCO Resources Inc (XCO) {After the Close}, Fidelity National Information Services Inc (FIS), Genworth Holdings Inc (GNW) {After the Close}, Harris Corp (HRS), HCP Inc (HCP), Huntsman Corp (HUN), Invesco Ltd (IVZ), Legg Mason Inc (LM), Manitowoc Co Inc (MTW) {After the Close}, Mcgraw-Hill Companies Inc (MHP), MGIC Investment Corp (MTG), NYSE Euronext (NYX), Office Depot Inc (ODP), ONEOK Inc (OKE) {After the Close}, Pfizer Inc (PFE), Pitney Bowes Inc (PBI), Questar Corp (STR),  Regal Entertainment Group (RGC) {After the Close}, SM Energy Co (SM) {After the Close}, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc (HOT), TECO Energy Inc (TE) {After the Close}, TRW Automotive Holdings Corp (TRW), UDR Inc (UDR), United States Steel Corp (X), Valero Energy Corp (VLO), Western Union Co (WU) {After the Close}, Wisconsin Energy Corp (WEC)

Wednesday: Allstate Corp (ALL) {After the Close}, Avis Budget Group Inc (CAR) {After the Close}, CBS Corp (CBS) {After the Close}, Chesapeake Energy Corp (CHK), Coventry Health Care Inc (CVH), Devon Energy Corp (DVN), Facebook Inc (FB), Fidelity National Financial Inc (FNF) {After the Close}, Humana Inc (HUM), JDS Uniphase Corp (JDSU) {After the Close}, Kimco Realty Corp (KIM) {After the Close}, Lincoln National Corp (LNC) {After the Close}, MasterCard Inc (MA) {After the Close}, Merck & Co Inc (MRK), Metlife Inc (MET) {After the Close}, Murphy Oil Corp (MUR), Pioneer Natural Resources Co (PXD) {After the Close}, Prudential Financial Inc (PRU) {After the Close}, Radian Group Inc (RDN), Seagate Technology PLC (STX) {After the Close}, Sealed Air Corp (SEE), The Clorox Co (CLX), Time Warner Inc (TWX), Unum Group (UNM), Visa Inc (V) {After the Close}, Walter Energy Inc (WLT) {After the Close}

Thursday:  American International Group Inc (AIG) {After the Close}, Becton Dickinson and Co (BDX), Cardinal Health Inc (CAH), Chicago Bridge & Iron Company NV (CBI) {After the Close}, Cigna Corp (CI), CME Group Inc (CME), Estee Lauder Companies Inc (EL), General Motors Co (GM), International Paper Co (IP), Kellogg Co (K), LeapFrog Enterprises Inc (LF), LinkedIn Corp (LNKD) {After the Close}, Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc (MMC), MGM Resorts International (MGM), Monster Worldwide Inc (MWW), Mylan Inc (MYL) {After the Close}, Plains Exploration & Production Co (PXP), PPL Corp (PPL), Southwestern Energy Co (SWN) {After the Close}, Tempur-Pedic International Inc (TPX) {After the Close}, Weatherford International Ltd (WFT) {After the Close}, Xcel Energy Inc (XEL), XL Group PLC (XL) {After the Close}

Friday:  Consolidated Edison Inc (ED), Duke Energy Corp (DUK), Host Hotels & Resorts Inc (HST), Moodys Corp (MCO), Ultra Petroleum Corp (UPL)

* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

Economic Data this Week

 

Monday

Personal Income @ 8:30 AM for March (Est. = 0.3% to 0.4%, Prior = 1.1%)

Personal Spending @ 8:30 AM for March (Est. = -0.1% to 0.1%, Prior = 0.7%)

Pending Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for March (Est. = 0.0% to 0.1%, Prior = -0.4%)

 

Tuesday

Case-Shiller 20-city Index @ 9:00 AM for February (Est. = 8.7%, Prior = 8.1%)

Chicago PMI @ 9:45 AM for April (Est. = 51.5 to 52.0, Prior = 52.4)

Consumer Confidence @ 10:00 AM for April (Est. = 61.0 to 63.0, Prior = 59.7)

 

Wednesday

MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 04/27 (Est. = n/a, Prior = n/a)

ISM Index @ 10:00 AM for April (Est. = 49.5 to 51.0, Prior = 51.3)

Construction Spending @ 10:00 AM for March (Est. = 0.4%, Prior = 1.2%)

Crude Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 04/27 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 0.947M)

FOMC Rate Decision @ 2:15 PM for May (Est. = 0.25%, Prior = 0.25%)

Auto Sales @ 3:00 PM for April (Est. = n/a, Prior = 5.3M)

Truck Sales @ 3:00 PM for April (Est. = n/a, Prior = 6.7M)

 

Thursday

Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 04/27 (Est. = 345K to 346K, Prior = 339K)

Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 04/20 (Est. = 3050K, Prior = 3000K)

Natural Gas Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 04/27 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 30)

 

Friday

Unemployment Rate @ 8:15 AM for April (Est. = 7.6% to 7.7%, Prior = 7.6%)

Factory Orders@ 10:00 AM for March (Est. = -2.5%, Prior = 3.0%)

ISM Services @ 9:55 AM for April (Est. = 53.9 to 54.0, Prior = 54.4)

Weekly Newsletter March 24th - March 30th

Current Events:  After a down week, U.S. financial markets are seeking a jolt of positive news to keep near historic levels. Such a boost will likely come early in the week out of Europe as Cyprus has tentatively reached an agreement to receive key financial aid in an effort to avoid a meltdown. Early indications show the euro and U.S. stock-index futures rallying, following a sharp rise in Asian stocks as a result of the bailout.

