Stocks posted strong gains, after better-than-expected retail sales and Google’s earnings lifted sentiment. Retail sales increased 1.1% increased in September, the largest growth since February. Tech sector also closed on the positive side led by gains in Apple and Google. While Europe's debt crisis will remain a focus this week, investors will also have a barrage of corporate financial results. Apple is slated to give its fiscal fourth-quarter results after Tuesday’s market close. Several big banks are set for earnings reports as well, but enthusiasm for their results is muted following a disappointing quarter for earnings from on J.P. Morgan. There are also several economic reports, including industrial production, inflation and housing data, that could have some bearing on investors’ confidence. Implied volatility inched lower on moderate volumes.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Earnings season kicks into high gear
Stocks posted strong gains, after better-than-expected retail sales and Google’s earnings lifted sentiment. Retail sales increased 1.1% increased in September, the largest growth since February. Tech sector also closed on the positive side led by gains in Apple and Google. While Europe's debt crisis will remain a focus this week, investors will also have a barrage of corporate financial results. Apple is slated to give its fiscal fourth-quarter results after Tuesday’s market close. Several big banks are set for earnings reports as well, but enthusiasm for their results is muted following a disappointing quarter for earnings from on J.P. Morgan. There are also several economic reports, including industrial production, inflation and housing data, that could have some bearing on investors’ confidence. Implied volatility inched lower on moderate volumes.
