Forecast

January 19. 2014

Market Review

The three major U.S. averages finished another week with mixed results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average eked out a small gain of 0.1 percent to finish at 16,458.56. The blue-chip average managed to post its first weekly gain of the year but is still down 0.7 percent for the year. The S&P 500 fell 0.2 percent for the week to finish at 1,838.70. The broad index is down 0.5 percent for 2014. The Nasdaq advanced 0.6 percent for the week to 4,197.58, up 0.5 percent for the year. Among the key S&P sectors, technology was the best weekly performer, while energy dragged. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX) finished at 12.44. Read More

January 12. 2014

Market Review

All three major U.S. averages finished the week with a mixed performance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.2 percent over the week, to end at 16,469.99. The blue-chip index posted its second weekly loss in a row this year. The S&P 500 advanced 0.6 percent for the week to finish at 1,842.37. The broad index had its first weekly gain this year. The Nasdaq added 1 percent for the week to 4,174.66, its first weekly gain this year as well. Among the key S&P sectors, health care was the best weekly performer, while materials dragged the most. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index, the gauge of S&P 500 options known as the VIX, ended at 12.14. The index has fallen 12 percent this month and closed at the lowest level since August. Read More

January 05. 2014

Market Review

All three U.S. indexes finished the first week of the year in negative territory. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 8.42 points, or 0.1 percent, to 16,469.99 for the week. The S&P 500 declined 0.5 percent to 1,831.37 in the holiday-shortened week, after completing 2013 with a nearly 30 percent gain, the most since 1997. The Nasdaq lost 0.6 percent to 4,131.91. Eight of 10 main S&P 500 groups retreated for the week, with energy and utility dropping at least. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index, the gauge of S&P 500 options known as the VIX, advanced 10 percent to 13.76 for the week. The gauge finished 2013 with a 24 percent drop, the largest decline since 2009. Read More

December 29. 2013

Market Review

All three major U.S. averages finished the holiday-shortened week with solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1.6 percent to close the week at 16,478.41. The blue-chip benchmark advanced for a second week and is up more than 25% in the year-to-date. The Dow is on track for its biggest annual gain since 1996. The S&P 500 increased 1.3 percent to 1,770.61 for the week, its second weekly gain as well. The benchmark equity gauge has advanced 29 percent in 2013, putting it on course for its biggest annual rally since 1997. The Nasdaq climbed 1.3 percent to 4,156.59 and has soared 38 percent in 2013. Most key S&P sectors finished higher, led by materials, while utilities ended in the red. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index, the gauge of S&P 500 options known as the VIX, closed at 12.46. The gauge has dropped 31 percent this year, the largest annual decline since 2009. Read More

December 22. 2013

Market Review

U.S. stocks rallied for the week, with the Dow and S&P 500 scoring record closes. After losing ground in the prior two weeks, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3 percent this week to finish at 16,221.14. That was its best week since mid-September and in terms of point gain, it was the best since early January. The S&P 500 soared 2.4 percent, to close at 1,818.31 and also snapped a two-week losing streak. The Nasdaq gained 2.6 percent from the week ago close to finish at 4,104.74. All key S&P sectors ended in positive territory for the week, led by industrials. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, slid below 14. Read More

December 15. 2013

Market Review

Last week all three major U.S. averages ended in negative territory. For the week the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.7 percent to 15,755.36. The S&P 500 also dropped 1.7 percent to 1,775.32 during the week, its biggest decline since August. Both the Dow and the S&P 500 were down for the second week, the first series of such losses since early October. The Nasdaq Composite declined 1.5 percent from the week-ago close, ending at 4,000.98, its first week of losses in five. All key S&P sectors finished in the red for the week, dragged by health care. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX), the gauge of S&P 500 options known as the VIX, climbed 1.4 percent to 15.76. Read More

December 08. 2013

Market Review

Last week, all three major U.S. averages finished the week with a mixed performance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.4 percent, to close the week at 16,020.20. The 30-stock gauge recorded its first weekly loss in nine. The S&P 500 lost less than 0.1 percent over the five days to finish at 1,805.09. The Nasdaq rose less than 0.1 percent from the week-ago close to finish at 4,062.52. The tech-heavy index posted its fourth-straight weekly gain and is trading at levels last seen in September 2000. Three out of the ten main industries in the S&P 500 advanced for the week, led by utilities. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), a gauge of investor uncertainty, fell below 14. Read More

December 01. 2013

Market Review

U.S. stocks closed out the holiday-shortened week in positive territory again. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.1 percent for the week to finish at 16,086.41. The blue-chip index advanced 2.6 percent for the month. The S&P 500 gained 0.1 percent for the week as well to close at 1,805.81. The broad index rose 1.9 percent in November. The Nasdaq advanced 1.9 percent for the week to end at 4,059.89 and climbed 2.8 percent for the month. All three indices were up for a third month, and the Dow and S&P were both up for an eighth week, the longest such streak for the S&P 500 since January 2004, and since January 2011 for the Dow. The Nasdaq was up for a third week. 2 out of the 10 main industries in the S&P 500 advanced for the week, led by technology. The gauge of S&P 500 options, known as the VIX, closed at 13.7 and declined 0.4 percent for November. Read More