What to Look for This Week

A ton of housing data is scheduled to be released this week, which will allow investors to gauge the temperature of the housing market. Not much excitement is expected this week from earnings though, as just a few big names are scheduled to announce, including Dollar General, Red Hat, Paychex, and GameStop.

News Affecting the Markets

The European Central Bank, the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund (collectively known as the Troika) came to the rescue Sunday bailing out the tiny island nation of Cyprus by securing 10 billion euros of aid. The proposed deal, which was leaked by European Union officials to Reuters, would include the closure of the country’s second-largest lender, Popular Bank of Cyprus or “Laiki Bank,” with deposits under 100,000 euros to be shifted to the larger Bank of Cyprus, while deposits over that amount would be frozen and used to pay off debts. Additionally, a 40% haircut on Bank of Cyprus depositors holding more than 100,000 euros in their accounts is reportedly also included in the structured deal designed to alleviate the country from its likely financial doom.

Smart Investing

Budget Analysis:  Investing and/or trading should involve the use of disposal income. But getting a hold of disposable income isn't easy for most. Thus, it may be prudent to create and maintain a budget. Start by reviewing your income and expenses. This will be easier if you get in the habit of tracking the money you spend using a paper ledger or with your computer. Remember to account for any debt expenses you may have, such as credit card and loan payments and include changes you anticipate such as a pay raise or a new car payment. Think about ways to maximize your income and minimize expenses. If you need more income, you may decide to work a few extra hours at a part-time job in addition to your current job. Look for ways both large and small to spend less throughout the year. Each income and added savings will quickly contribute to a larger pocket, which will give you a greater opportunity to participate in investments.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: Dollar General Corp (DG)

Tuesday:  No major announcements scheduled.

Wednesday: Paychex Inc (PAYX) {After the Close}, PVH Corp (PVH) {After the Close}, Red Hat Inc (RHT)

Thursday:  Accenture PLC (ACN) {After the Close}, Commercial Metals Co (CMC), GameStop Corp (GME), Mosaic Co (MOS)

Friday:  Excel Maritime Carriers Ltd (EXM)

* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

 

Economic Data this Week

Monday
No scheduled announcements.

Tuesday

Durable Orders @ 8:30 AM for February (Est. = 3.8% to 5.0%, Prior = -4.9%)
Case-Shiller 20-city Index @ 9:00 AM for January (Est. = 7.5%, Prior = 6.8%)
Consumer Confidence @ 10:00 AM for March (Est. = 65.0 to 66.9, Prior = 69.0)
New Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for February (Est. = 400K to 426K, Prior = 437K)

Wednesday

MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 03/23 (Est. = n/a, Prior = n/a)
Pending Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for February (Est. = 2.0%, Prior = 4.5%)
Crude Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 03/23 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -1.314M)

Thursday

Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 03/23 (Est. = 335K to 338K, Prior = 336K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 03/23 (Est. = 3040K to 3050K, Prior = 3053K)
Chicago PMI @ 9:45 AM for March (Est. = 55.0 to 56.5, Prior = 56.8)
Natural Gas Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 03/23 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -62)

Friday

Personal Income @ 8:30 AM for February (Est. = 0.8% to 0.9%, Prior = -3.6%)
Personal Spending @ 8:30 AM for February (Est. = 0.6%, Prior = 0.2%)
Michigan Sentiment @ 9:55 AM for March (Est. = 72.0 to 72.4, Prior = 71.8)

 

 

Weekly Newsletter March 17th - March 23rd

Current Events:  U.S. indexes reached new highs for the year last week, but recent news out of Europe has caused investors to worry. Highly debated decisions regarding the handling of the financial crisis in Cyprus could now jeopardize the long-term political future for key players in the euro zone. All of which has slowed down, at least for the moment, the steadily rising U.S. market.

What to Look for This Week

Just a few big names report earnings this week as the quarter approaches its end. Famous brands such as Nike, General Mills, and FedEx are set to lead the way. Computer software giants Oracle and Jabil Circuit are also likely to catch attention from investors this relatively quiet earnings week.

News Affecting the Markets

The latest shoe to drop in the euro-zone saga is Cyprus. The little known land has become the epicenter of the euro-zone financial crisis mostly in large part to recent proposals to rectify the issue at hand. Under a rescue deal announced Saturday, international creditors agreed to provide 10 billion euros to the Cyprus. In return, the country has plans to sell government assets, raise corporate-tax rates and impose a tax on interest earned in its banks. But most controversially, the aid package also requires a one-off levy on deposits in all banks in Cyprus.

Smart Investing

 Tape Reading:  Following price action can be very confusing. One of the main ways to follow price action is to examine the price compared to an indicated point. Many traders use pivot points because it has shown consistent results for those experienced. This is the simplest way to tell if your position is approaching or moving further away from a specific point. This lends itself to the trader getting a feel for what’s happening in the market once their position is initiated. The indicated point more than likely is your entry price. Some points have more importance such as opening price, new highs, or new lows. So when examining price action, you want to acknowledge how fast it’s moving and how much it’s gone up or down. To evaluate this you need two points: your indicated point and the price it’s trading at the time.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: No major announcements.

