Thursday 27 October 2011

Market Report

10/27/2011, 4:30 PM ET

Market Report

Moving the Market
EU announces plan aimed at improving financial conditions in regionGDP increases more than expected in third quarter
No surprises to weekly initial jobless claims count
Earnings continue to generally exceed expectations
Sector Watch

Strong

diversified financial services and banks; investment banks and brokerages; diversified metals and mining; oil and gas equipment and exploration; industrial and agricultural machinery

Weak

(none with a loss of at least 1%)

MARKET EVENTS

  • 16:30 ET DOW +339.51 AT 12208.55, NASDAQ +87.96 AT 2738.63, S&P +42.59 AT 1284.59
    [BRIEFING.COM] Stocks staged their best single-session performance in more than two weeks on strong volume this session. That has helped the S&P 500 move closer to its fourth straight weekly gain and best monthly performance in more than 20 years.
    Buying today was primarily driven by news that the European Union plans to improving financial conditions in their continent by increasing the eurozone bailout fund to about $1.4 trillion, recapitalizing banks, and agreeing to cut Greece's debt obligations by 50%. The announcement removes an element of uncertainty related the financial troubles that have troubled the continent for so long.
    Bolstered by the plan, the euro ripped higher in one of its best one-day performances of the year. As of the close of trade, it was up 2.3% to $1.419, setting a multi-week high on its way. The yen also gained ground against the greenback, too, even though Japan's central bank recently reduced its forecast for the country's economy and added 5 trillion yen to an asset purchase program that now stands at 55 trillion yen. By session's end the yen was up 0.3% to 75.96 yen per dollar.
    The dollar didn't even benefit from an advance reading that showed the U.S. economy expanded by 2.5% during the third quarter, exceeding the 2.3% growth rate that had been broadly expected to follow the 1.3% increase recorded for the prior quarter.
    Initial jobless claims for the week ended October 22 totaled 402,000, just as had been expected among economists polled by Briefing.com. The latest weekly tally is hardly changed from the 404,000 initial claims filed during the prior week.
    Pending home sales for September made up the only other item on the economic calendar. They proved disappointing because of a 4.6%, which was worse than the 0.9% decline that had been expected to follow the 1.2% downturn endured during the prior month.
    Although earnings haven't garnered a great deal of attention amid all of the turmoil and uncertainty that has surrounded the eurozone for so long, but market participants were dealt a big batch of reports. The majority of them exceeded expectations. Visa (V 94.40, +2.38), Akamai Tech (AKAM 27.45, +3.67), Bristol-Meyers Squibb (BMY 32.99, +0.48), and Colgate-Palmolive (CL 91.33, +0.79) all bested predictions for the bottom line. Procter & Gamble (PG 65.26, +0.31) and Exxon Mobil (XOM 81.88, +0.81) both matched the consensus. One of the few issues that failed to benefit from the broad market's bounce, Avon Products (AVP 18.81, -4.20) dropped precipitously in response to an earnings miss and news that it has received a subpoena from the SEC.
    The Volatility Index, frequently labeled the Fear Gauge, dove to its lowest level in more than two months. Since the start of the month it is down more than 40%.
    Advancing Sectors: Financials 6.2%, Materials +5.3%, Industrials +4.4%, Energy +3.9%, Tech +3.1%, Consumer Discretionary +2.7%, Telecom +2.5%, Health Care +2.2%, Utilities +2.1%, Consumer Staples +1.3%
    Declining Sectors: (None)
    Nasdaq +87.96 at 2738.63... S&P Midcap 400 +4.3... NYSE Adv/Dec 2714/366... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 2202/435.
  • 15:30 ET DOW +394.54 AT 12263.66, NASDAQ +99.29 AT 2749.96, S&P +45.61 AT 1287.59
    [BRIEFING.COM] Weakness in the dollar, coupled with uncertainty about the details of the European debt deal, helped precious metals rally for a fifth consecutive session. Gold ended higher by 1.4% at $1747.70 per ounce, while silver finished up 5.3% at $35.12 per ounce. The last minute deal reached in the euro zone left many questions about how the plan will play out and that helped gold and silver prices trade to fresh ~1 month highs.
