Crude oil continued its slide this week, pausing around $55/barrel. The decline in crude has led to many positive gains for the economy. Chiefly, the decrease in gasoline prices has been a boon to consumers. The consumer price index (CPI) fell 0.3% this month, the most since December 2008. Many traders expect guidance from the Federal Reserve, which is set to release minutes from its meeting today.

Internationally, crude’s price drop has initiated first steps toward capital controls in Russia as the Ruble fell over 20% this week. The Central Bank of Russia raised rates in a surprise announcement Tuesday. Gold prices retreated slightly, settling around $1195/oz in morning trading, nearly flat for the year.

“Lower energy prices and overall lower inflationary pressure continue to have positive effects for the US economy, and this looks to continue into 2015,” said Dave Gedeon, Vice President, Nasdaq Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is down 2.26% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 30.7%.
• NASDAQ GLOBAL OIL & GAS INDEX (NQG0001) is up 4.14% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is down 19.4%.
• NASDAQ INTERNATIONAL DIVIDEND ACHIEVERS (DAT) is up 0.63% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is down 6.5%.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The Nasdaq US Large Cap Index (NQUSL) is a float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index designed to track the performance of securities in Nasdaq US Benchmark Index that comprise the Large-cap segment of companies. Currently, the index contains 427 components. Additional disposable income created by the slide in crude may increase activity in this index. It has increased 6.41% year-to-date.

The precipitous decline in crude oil prices continued this week as OPEC maintained current production levels. WTI Crude contracts slid 10.2% on Friday, as market prices converge toward domestic producers’ break-even production costs.

While the slide in crude prices may be hurting domestic tight oil producers, this move is seen as a boon to the overall domestic economy. 208,000 jobs were added in November according to the recent ADP report, continuing a recovery trend which began after the recession ended in 2013. US auto sales increased 4.6% last month as lower gasoline prices spurred demand. Gold prices turned slightly positive for the year, settling around $1210/oz in morning trading.

“Despite lackluster Black Friday sales, lower energy prices are providing a cushion to the domestic economy in several different areas including job creation, transportation, and production,” said John Jacobs, Executive Vice President, Nasdaq Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 0.80% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 35.1%.
• PHLX UTILITY SECTOR (UTY) is up 0.15% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 20.04%
• NASDAQ GLOBAL GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS (QGLD) is up 5.19% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is down 8.2%.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The NASDAQ Global Oil & Gas Index (NQG0001) follows the general oil and gas industry and includes 479 securities from developed and emerging markets. The largest companies by float adjusted market cap are Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell and BP. OPEC supply remaining steady may affect market volatility and create movement in this index.

Continuing jobless claims were lower than expected, while initial claims remained high but flat over the past week. A positive sign as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday was personal spending in October increasing by 0.2% versus a prior month decrease of -0.2%. Durable goods orders increased at a faster pace of 0.4% beating expectations of a decrease of -0.6%.

Worries remain over crude oil’s continued slide, breaking through a floor of $74/barrel on WTI contracts. OPEC is considering action on supply where oil ministers may decide to cut production when they meet on November 27th as oil falls near 2010 levels. Meanwhile, gold pared yearly losses to be almost flat for the year near the $1200/oz level.

“We are seeing cautiously positive indicators heading into the crucial holiday shopping season. Much remains to be seen as concerns over crude oil and overall high market volatility are paring expectations” said Nasdaq Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ CHINA INDEX (NQCN) is up 3.77% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 2.39%.
• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 2.23% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 32.25%.
• NASDAQ CLEAN EDGE GREEN ENERGY (CELS) is up 1.48% since Friday’s close.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The NASDAQ Global Oil & Gas Index (NQG0001) follows the general oil and gas industry and includes securities from developed and emerging markets. The current number of companies in the index is 479; the largest companies by float adjusted market cap are Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell and BP. Possible policy changes in the coming days and weeks on supply may affect market volatility and create movement in this index.

In a responsive action, the prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, called for new elections to save his party’s hopes of a tax stimulus to support Japan’s fragile economy. This helped to propel the US dollar to 7-year high against the Japanese Yen to settle at ¥117.69/USD with traders awaiting the release of the minutes from the US Federal Reserve meeting. Meanwhile, contracts on West Texas Intermediate crude recovered slightly, up 0.54% from last week’s 5-year lows, signaling a new support level for traders. In a drastic downturn of North American temperatures, heating oil futures are up 0.99% in just under 5 days of trading.