Tuesday:  Williams-Sonoma Inc (WSM) {After the Close}

Wednesday: FedEx Corp (FDX), General Mills Inc (GIS), GUESS? Inc (GES), Jabil Circuit Inc (JBL), Oracle Corp (ORCL) {After the Close}

Thursday:  KB Home (KBH), Micron Technology Inc (MU) {After the Close}, Nike Inc (NKE) {After the Close}

Friday:  Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI), Tiffany & Co (TIF)

* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

 

Economic Data this Week

Monday

NAHB Housing Market Index @ 10:00 AM for March (Act. = 44, Prior = 46)

Tuesday

Housing Starts @ 8:30 AM for February (Est. = 905K to 911K, Prior = 890K)
Building Permits @ 8:30 AM for February (Est. = 915K to 925K, Prior = 904K)

 Wednesday

MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 03/16 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -4.7%)
Crude Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 03/16 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 2.624M)
FOMC Rate Decision @ 2:00 PM for March (Est. = 0.25%, Prior = 0.25%)

Thursday

Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 03/16 (Est. = 345K, Prior = 322K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 03/09 (Est. = 3065K to 3100K, Prior = 3024K)
FHFA Housing Price Index @ 9:00 AM for January (Est. = n/a, Prior = 0.6%)
Existing Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for February (Est. = 5.00M, Prior = 4.92M)
Philadelphia Fed @ 10:00 AM for March (Est. = -3.0 to 2.0, Prior = -12.5)
Leading Indicators @ 10:00 AM for February (Est. = 0.5%, Prior = 0.2%)
Natural Gas Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 03/16 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -145)

Friday

No scheduled announcements.

Weekly Newsletter March 10th - March 16th

Current Events:  Last week the U.S. markets recorded another very strong week in which new highs and new levels were hit. This week will shed light on the consumer pulse with various retails sales data scheduled for announcement. Such data will provide key insight on whether consumers are content enough with current stock and housing prices to confidently open up their wallets in ways not seen since 2008.

What to Look for This Week

A handful of retailers, including Aeropostale and Dick's Sporting Goods, are the majority of what is left to report earnings this quarter. Though it is a light weak from an earnings perspective, investors will be very interested how the week unfolds as record-breaking market highs are on the line each day.

News Affecting the Markets

Infamous economist Nouriel Roubini, credited for predicting the global financial crisis in 2006, has once again publicly predicted a market correction. According to Roubini, higher taxes and spending cuts will hinder U.S. economic growth this year leading to major market correction in the second half of 2013.

Smart Investing

Short-term vs. Long-term:  In a statement attributed to Warren Buffett, he describes the stock market as a voting machine in the short term and a weighing machine in the long term. So in the immediate term, the machine just makes a whole lot of noise. Most of the time, you should not really pay attention to stock prices. Over the long run, though, the price of a stock does get established. So you want to keep your eye on the stock for a much longer period of time. Great products and terrific sales precede great company reports. But since earnings reports are only done quarterly, most investors wait for the reports and then buy or sell the shares of the company. Smart investors watch what consumers buy, and then jump in during that lag time before the reports are released. Over the long run, one thing is certain: Good companies produce good products. And if those companies are run well and their products are bought and enjoyed by consumers, their stock prices will go up. So keep an eye out for great companies with terrific products and you're going to find a few winners.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: Dick's Sporting Goods Inc (DKS)

Tuesday:  No major announcements.

Wednesday: GUESS? Inc (GES), Men's Wearhouse Inc (MW) {After the Close}

Thursday:  Aeropostale Inc (ARO), Ulta Salon Cosmetics and Fragrance Inc (ULTA) {After the Close}

Friday:  No major announcements.

* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

 Economic Data this Week

 Monday

No announcements scheduled.

Tuesday

Treasury Budget @ 2:00 PM for February (Est. = -$205.0B, Prior = -$237.7B)

Wednesday

MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 03/09 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 14.8%)
Retail Sales @ 8:30 AM for February (Est. = 0.2% to 0.5%, Prior = 0.1%)

Business Inventories @ 10:00 AM for January (Est. = 0.4% to 0.6%, Prior = 0.1%)

Crude Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 03/09 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 3.833M)

Thursday

Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 03/09 (Est. = 350K, Prior = 340K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 03/02 (Est. = 3100K to 3103K, Prior = 3094K)
PPI @ 8:30 AM for February (Est. = 0.7% to 0.8%, Prior = 0.2%)
Natural Gas Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 03/09 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -146)

Friday

CPI @ 8:30 AM for February (Est. = 0.5% to 0.6%, Prior = 0.0%)
Empire Manufacturing @ 8:30 AM for March (Est. = 5.0 to 6.5, Prior = 10.0)
Michigan Sentiment @ 9:55 AM for March (Est. = 77.8 to 79.0, Prior = 77.6)

Weekly Newsletter March 3rd - March 9th

Current Events:  Though lackluster news has been plentiful of late, little has slowed down U.S. equity markets as indexes tease with record setting highs. The unemployment rate to be released on Friday will be the next scheduled test for the resilient market.

What to Look for This Week

A quite week is expected from an earnings perspective as the quarter approaches its end. Most of the pillars across all industries have reported this season and just a few key remaining announcements remain. Some popular household names reported this week include Internet favorite Pandora and grocery store chain Kroger.

News Affecting the Markets

Worries of a real-estate bubble in China has weighed very little on the U.S. stock markets as the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at its second-highest level ever on Monday. To combat China's bubble fears authorities late on Friday announced new property-buying restrictions, including higher down payments and mortgage rates on second homes in cities that have seen steep increases in property prices.

Smart Investing

Entering on Pullbacks:  Most of the time entry and exit points are derived from support or resistance levels in an individual stock that you are trading or, more broadly, in the market itself. Another approach to entering a position is to be patient and wait for a pullback in the market or the stock that is currently trending up. Inversely, if the market, or your stock, is trending down, wait for an adjustment. These corrections occur because the market and the stocks within it do not just go straight up or down. As a result, there are many insignificant pullbacks and adjustments that present good entry points. Therefore, determine if the situation in front of you is a pullback/adjustment, or has the trend simply come to an end.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: Boyd Gaming Corp (BYD), Transocean Ltd (RIG)

Tuesday:  Navistar International Corp (NAV), Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd (STP), VeriFone Systems Inc (PAY) {After the Close}

Wednesday: Big Lots Inc (BIG), DryShips Inc (DRYS) {After the Close}, Hovnanian Enterprises Inc (HOV), Williams-Sonoma Inc (WSM)

Thursday:  Ciena Corp (CIEN), H & R Block Inc (HRB) {After the Close}, Kroger Co (KR), Pandora Media Inc (P) {After the Close}, Smithfield Foods Inc (SFD)

Friday:  Ann Inc (ANN), Foot Locker Inc (FL)
* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

 Economic Data this Week

Monday

No announcements scheduled.