    Natural gas ended lower by 0.3% at $3.76 per MMBtu. Futures sold off following this morning's slighty larger-than-expected inventory data. Natural gas did manage to rebound but were unable to hold onto gains to end just below the flat line. Crude oil ended higher by 4.1% to $93.96 per barrel. Futures rallied on weakness in the dollar and strength in equities following the EU debt deal. They ended just shy of session highs at $94.25.
    Nasdaq +99.29 at 2749.96... NYSE Adv/Dec 2778/315... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 2223/390.
  • 15:00 ET DOW +361.95 AT 12231.07, NASDAQ +94.77 AT 2745.44, S&P +44.65 AT 1286.63
    [BRIEFING.COM] Only an hour remains in today's trade. As things currently stand, the stock market is headed for its best single-session showing in more than two weeks.
    Another big batch of earnings reports is on tap for this evening. After the close of today's trade, analysts at Briefing.com will break down reports from more than 100 companies. Tomorrow morning brings another close to 50 more. Chevron (CVX 109.70, +2.93), Merck (MRK 34.26, +0.72), and Whirlpool (WHR 61.62, +3.08) are among the more notable names that will report before action opens back up tomorrow morning.
    Nasdaq +94.77 at 2745.44... NYSE Adv/Dec 2770/285... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 2210/390.
  • 14:30 ET DOW +349.92 AT 12219.04, NASDAQ +92.05 AT 2742.72, S&P +42.78 AT 1284.76
    [BRIEFING.COM] The broad market continues to boast a big gain, which has the S&P 500 at its best level in more than two months. However, shares of Avon Products (AVP 18.95, -4.06) are looking rather ugly as they tumble to trade near their 52-week low. The cosmetics and beauty products maker and marketer reported this morning earnings that failed to meet what had been generally expected, and also disclosed that it has received a subpoena from the Securities Exchange Commission. Nasdaq +92.05 at 2742.72... NYSE Adv/Dec 2800/260... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 2210/380.
  • 14:00 ET DOW +338.38 AT 12207.5, NASDAQ +94.43 AT 2745.1, S&P +42.22 AT 1284.2
    [BRIEFING.COM] The S&P 500 was a bit sluggish at the 1280 line in early afternoon, but it has since crossed that point to set new session highs. The stock market is now on pace for its best one-day bounce since a 4.6% surge in mid-August. Nasdaq +94.43 at 2745.1... NYSE Adv/Dec 2770/260... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 2200/385.
  • 13:30 ET DOW +311.09 AT 12180.21, NASDAQ +85.40 AT 2736.07, S&P +38.77 AT 1280.75
    [BRIEFING.COM] Results from an auction of 7-year Notes were released about 30 minutes ago. The auction drew a bid-to-cover of 2.59, dollar demand of $75.1 billion, and an indirect bidder participation rate of 33.9%. Dollar demand was actually the lowest in two years, due largely to low indirect bidder participation. For comparison, the prior acution drew a bid-to-cover of 3.02, dollar demand of $87.6 billion, and an indirect bidder rate of 41.6%. An average of the past six auctions results in a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.82, dollar demand of $81.7 billion, and an indirect bidder rate of 41.9%.
    In the wake of the underwhelming auction results and a move by stocks to session highs, Treasuries have turned even lower to extend their losses. That has the yield on the benchmark 10-year Note up to a new two-month high that is only a few basis points below 2.40%.
    Nasdaq +85.40 at 2736.07... NYSE Adv/Dec 2760/265... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 2185/380.
  • 13:00 ET DOW +315.32 AT 12184.44, NASDAQ +81.62 AT 2732.29, S&P +37.85 AT 1279.83
    [BRIEFING.COM] Stocks are sporting heady gains following a barrage of encouraging headlines. The buying effort has boosted the broad market to its best level in more than two months, and has it headed for its strongest monthly performance in more than two decades.