November 24. 2013

Market Review

U.S. stocks finished another week of gains with the both the Dow and the S&P 500 at a record high. For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.7 percent to end at 16,064.77, which marks a seventh consecutive weekly rise, its longest such stretch since an eight-week advance that ended Jan. 21, 2011. On Thursday, the blue-chip index closed above 16,000 for the first time. The S&P 500 added 0.4 percent over the five days to a record 1,804.76. The broad index closed above 1,800 for the first time and extended gains into a seventh consecutive week. The Nasdaq rose 0.1 percent to 3,991.65, posting its third consecutive weekly gain. Health care and financials led gainers among the S&P?s 10 major sectors. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), a gauge of investor uncertainty, fell to 12.35. Read More

November 17. 2013

Market Review

U.S. stocks climbed last week, lifting the S&P 500 and Dow to record closes again. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.3 percent, to end the week at a record 15,961.70.The S&P 500 gained 1.6 percent in the past five days to finish at 1,798.18. The broad index has posted its longest winning streak since February. Both the S&P 500 and Dow achieved their sixth weekly gains in a row. The Nasdaq gained 1.7 percent for the week to end at 3,985.97, posting its first up week in three weeks. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, closed at 12.19. All key S&P sectors ended in positive territory for the week, led by health care. Read More

November 10. 2013

Market Review

Last week, all three major U.S. averages finished the week with a mixed performance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 146.23 points, or 0.9 percent, to close the week at a record 15,761.78. The blue-chip benchmark advanced for a fifth consecutive week. The S&P 500 increased 0.5 percent to 1,770.61 over the five days, extending the benchmark index?s rally also to a fifth straight week, the longest advance since Feb. 15. The Nasdaq climbed declined 0.1 percent to 3,919.23, its second straight weekly loss. Seven out of the 10 main industries in the S&P 500 advanced for the week, led by materials. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX) slid 2.9 percent to 12.90, after two weeks of gains. The measure is down 28 percent this year. Read More

November 03. 2013

Market Review

U.S. stocks finished the week nearly unchanged. In five trading days the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.3 percent to close at 15,615.55. The S&P 500 rose 0.1 percent to end at 1,761.64. The Nasdaq declined 0.5 percent for the week to end at 3,922.04, snapping a two-week winning streak. The Dow and S&P 500 both scored their fourth straight up week in a row. Furthermore, it was the best October for all three indexes since 2011 as the S&P 500 gained 4.5 percent, the Dow advanced 2.8 percent and the Nasdaq climbed 3.9 percent. Among the key S&P sectors, consumer staples were the best weekly performer, while materials dragged. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), a measure of investor uncertainty, fell to 13.23. Read More

October 27. 2013

Market Review

U.S. stocks finished another week of gains with the S&P 500 index at a record high. For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 1.1 percent to 15,570.28, its highest close since Sept. 19. The 30-stock gauge is approximately 1 percent from hitting its all-time record. Surpassing its record close set on Tuesday, the S&P 500 climbed 0.9 percent to 1,759.77. Both the Dow and S&P 500 rose for a third consecutive week. The Nasdaq gained 0.7 percent to 3,943.36, its second weekly gain. Most key S&P sectors closed in positive territory, boosted by industrials and utilities. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, closed near 13. Read More

October 20. 2013

Market Review

U.S. stocks closed out the week in positive territory with all three major averages logging strong gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 162.54 points, or 1.1 percent, to 15,399.65. The 30-stock gauge is still 1.8 percent below its record reached Sept. 18. The S&P 500 rocketed 2.4 percent to 1,744.50 over the five days and hit a new intraday record of 1,745.32. The Nasdaq Composite Index jumped 3.2 percent to 3,914.28, the highest level since September 2000. Both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq posted also their best weekly rally in three months. All key S&P sectors closed in positive territory for the week, led by telecoms and financials. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, closed near 13. Read More

October 13. 2013

Market Review

U.S. stocks wrapped a volatile week that left the major averages mostly higher for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 1.1 percent to close at 15,237.11. On Thursday, the blue-chip index skyrocketed more than 300 points, posting its second-best day this year. The S&P 500 gained 0.8 percent to close at 1,703.20, its first finish above 1,700 in nearly three weeks. The Nasdaq declined 0.4 percent to end at 3,791.87. The technology-laden index fell for its first week in six. Most key S&P sectors closed higher for the week, led by utilities, while consumer discretionary slipped. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, closed below 16. Read More