Tuesday

ISM Services @ 10:00 AM for February (Est. = 55.4 to 56.0, Prior = 55.2)

Wednesday

MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 03/02 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -3.8%)
ADP Employment Change @ 8:15 AM for February (Est. = 150K, Prior = 192K)
Factory Orders @ 10:00 AM for January (Est. = -2.2% to -3.0%, Prior = 1.8%)
Crude Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 03/02 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 1.130M)
Fed's Beige Book @ 2:00 PM for March

Thursday

Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 03/02 (Est. = 350K to 355K, Prior = 344K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 02/23 (Est. = 3100K, Prior = 3074K)
Natural Gas Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 03/02 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -171)
Consumer Credit @ 3:00 PM for January (Est. = $10.0B to $12.8B, Prior = $14.6B)

Friday

Non-farm Payrolls @ 8:30 AM for February (Est. = 165K to 170K, Prior = 157K)
Unemployment Rate @ 8:30 AM for February (Est. = 7.9%, Prior = 7.9%)
Wholesale Inventories @ 10:00 AM for January (Est. = 0.2%, Prior = -0.1%)

  

 

Weekly Newsletter February 24th - March 2nd

Current Events:  A strong Friday helped the U.S. markets rebound from a poor two-day stretch that left the Nasdaq and S&P 500 Index slightly down on the week, while the Dow Jones Industrial Index managed to escape slightly positive.

What to Look for This Week

 Retailers of all types will be the talk this week as a long list of famous stores and brands announce earnings, including Home Depot, Macy's, Barnes & Noble, Gap, and Target. These announcements, coupled with home and vehicle sales, will provide investors with key insight on past and future trends of consumers.

News Affecting the Markets

Congress returns to session on Monday, but much is to be done as the White House and legislators face a deadline that is now just 5 days a way, which would trigger automatic federal spending cuts beginning on Friday. This deadline was initially set to trigger on January 1st of 2013, but was pushed back to March 1st as lawmakers could not agree to a deal.

Smart Investing

Buying Straddles Prior to Earnings:  Buying straddles is a great way to play earnings. Many a times, stock prices gap up or down following the quarterly earnings report but often, the direction of the movement can be unpredictable. For instance, a sell off can occur even though the earnings report is good if investors had expected greater results. The strategy when anticipating such a case is to buy a straddle two weeks or so ahead of earnings. A straddle will allow you to capitalize on the movement of the stock regardless of the direction. Note that significant price movement is necessary for a straddle to make money and thus is a common strategy during earnings and key announcements. Ensure that you do your homework and identify stocks that have a history of gap movements.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: 3D Systems Corp (DDD), Big Lots Inc (BIG), Firstenergy Corp (FE), General Cable Corp (BGC), Health Care REIT Inc (HCN) {After the Close}, Hecla Mining Co (HL), Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ), Lowe's Companies Inc (LOW), Quicksilver Resources Inc (KWK)

Tuesday:  American Tower Corp (AMT), Autozone Inc (AZO), DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc (DWA) {After the Close}, Ecolab Inc (ECL), Edison International (EIX) ({After the Close}, GrafTech International Ltd (GTI), Gran Tierra Energy Inc (GTE), Home Depot Inc (HD), iStar Financial Inc (SFI), Macy's Inc (M), MetroPCS Communications Inc (PCS), R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co (RRD), RadioShack Corp (RSH), Range Resources Corp (RRC) {After the Close}, Saks Inc (SKS), Sempra Energy (SRE), Superior Energy Services Inc (SPN) {After the Close}, Tenet Healthcare Corp (THC), TiVo Inc (TIVO) {After the Close}, Trina Solar Ltd (TSL), Vornado Realty Trust (VNO) {After the Close}, Weatherford International Ltd (WFT) {After the Close}

Wednesday: Assured Guaranty Ltd (AGO) {After the Close}, Chicago Bridge & Iron Company NV (CBI) {After the Close}, Cincinnati Bell Inc (CBB), J C Penney Company Inc (JCP) {After the Close}, Limited Brands Inc (LTD) {After the Close}, MBIA Inc (MBI) {After the Close}, Mylan Inc (MYL) {After the Close}, NRG Energy Inc (NRG), Stillwater Mining Co (SWC), Strategic Hotels and Resorts Inc (BEE) {After the Close}, Target Corp (TGT), TJX Companies Inc (TJX), Whiting Petroleum Corp (WLL) {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}

Thursday:  Barnes & Noble Inc (BKS), Best Buy Co Inc (BBY), Cablevision Systems Corp (CVC), Chico's FAS Inc (CHS), Deckers Outdoor Corp (DECK) {After the Close}, Gap Inc (GPS) {After the Close}, Iron Mountain Inc (IRM), McDermott International Inc (MDR) {After the Close}, MGIC Investment Corp (MTG), Molycorp Inc (MCP) {After the Close}, Progressive Corp (PGR), Salesforce.com Inc (CRM) {After the Close}, SandRidge Energy Inc (SD) {After the Close}, Seadrill Ltd (SDRL), Sears Holdings Corp (SHLD), Sotheby's (BID), The Wendy's Co (WEN)

Friday:  No major announcements scheduled.

* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

 Economic Data this Week

Monday
No announcements scheduled.