    Leaders from the European Union addressed uncertainty and frustration related to their ability to create a comprehensive plan aimed at improving financial conditions in their continent by increasing the eurozone bailout fund to about $1.4 trillion, recapitalizing banks, and agreeing to implement 50% haircut on Greece's debt obligations.
    The news has spurred a concerted buying effort that has caused stocks to surge in broad fashion, such that advancing issues outnumber decliners by about 10-to-1 on the NYSE. Financials have attracted the strongest interest, mostly because concerns related to their exposure to Europe has been reduced. The sector is up more than 5%.
    Consumer staples stocks have also benefited from the broad market's bounce, but the sector has lagged all session. It is currently up 0.9%, which is relatively tame for today. Both Procter & Gamble (PG 64.80, -0.15) and Colgate-Palmolive (CL 90.48, -0.06) have hampered the sector as the pair trades lower following their quarterly reports.
    There has been a barrage of other earnings announcements for traders to digest. The majority bested what Wall Street had expected.
    Market participants were also given some pleasing GDP data this morning. An advance reading showed that the U.S. economy grew at a 2.5% clip during the third quarter. That exceeded the 2.3% growth rate that had been broadly expected to follow the 1.3% increase posted in the prior quarter.
    As for weekly initial jobless claims, they remained narrowly above 400,000, as had been expected.
    Although sentiment is strong, the S&P 500 has shown some sluggishness near the 1280 line. Despite resistance there, the broad market measure remains on pace for its best single-session performance in more than two weeks. Of course, that is helping to fuel the stock market's fourth straight weekly gain. That streak has the S&P 500 nearly 13% this month.
    Nasdaq +81.62 at 2732.29... NYSE Adv/Dec 2755/260... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 2165/385.
  • 12:30 ET DOW +310.11 AT 12179.23, NASDAQ +75.10 AT 2725.77, S&P +36.22 AT 1278.2
    [BRIEFING.COM] The S&P 500 hasn't been able to break above 1280, but it continues to boast a big gain of almost 3%. While buying interest has certainly stayed broad, financials remain out in front of the rally. Specifically, the sector is boasting a gain of more than 5%. Although that is certainly a heady move, its significance is somewhat diminished by the fact that the sector made a similar move only little more than two weeks ago. Nasdaq +75.10 at 2725.77... NYSE Adv/Dec 2740/255... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 2165/370.
  • 12:00 ET DOW +299.55 AT 12168.67, NASDAQ +73.45 AT 2724.12, S&P +35.92 AT 1277.9
    [BRIEFING.COM] The Dow has ascended to a new high for the day. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 is back at its best level of the session. The Nasdaq is still shy of the heights that it set in the early going. All three are sporting gains well in excess of 2%.
    Amid such strength, Treasuries have come under pronounced selling pressure. In turn, the yield on the benchmark 10-year Note is up above 2.30% for the first time of about two months. Treasuries could experience some volatility, though; in one hour the results from an auction of 7-year Notes will be released.
    Nasdaq +73.45 at 2724.12... NYSE Adv/Dec 2710/275... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 2115/400.
  • 11:30 ET DOW +248.69 AT 12117.81, NASDAQ +51.01 AT 2701.68, S&P +28.13 AT 1270.11
    [BRIEFING.COM] Europe's major bourses have just closed for the session. While prices are still in the process of settling, Germany's DAX is looking at a gain of about 5%, while France's CAC climbed close to 6%. Greece's Athex 20 is expected to settle with a gain on the order of about 5%.
    Meanwhile, the euro continues to climb. At $1.417, a seven-week high, it now boasts a 2.1% lead over the greenback. Traders continue to treat positively plans by the EU to improve financial conditions in the region.
    Nasdaq +51.01 at 2701.68... NYSE Adv/Dec 2700/265... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 2100/385.
  • 11:00 ET DOW +240.14 AT 12109.26, NASDAQ +54.06 AT 2704.73, S&P +27.50 AT 1269.48
