Domestic equities are indicating a modestly higher open this morning with the exception of the Nasdaq 100 with heavily weighted Apple (AAPL) single handedly forcing the index lower after their lackluster earnings report last night. Markets are cautiously awaiting Chairman Bernanke’s final Federal Reserve Meeting over the next two days as voting members navigate the next steps in unwinding the government’s Quantitate Easing (QE) program. Any deviation from their previous stance in tomorrow’s decision has the potential to generate more uncertainty over the near-term.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) briefly spiked to the 3 month high of $19 yesterday before retreating to $17.42 at the close. The indicator will be closely watched over the next several sessions to measure overall sentiment as traders continue to hedge positions. Both Durable Goods and Consumer Confidence numbers will be in focus today and will shed light on any momentum of the overall economy. Lastly, President Obama's State of The Union Address later this evening may also become a wildcard event if any surprise initiatives are revealed.
Stock Stories:
Comcast (CMCSA) – Keep Watching! – The communications giant beat EPS and revenue estimates on its quarterly report this morning. The company also revealed a hike in their quarterly dividend along with a $3 Billion stock buyback program this year. Shares are up noticeably in the pre-market.
Major Economic Reports:
Tuesday:
FOMC Meeting Begins
6:45 am CT – GS Store Sales
7:30 am CT – Durable Goods
8:00 am CT – S&P Case-Shiller HPI
9:00 am CT – Consumer Confidence
9:00 am CT – Richmond Fed Mfg. Index
8:00 pm CT– President Obama Speaks
Notable Earnings:
Before Market: AKS, CIT, CMCSA, DD, DHI, DHR, F, GLW, HRS, ITW, OSK, PFE
After Market: AMGN, BXP, CRUS, EA ,T, VMW,YHOO
Wednesday – 1/29: BA, DOW, EMC, FB, HES, LVS, MWV, PSX, QCOM, SO, SYMC, VLO |