Tuesday
Case-Shiller 20-city Index @ 9:00 AM for December (Est. = 6.0% to 6.5%, Prior = 5.5%)
FHFA Housing Price Index @ 9:00 AM for December (Est. = n/a, Prior = 0.6%)
New Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for January (Est. = 375K to 385K, Prior = 369K)
Consumer Confidence @ 10:00 AM for February (Est. = 62.0 to 62.5, Prior = 58.6)

Wednesday

MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 02/23 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -1.7%)
Durable Orders @ 8:30 AM for January (Est. = -0.5% to 0.2%, Prior = 1.0%)
Pending Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for January (Est. = 1.0%, Prior = -4.3%)
Crude Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 02/23 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 4.143M)

Thursday

Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 02/23 (Est. = 360K to 365K, Prior = 362K)

Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 02/16 (Est. = 3150K, Prior = 3148K)
Chicago PMI @ 9:45 AM for February (Est. = 54.0, Prior = 55.6)
Natural Gas Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 02/23 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -127)

Friday

Personal Income @ 8:30 AM for January (Est. = -2.4%, Prior = 2.6%)
Personal Spending @ 8:30 AM for January (Est. = 0.1% to 0.2%, Prior = 0.2%)
Michigan Sentiment @ 9:55 AM for February (Est. = 75.0 to 76.3, Prior = 76.3)
ISM Index @ 10:00 AM for February (Est. = 52.0 to 52.4, Prior = 53.1)
Construction Spending @ 10:00 AM for January (Est. = 0.2% to 0.5%, Prior = 0.9%)
Auto Sales @ 2:00 PM for February (Est. = n/a, Prior = 5.6M)
Truck Sales @ 2:00 PM for February (Est. = n/a, Prior = 6.5M)

 

 

Weekly Newsletter February 17th - February 23rd

Current Events:  Last week's relatively stagnant performance in all three major U.S. indexes is largely due to technical resistance as each sits at multi-year highs. It will likely take some extraordinary news to generate investor interest to purchase at these levels. If such a move lift occurs it could spark a motivating rally.

What to Look for This Week

Though most companies have already reported earnings for this quarter some of the largest corporations in the world remain, including Wal-Mart. American International Group (AIG) will likely draw a great deal of press upon earnings on Thursday as the "bailed-out" company continues its attempt to regain support.
News Affecting the Markets

Key decisions on the U.S. budget are likely to occur in the next two weeks as the March 1 deadline approaches for lawmakers. Thus far, the equity markets have seen little impact from this looming piece of legislature; however, with indexes at multi-year highs uncertainty surrounding federal spending cuts can be enough to tip the market south.

Smart Investing

Goal Setting:  Setting goals is not just about achieving success, but experiencing an enriching journey while on the process of acquiring your goal. There is so much to be had when you have set your goals in life. One of which is achieving self-development. Setting goals is a sign of maturity in a person. Clear cut intent will help develop motivation and forces you to practice some of the important values in life like determination, perseverance and discipline. Setting a goal will also give you a clear road map on which direction and will enhance your self-esteem as you know what you want to achieve and how to get there. Even though there is no guarantee that you will achieve every goal, what matters most is the growing process that you will experience even as making that journey that will enable you to take on similar or even better opportunities.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ), Stillwater Mining Co (SWC)

Tuesday:  Marriott International Inc (MAR) {After the Close}, Medtronic Inc (MDT), Nabors Industries Ltd (NBR) {After the Close}, Omnicare Inc (OCR), Sealed Air Corp (SEE), Terex Corp (TEX), Windstream Corp (WIN)

Wednesday: Boyd Gaming Corp (BYD), Devon Energy Corp (DVN), DISH Network Corp (DISH), Eaton Vance Corp (EV), Energy Transfer Partners LP (ETP) {After the Close}, Fluor Corp (FLR) {After the Close}, Forest Oil Corp (FST) {After the Close}, Goodrich Petroleum Corp (GDP) {After the Close}, MGM Resorts International (MGM), Newfield Exploration Co (NFX), Owens Corning (OC), Questar Corp (STR) {After the Close}, Sodastream International Ltd (SODA), Toll Brothers Inc (TOL), Walter Energy Inc (WLT) {After the Close}, Williams Companies Inc (WMB) {After the Close}

Thursday:  American International Group Inc (AIG) {After the Close}, Cabot Oil & Gas Corp (COG) {After the Close}, Chesapeake Energy Corp (CHK), Community Health Systems Inc (CYH) {After the Close}, Ensco PLC (ESV), Hormel Foods Corp (HRL), Host Hotels & Resorts Inc (HST), Newmont Mining Corp (NEM) {After the Close}, Nordstrom Inc (JWN) {After the Close}, OfficeMax Inc (OMX), PG&E Corp (PCG), Plains Exploration & Production Co (PXP), Reliance Steel and Aluminum Co (RS), Safeway Inc (SWY), Southwestern Energy Co (SWN), Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT)

Friday:  Abercrombie & Fitch Co (ANF)

* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

Economic Data this Week

Monday
No announcements scheduled.

Tuesday

NAHB Housing Market Index @ 10:00 AM for February (Est. = 48, Prior = 47)

Wednesday

MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 02/16 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -6.4%)
Housing Starts @ 8:30 AM for January (Est. = 900K to 910K, Prior = 954K)
Building Permits @ 8:30 AM for January (Est. = 915K to 918K, Prior = 903K)
PPI @ 8:30 AM for January (Est. = 0.1% to 0.3%, Prior = -0.2%)
FOMC Minutes @ 2:00 PM for 01/30

Thursday

Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 02/09 (Est. = 358K to 365K, Prior = 341K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 02/02 (Est. = 3150K to 3200K, Prior = 3114K)
CPI @ 8:30 AM for January (Est. = 0.1%, Prior = 0.0%)
Existing Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for January (Est. = 4.94M to 4.95M, Prior = 4.94M)
Philadelphia Fed @ 10:00 AM for February (Est. = 1.5 to 2.0, Prior = -5.8)
Natural Gas Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 02/16 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -157)
Crude Inventories @ 11:00 AM for 02/16 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 0.560M)

 

Weekly Newsletter February 10th - February 16th

Current Events:  Major U.S. equity indexes all finished at or near the highs for the week on Friday despite a roller-coaster type week. With Friday's strong finish the Nasdaq and S&P 500 indexes are impressively at new highs for 2013.