    [BRIEFING.COM] Stocks have reclaimed some of the gains that they had surrendered while drifing lower in recent trade. The positive tone among market participants has given advancers a 13-to-1 advantage over declining issues on the NYSE. Equally impressive is that advancing volume rates 12-to-1 over declining volume on the Big Board.
    The positive breadth of today's action comes in the wake of news that members of the European Union have agreed on the fundamental components of a plan to shore up financial conditions in the precarious eurozone. Stronger-than-expected GDP for the third quarter and a barrage of better-than-expected earnings have also helped.
    Nasdaq +54.06 at 2704.73... NYSE Adv/Dec 2680/250... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 2075/395.
  • 10:35 ET DOW +210.74 AT 12079.86, NASDAQ +45.32 AT 2695.99, S&P +24.32 AT 1266.3
    [BRIEFING.COM] Stocks are drifting down from the levels that they set in the first few minutes of trade, but with the broad market still up 2% the overall tone of trade remains decidedly positive.
    Commodities continue to trade in mixed fashion, however. Crude oil prices pushed more than 3% higher this morning, but they have eased back to $92.70 per barrel for a 2.8% gain. Natural gas prices have been weak all morning, but recently fell to $3.54 per MMbtu for a 1.4% loss following the release of the latest weekly inventory numbers, which showed a buid of 92 bcf when a build of about 88 bcf had been broadly expected.
    Among precious metals, gold prices have poked into positive territory. They were recently quoted with a fractional gain at $1725 per ounce. Silver has been an impressive performer all morning. It is currently up 2.7% to $34.20 per ounce.
    Nasdaq +45.32 at 2695.99... NYSE Adv/Dec 2690/210... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 2115/315.
  • 10:00 ET DOW +235.75 AT 12104.87, NASDAQ +58.58 AT 2709.25, S&P +28.32 AT 1270.3
    [BRIEFING.COM] Financial stocks have surged this morning. Collectively, the lot is up more than 4%. Strength within the sector is certainly broad, but diversified financial services and banking plays are boasting the biggest gains since concern about their exposure to Europe has been quelled by overnight news regarding plans by the EU to shore up financial conditions in the continent. As such, Bank of America (BAC 7.00, +0.41) and Citigroup (C 33.13, +1.98) are both by about 6% or more, while JPMorgan Chase (JPM 36.04, +1.86) advances more than 5%.
    Just released, pending home sales fell by 4.6% in September, but economists polled by Briefing.com had called for a decline of only 0.9% after sales declined by 1.2% in the prior month. There hasn't been any real reaction to the announcement.
    Nasdaq +58.58 at 2709.25... NYSE Adv/Dec 2680/115... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 2090/210.
  • 09:45 ET DOW +248.05 AT 12117.17, NASDAQ +64.54 AT 2715.21, S&P +31.62 AT 1273.6
    [BRIEFING.COM] Stocks have surged in the first few minutes of trade. The move has the Dow about 100 points above the 12,000 line, which was breached more than two months ago. Of the 30 Dow components, only Procter & Gamble (PG 64.54, -0.41) is in negative territory after the company reported earnings that matched what had been expected, on average, among analysts on Wall Street. Nasdaq +64.54 at 2715.21... NYSE Adv/Dec 0/0... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 0/0.
  • 09:15 ET DOW , NASDAQ , S&P
    [BRIEFING.COM] S&P futures vs fair value: +33.30. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +53.20. Strong buying ahead of the open has stock futures pointing toward a sharply higher start, such that the cash market is expected to open at its highest level in more than two months. Strength has been underpinned by a positive response to plans by members of the European Union to shore up financial conditions in their continent by increasing the eurozone bailout fund to about $1.4 trillion, recapitalizing banks, and giving Greece's debt a 50% haircut. U.S. GDP for the third quarter also proved a better than expected by growing at a 2.5% clip. Weekly initial jobless claims were unsurprising as they remained narrowly above 400,000. Also in the backdrop this morning is a barrage of earnings reports, most of which have been better than expected. Nasdaq at... NYSE Adv/Dec 0/0... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 0/0.