October 06. 2013

Market Review

Once again, all three major U.S. averages finished the last week with a mixed performance. For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.2 percent to close at 15,072.58. The S&P 500 slid 0.1 percent to close at 1,690.5. This was the second straight week of losses for both the Dow and S&P 500. The Nasdaq, in contrast, added 0.7 percent for the week to end at 3,807.75. It was the Nasdaq's fifth straight up week, as it trades near levels last seen in September 2000. Among the key S&P sectors, consumer staples were the best weekly performer, while health care dragged. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, fell below 17. Read More

September 29. 2013

Market Review

Last week, all three major U.S. averages finished the week with a mixed performance. For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 1.3 percent to close at 15,258.24. The S&P 500 decreased 1.1 percent to close at 1,691.75. Both the S&P 500 index and Dow industrials recorded their first weekly drop in four. The Nasdaq eked out a small gain of 0.2 percent for the week to end at 3,781.59. All 10 S&P sectors ended in the red for the week, dragged by consumer staples and financials. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, jumped above 15. Read More

September 22. 2013

Market Review

All three U.S. major averages rallied last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.5 percent from the prior Friday's close, to end at 15,451.09. The blue-chip index set an all-time high on Wednesday. The S&P 500 soared 1.3 percent for the week to end at 1,709.91. The broad index is up 4.7 percent for September, rebounding from its worst month since May 2012. The Nasdaq climbed 1.4 percent to finish at 3,774.73. All three major U.S. averages finished in the black for the third-straight week. Most key S&P sectors ended in positive territory for the week, led by industrials and utilities. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, ended above 13. Read More

September 15. 2013

Market Review

U.S. stocks rallied for the week with all three major averages posting their second-straight week of gains. For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 3.0 percent to close at 15,376.06. The blue-chip average posted its second best weekly gain this year. The S&P 500 soared 2 percent in five trading days to 1,687.99, its best week in two months. The Nasdaq climbed 1.7 percent to 3,722.18. So far for the month, all three averages are up more than 3 percent. All 10 S&P sectors finished higher for the week, led by industrials and consumer discretionary. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, finished unchanged near 14. Read More

September 08. 2013

Market Review

Last week all three major U.S. indexes finished the week with gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained of 0.8 percent for the holiday-shortened week to close at 14,922.50. The blue-chip benchmark snapped a four-week losing streak. The S&P 500 rallied 1.4 percent to finish at 1,655.17. The Nasdaq jumped 2.0 percent to end at 3,133.38. Among the key S&P sectors, health care the best weekly performer, while utilities dragged. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, ended near 16. Read More

September 01. 2013

Market Review

Right in line, with our recent call, U.S. stocks closed in negative territory for the week. For Last week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.3 percent to finish at 14,810.31. The blue-chip benchmark is down 4.5 percent for the month. The S&P 500 dipped 1.8 percent in five trading days to end at 1,632.97. The benchmark gauge for American equities is off 3.1 percent for the month. Both the Dow and the S&P 500 posted their worst monthly declines since May 2012. The Nasdaq slumped 1.9 percent for the week to close at 3,589.87. It slid 1 percent for the month. Most key S&P sectors finished higher, led by materials, while consumer staples ended in the red. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, closed below 17. Read More

August 25. 2013

Market Review

Not surprisingly, last week turned out to be a rocky one, since the 9-week crash cycle has pushed the S&P 500 down towards 1,639 on Wednesday, before stocks rebounded for the week. All three major U.S. averages finished the week with a mixed performance. For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.5 percent to close at 15,010.51. The blue-chip average declined for a third consecutive week, its longest weekly losing streak since Nov. 16, 2012. The S&P 500 rose 0.5 percent to close at 1,663.50. The Nasdaq added 1.5 percent for the week to end at 3,657.79. Both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq snapped their two-week losing streaks. Among the key S&P sectors, materials were the best weekly performer, while consumer staples dragged. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, fell to near 14. Read More

August 18. 2013

Market Review

Right in line with our recent call, U.S. stocks dropped significantly with all three major indexes logging their second weekly decline. For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 344 points, or 2.2 percent, to close at 15,081.47, suffering its biggest weekly percentage drop and point loss of 2013. It was the blue-chip index's worst weekly percentage slide since May 2012, and its largest point decline since June 2012. The S&P 500 slumped nearly 36 points, or 2.1 percent, in five trading days to end at 1,655.83, suffering its biggest weekly point drop of the year, but not its biggest percentage decline. The tech-heavy Nasdaq slid 1.6 percent for the week to close at 3,602.78. All key S&P sectors finished in the red for the week, dragged by utilities and consumer staples. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index, or VIX, jumped 7.2 percent to 14.37 during the week and is up 21 percent from a low on Aug. 5. The equity volatility gauge is still down 20 percent for the year. Read More