What to Look for This Week

A relatively full plate of earnings announcements are scheduled this week as popular beverage giants Coca-Cola and Pepsi lead the way. The quarter has been quite the favorable one for the stock market as corporations have been routinely reporting better than expected earnings due to such low initial forecasts.

News Affecting the Markets

Investors will be eager to see how the market handles the news of the devastating snow storm that hit the north east this weekend. Nine states have reported a loss of electricity due to the poor weather conditions which have impacted an estimated 660,000 customers. Highways were also effected as abandoned cars littered the roadways.

Smart Investing

Buying a Franchise:  Buying a franchise business is something that should always be approached with a good deal of caution and research. You should make sure that you scrutinize over every detail of the franchise you wish to purchase and make sure a competent franchise attorney looks over ever document the franchisor provides to you. By law, franchisors must provide the franchisee with the proper documentation and numbers that will help you make your decision. It is vital to conduct your own independent research on the franchise you wish to join. After doing the research and crunching the numbers, you'll have a pretty good idea whether this particular industry is right for you and if the franchisor would be easy to work with. Do not jump into a franchise opportunity without first doing your due-diligence to insure this venture will be profitable and fun.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: Lions Gate Entertainment Corp (LGF) {After the Close}, Loews Corp (L), Mannkind Corp (MNKD), Masco Corp (MAS) {After the Close}, Radian Group Inc (RDN)

Tuesday:  Avon Products Inc (AVP), Cliffs Natural Resources Inc (CLF) {After the Close}, DDR Corp (DDR) {After the Close}, Fidelity National Information Services Inc (FIS), FMC Technologies Inc (FTI) {After the Close}, Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc (MMC), Michael Kors Holdings Ltd (KORS), Omnicom Group Inc (OMC), Rackspace Hosting Inc (RAX) {After the Close}, Reynolds American Inc (RAI), The Coca-Cola Co (KO), The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co (GT), The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc (MHP), Western Union Co (WU) {After the Close}

Wednesday: Avis Budget Group Inc (CAR) {After the Close}, CenturyLink Inc (CTL) {After the Close}, Dean Foods Co (DF), Deere & Co (DE), Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc (DPS), Duke Energy Corp (DUK), Hospira Inc (HSP), Lorillard Inc (LO), Metlife Inc (MET) {After the Close}, Oceaneering International Inc (OII) {After the Close}, Pioneer Natural Resources Co (PXD) {After the Close}, Skechers USA Inc (SKX) {After the Close}, The Jones Group Inc (JNY), Whole Foods Market Inc (WFM) {After the Close}

Thursday:  Agilent Technologies Inc (A) {After the Close}, Apache Corp (APA), CBS Corp (CBS) {After the Close}, Directv (DTV), EOG Resources Inc (EOG), General Motors Co (GM), GNC Holdings Inc (GNC), Key Energy Services Inc (KEG) {After the Close}, PepsiCo Inc (PEP), PPL Corp (PPL), Realty Income Corp (O), Vulcan Materials Co (VMC), Waste Management Inc (WM)

Friday:  American Electric Power Company Inc  (AEP), Campbell Soup Co (CPB), Ventas Inc (VTR)
* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

Economic Data this Week

Monday
No announcements scheduled.

Tuesday
Treasury Budget @ 2:00 PM for January (Est. = -$2.0B, Prior = -$27.4B)

Wednesday
MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 02/09 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 3.4%)
Retail Sale @ 8:30 AM for December (Est. = -0.3% to 0.1%, Prior = 0.5%)
Business Inventories @ 10:00 AM for December (Est. = 0.1% to 0.3%, Prior = 0.3%)
Crude Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 02/09 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 2.623M)

Thursday

Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 02/09 (Est. = 365K, Prior = 366K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 02/02 (Est. = 3200K, Prior = 3224K)
Natural Gas Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 02/09 (Est. = n/a, Prior = n/a)

Friday

Empire Manufacturing @ 8:30 AM for February (Est. = -2.0 to 0.0, Prior = -7.8)
Industrial Production @ 9:15 AM for January (Est. = 0.2% to 0.4%, Prior = 0.3%)
Capacity Utilization @ 9:15 AM for January (Est. = 78.9% to 79.0%, Prior = 78.8%)
Wholesale Inventories @ 10:00 AM for December (Est. = 0.3% to 0.7%, Prior = 0.6%)
Michigan Sentiment @ 9:55 AM for February (Est. = 73.0 to 73.5, Prior = 73.8)

 

Weekly Newsletter February 3rd - February 9th

Current Events:  US indexes suffer their largest single-session loss of 2013 on Monday due to concerns of reoccurring Europe issues. The big drop comes just as the Dow Jones Industrial Index was ever so close of reaching all-time highs seen over five years ago.

What to Look for This Week

Last week was a busy one for investors as 122 companies reported earnings catapulting U.S. indexes to highs not seen in years. While there are far fewer stocks this week, insurance favorites All-State and Aflac are just some of the popular brand names that will gain attention this week regardless of worries from governments overseas.

News Affecting the Markets

Spanish and Italian debt yields surge on Monday sending U.S. stocks tumbling. Rattled investors pushed bond yields higher in large part to new drama surrounding Spanish and Italian scandals.