  • 09:05 ET DOW , NASDAQ , S&P
    [BRIEFING.COM] S&P futures vs fair value: +31.30. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +50.20. Crude oil prices have opened pit trade sharply higher. The energy component was last quoted with a 3.7% gain at $93.55 per barrel, but that's still shy of the two-month high that was set earlier this week. Meanwhile, natural gas prices are down 0.9% to $3.56 per MMbtu. Weekly inventory figures are due at 10:30 AM ET. Precious metals are also mixed. Specifically, gold prices are down 0.2% to $1720 per ounce, while silver is sporting a 1.5% gain at $33.81 per ounce. Despite the mixed picture, the CRB Commodity Index is up 1.7% this morning. Most of that is owed to oil's strength, though. Nasdaq at... NYSE Adv/Dec 0/0... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 0/0.
  • 08:35 ET DOW , NASDAQ , S&P
    [BRIEFING.COM] S&P futures vs fair value: +28.60. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +45.50. Buying ahead of the open remains strong in the wake of the advance reading on third quarter GDP, which grew at a 2.5% clip. Not only does that represent an increase from the 1.3% growth rate registered in the prior quarter, but it also bests the Briefing.com consensus forecast, which called for an increase of 2.3%. As had been expected, the third quarter GDP Deflator increased by 2.5%, just as it did in the prior quarter. Separately, initial jobless claims for the week ended October 22 totaled 402,000, just as had been expected among economists polled by Briefing.com. The latest weekly tally is hardly changed from the 404,000 initial claims filed during the prior week. Nasdaq at... NYSE Adv/Dec 0/0... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 0/0.
  • 08:05 ET DOW , NASDAQ , S&P
    [BRIEFING.COM] S&P futures vs fair value: +29.50. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +50.50. Stock futures have surged in response to news that members of the European Union have agreed to a plan that cuts Greece's private debt obligations in half, increases the European Financial Stability Fund to roughly $1.4 trillion, and will recapitalize banks in Europe. Although the components of the plan were in tune with what had been generally anticipated among pundits, their establishment moves one step closer to a solution for the precarious financial conditions that have troubled the continent for so long. The news has been especially encouraging to investors in Europe, where the EuroStoxx 50 is up almost 3%. Greece's Athex 20 is currently up 7%. The euro has also responded in a decidedly positive manner; it is presently up 1.2% to a new seven-week high of $1.404. As if the announcement wasn't enough to take in, premarket participants have been inundated with a deluge of quarterly earnings reports. More than 100 companies posted results after the prior session's close and nearly 200 more are out this morning. Overall, results have generally been better than expected. Visa (V), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY), and Colgate-Palmolive (CL) all exceeded earnings expectations, while Procter & Gamble (PG) matched them. Dow Chemical (DOW) and Time Warner Cable (TWC) were among those that came short of the consensus earnings forecast. On top of all of that, the advance reading on third quarter GDP will be released at 8:30 AM ET. The latest weekly initial jobless claims tally will be posted simultaneously. Monthly pending home sales numbers won't be released until 10:00 AM ET. Nasdaq at... NYSE Adv/Dec 0/0... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 0/0.
  • 06:54 ET DOW , NASDAQ , S&P
    [BRIEFING.COM] S&P futures vs fair value: +24.90. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +42.80. Nasdaq at... NYSE Adv/Dec 0/0... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 0/0.
  • 06:53 ET DOW , NASDAQ , S&P
    [BRIEFING.COM] Nikkei...8926.54...+178.10...+2.00%. Hang Seng...19688.70...+622.20...+3.30%. Nasdaq at... NYSE Adv/Dec 0/0... Nasdaq Adv/Dec 0/0.
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