Smart Investing

Brokerage Deposits and Withdrawals:  Most brokers allow their clients to deposit and withdrawal their funds with the simplicity of a bank account. However, this should be verified and considered before opening an account. If deposits and withdrawals can only be made through electronic transfer it will almost certainly be at a cost to the investor. Free withdrawals through a check in the mail are likely available, but this takes time and might not meet your needs. Electronic transfers are instantaneous, but costly. Another thing to consider is timing- some brokers require you to wait 3-5 days after a transaction before withdrawing funds. Some accounts come with a Visa or MasterCard debit card that can be used anywhere these cards are accepted to make purchases with the funds you keep in your account. Regardless of the type of trader you are, it is important to consider how you will access your funds once they are in the account before signing up with a broker.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: Anadarko Petroleum Corp (APC) {After the Close}, Baidu Inc (BIDU), Gannett Co Inc (GCI), Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL), Simon Property Group Inc (SPG), Sysco Corp (SYY), Yum! Brands Inc (YUM)

Tuesday:  Aflac Inc (AFL) {After the Close}, Arch Coal Inc (ACI), Archer Daniels Midland Co (ADM), Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP), Becton Dickinson and Co (BDX), Cardinal Health Inc (CAH), CME Group Inc (CME) {After the Close}, Computer Sciences Corp (CSC), Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc (DO), Eaton Corp (ETN), Emerson Electric Co (EMR), Equity Residential (EQR) {After the Close}, Estee Lauder Companies Inc (EL), Genworth Financial Inc (GNW) {After the Close}, Kellogg Co (K), Kimco Realty Corp (KIM) {After the Close}, NYSE Euronext (NYX), Revlon Inc (REV), Sirius XM Radio Inc (SIRI), UDR Inc (UDR), Union Bankshares Inc (UNB), Walt Disney Co (DIS) {After the Close}

Wednesday: Allstate Corp (ALL) {After the Close}, Con-way Inc (CNW), Covanta Holding Corp (CVA) {After the Close}, Coventry Health Care Inc (CVH), CVS Caremark Corp (CVS), DeVry Inc (DV) {After the Close}, LeapFrog Enterprises Inc (LF) {After the Close}, Lincoln National Corp (LNC) {After the Close}, Macerich Co (MAC), Mettler Toledo International Inc (MTD) {After the Close}, Prudential Financial Inc (PRU) {After the Close}, Ralph Lauren Corp (RL), Time Warner Inc (TWX), Visa Inc (V) {After the Close}

Thursday:  Advance Auto Parts Inc (AAP), Bunge Ltd (BG), Cigna Corp (CI), Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc (CCE), Hasbro Inc (HAS) {After the Close}, Lazard Ltd (LAZ), Monster Worldwide Inc (MWW), Noble Energy Inc (NBL), Philip Morris International Inc (PM), Sprint Nextel Corp (S), Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc (HOT), XL Group PLC (XL) {After the Close}

Friday:  American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc (AXL), AOL Inc (AOL), CBOE Holdings Inc (CBOE), Entergy Corp (ETR), Moodys Corp (MCO)
* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

 Economic Data this Week

Monday
Factory Orders @ 10:00 AM for December (Act. = 1.8%, Prior = -0.3%)

Tuesday

ISM Services @ 10:00 AM for January (Est. = 55.5 to 55.6, Prior = 56.1)

Wednesday
MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 02/02 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -8.1%)
Crude Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 02/02 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 5.947M)

Thursday

Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 02/02 (Est. = 360K to 365K, Prior = 368K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 01/26 (Est. = 3200K, Prior = 3198K)
Natural Gas Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 02/02 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -194)
Consumer Credit @ 3:00 PM for December (Est. = $10.0B to $11.9B, Prior = $16.0B)

Friday

Wholesale Inventories @ 10:00 AM for December (Est. = 0.3% to 0.7%, Prior = 0.6%)

 

 

Weekly Newsletter January 27th - February 2nd

Current Events: Last week proved to be another strong week for the Dow Jones Industrial and S&P 500 indexes, backed by better than expected earnings from many corporations. This was the first time in 5 years that the S&P 500 index touched the 1500 mark. While Thursday's slide in the Nasdaq was enough to keep the index from finishing the week on a high like its counterparts.

What to Look for This Week

The busiest week of the fourth quarter is ahead as 122 of the S&P 500 companies are scheduled to release earnings. Many investors are looking for a continuation of current positive trends as many companies have reported better than expected earnings this quarter, in large part due to very poor expectations from Wall Street.

News Affecting the Markets

Apple, the innovative giant in the field of technology for over the past decade, suffered a significant loss in value on Thursday as over 800,000 shares, worth roughly $300 million, were quickly dumped. News from the tech leader in recent months has not been promising as cuts in iPhone 5 manufacturing due to less than expected demand has caused unforeseen weakness. The latest bit of bad news to strike Apple comes from the trading community. Those in use of technical analysis have now publicly noted the head and shoulders pattern that has appeared, which has lead to speculation that more of a slide is to come.

Smart Investing

Retirement Income Property Planning:  If you purchase the right property at the right price and on the right terms a rental property can produce significantly more income than traditional passive investments. If you plan to finance your purchase with a mortgage, you'll need to take action before you retire. Mortgage lending guidelines typically require applicants to be employed and have at least two years of steady employment history in the same occupation. Lenders require a substantial down payment, typically 30% or more, if you won't be occupying the property. If you don't have the cash to make such a large down payment, consider using your IRA funds. All equity growth and income from rental receipts will grow inside your IRA tax-free. Purchasing the property with funds inside a Roth IRA, on which you've already paid taxes, means all your earnings and equity can grow tax-free perpetually. Owning income-producing property can be a viable resource to provide retirement income and leave a legacy to pass on to your beneficiaries, but it's important to have as much knowledge as you can going into the purchase so you have realistic monetary expectations.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: BMC Software Inc (BMC) {After the Close}, Caterpillar Inc (CAT), Celanese Corp (CE) {After the Close}, Plum Creek Timber Company Inc (PCL) {After the Close}, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL), Seagate Technology PLC (STX) {After the Close}, Union Bankshares Inc (UNB), VMware Inc (VMW) {After the Close}, Yahoo! Inc (YHOO) {After the Close}

Tuesday:  ACE Limited (ACE) {After the Close}, AK Steel Holding Corp (AKS), Amazon.Com Inc (AMZN) {After the Close}, Ashland Inc (ASH), Boston Properties Inc (BXP) {After the Close}, Boston Scientific Corp (BSX), CapitalSource Inc (CSE) {After the Close}, CIT Group Inc (CIT), Corning Inc (GLW), D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI), Danaher Corp (DHR), Eli Lilly and Co (LLY), Ford Motor Co (F), Harley-Davidson Inc (HOG), Harris Corp (HRS), Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW), International Paper Co (IP), JetBlue Airways Corp (JBLU), Jones Lang LaSalle Inc (JLL) {After the Close}, Lexmark International Inc (LXK), Nucor Corp (NUE), Peabody Energy Corp (BTU), Pfizer Inc (PFE), Ryland Group Inc (RYL) {After the Close}, Tupperware Brands Corp (TUP), Tyco International Ltd (TYC), United States Steel Corp (X), Valero Energy Corp (VLO)

Wednesday: ADT Corp (ADT), Ameriprise Financial Inc (AMP) {After the Close}, AvalonBay Communities Inc (AVB) {After the Close}, Boeing Co (BA), ConocoPhillips (COP) {After the Close}, Electronic Arts Inc (EA) {After the Close}, Facebook Inc (FB) {After the Close}, Health Net Inc (HNT), Hess Corp (HES), L-3 Communications Holdings Inc (LLL), Manpower Inc (MAN), Murphy Oil Corp (MUR) {After the Close}, Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC), Owens-Illinois Inc (OI) {After the Close}, Rockwell Automation Inc (ROK), Southern Co (SO), TCF Financial Corp (TCB), {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}, {After the Close}

 Thursday:  Aetna Inc (AET), Alliance Data Systems Corp (ADS), Altria Group Inc (MO), Ball Corp (BLL), Blackstone Group LP (BX), Cameron International Corp (CAM), Chubb Corp (CB) {After the Close}, Colgate-Palmolive Co (CL), CONSOL Energy Inc (CNX), Dominion Resources Inc (D), Dow Chemical Co (DOW), Eastman Chemical Co (EMN) {After the Close}, Essex Property Trust Inc (ESS) {After the Close}, Harman International Industries Inc (HAR), Helmerich & Payne Inc (HP), Invesco Ltd (IVZ), MasterCard Inc (MA), McKesson Corp (MCK) {After the Close}, Occidental Petroleum Corp (OXY), PulteGroup Inc (PHM), Ryder System Inc (R), Sherwin-Williams Co (SHW), Tellabs Inc (TLAB) {After the Close}, Tenneco Inc (TEN), The Hershey Co (HSY), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc (TMO), Time Warner Cable Inc (TWC), Under Armour Inc (UA), United Parcel Service Inc (UPS), Universal Technical Institute Inc (UTI) {After the Close}, Whirlpool Corp (WHR), Xcel Energy Inc (XEL), Zimmer Holdings Inc (ZMH)

Friday:  Chevron Corp (CVX), Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM), Ingersoll-Rand PLC (IR), Lear Corp (LEA), Legg Mason Inc (LM), LyondellBasell Industries NV (LYB), Mattel Inc (MAT), Merck & Co Inc (MRK), National Oilwell Varco Inc (NOV)Newell Rubbermaid Inc (NWL), Tidewater Inc (TDW), Tyson Foods Inc (TSN)

* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

 Economic Data this Week

Monday
Durable Orders @ 8:30 AM for December (Est. = 1.6% to 2.5%, Prior = 0.8%)
Pending Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for December (Est. = 0.0%, Prior = 1.7%)

Tuesday
Case-Shiller 20-city Index @ 9:00 AM for November (Est. = 5.0 to 5.2%, Prior = 4.3%)
Consumer Confidence @ 10:00 AM for January (Est. = 61.0 to 65.1, Prior = 65.1)

Wednesday

MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 01/26 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 7.0%)
ADP Employment Change @ 8:15 AM for January (Est. = 175K, Prior = 215K)
Crude Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 01/26 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 2.813M)
FOMC Rate Decision @ 2:15 PM for January (Est. = 0.25%, Prior = 0.25%)

Thursday

Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 01/26 (Est. = 345K to 365K, Prior = 330K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 01/19 (Est. = 3200K, Prior = 3157K)
Chicago PMI @ 9:15 AM for January (Est. = 50.0 to 50.5, Prior = 48.9)
Natural Gas Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 01/26 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -172)

Friday

Unemployment Rate @ 8:30 AM for January (Est. = 7.7%, Prior = 7.8%)
Non-Farm Payrolls @ 8:30 AM for January (Est. = 180K to 195K, Prior = 155K)
Michigan Sentiment @ 9:55 AM for January (Est. = 70.5 to 71.4, Prior = 71.3)
ISM Index @ 10:00 AM for January (Est. = 49.5 to 50.5, Prior = 50.7)
Construction Spending @ 10:00 AM for December (Est. = 0.3% to 0.5%, Prior = -0.3%)
Auto Sales @ 2:00 PM for January (Est. = n/a, Prior = 5.5M)
Truck Sales @ 2:00 PM for January (Est. = n/a, Prior = 5.5M)