“An active response from Japan’s Abe is an encouraging sign for the world economy. We are entering a very delicate period for the US economy. Any positive news will help support markets going into the holiday season,” said John Jacobs, Executive Vice President of Nasdaq Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ OMX GLOBAL GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS (QGLD) is up 3.17% since Friday’s close. The price of gold is currently $1,177 per ounce, up $13 since last week.
• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 2.35% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 30.2%.
• NASDAQ UTILITY SECTOR (UTY) is up 1.43% since Friday’s close. The index is up 19.02% YTD.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The PHLX Oil Service Sector (OSX) is comprised of corporations in the oil services industry. Currently, the index includes 15 securities, both domestic and international. This week, Halliburton announced the purchase of Baker Hughes, both components of OSX.

United States September wholesale inventories announced today are a higher 0.3% versus a consensus increase of 0.2%. Comments from Bank of England governor Mark Carney echoed Fed officials’ concerns over European economic stagnation having a negative effect on global growth which would impede domestic growth of several key economic indicators in 2015. Meanwhile, contracts on West Texas Intermediate crude continued their slide breaking far below most traders’ $80 support level to settle around $77 per barrel. Year to date, domestic crude is down 21.4% and Brent crude down 26.7%, the lowest in over five years.

“Coupled with crude’s slide, concerns voiced by both Bank of England Governor Mark Carney and European Central Bank President Mario Draghi are having a negative effect on most investors’ outlook on domestic growth in 2015,” said John Jacobs, Executive Vice President of Nasdaq Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 1.48% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 30%.
• PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR (OSX) is down 0.55% since Friday’s close. The price of oil is currently $77 per barrel.
• PHLX Gold/Silver Sector (XAU) is down 1.49% since Friday’s close. The price of gold is currently $1,164 per ounce, down $6 since last week.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The NASDAQ Global Buyback Achievers Index (DRBG) is comprised of corporations that have effected a net reduction in shares outstanding of 5% or more in its latest fiscal year. Currently, the index includes 192 securities, both domestic and international. Over the last year, the index has produced return of 10.15% through the end of October.

With all of the hoopla surrounding the Middle East, Hong Kong, Kiev, and other parts of the world, the markets are down this week. On the US employment front, the ADP employment report came out for the month of September, beating expectations with 213,000 new jobs in private payroll. Consensus estimates were 200,000.

“With the expectation of the US bond buying program officially coming to a close at the end of the month, October looks to be a historic month,” said David Krein, Head of Research, Nasdaq Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is down 2.21% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 19% after being above 20% at the end of February, and down 5% by mid-April.
• PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR (OSX) is down 2.01% since Friday’s close. The price of oil is currently $92.29 per barrel.
• PHLX Gold/Silver Sector (XAU) is down 3.06% since Friday’s close. The price of gold is currently $1,215 per ounce, down $71 from the end of August.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The NASDAQ Middle East Africa Index is a float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index, and tracks the performance of securities located in Middle East Africa. The index is rebalanced semi-annually, on the close of trading the third Friday in March and September. The September semi-annual evaluation occurred Friday, September 19. The index currently includes 233 securities. The index is down -0.3% this week but up 7.8% year-over-year.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 142,000 new non-farm jobs were created in the month of August. This falls well short of the 225,000 monthly average of new jobs created through the end of July. US markets have not responded negatively to this news, with broad US benchmarks remaining up this week. Part of the market optimism could stem from the push that the result of this weak jobs report could mean low interest rates may continue well into the future.

“Despite the worst monthly jobs report coming out of the BLS since December of 2013, the US markets have continued to propel forward,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 0.98% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 20% after being above 20% at the end of February, and down 5% by mid-April. Amgen is up 1.2%, this week.
• PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR (OSX) was up 0.15% as of noon Wednesday. The price of oil is currently $94.19 per barrel, up $2 from last week.
• PHLX Gold/Silver Sector (XAU) was up 0.27% as of noon Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,235 per ounce, up $4 from last week.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The NASDAQ Global Index is a float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index, and tracks the performance of 98% of the listed market cap in the global equity space. The index is rebalanced semi-annually, on the close of trading the third Friday in March and September. The September semi-annual evaluation will occur Friday, September 19. The index currently includes 9,054 securities. The index is up 0.2% this week but up 11.2% year-over-year.

Global and European markets are down for the fourth day in a row as news around the Scottish independence referendum loom large. The markets have built in this negative sentiment while awaiting the implementation of further European sanctions on Russia.

“Global and European markets are down today, marking the fourth consecutive drop in the respective markets with much happening on the political front in Scotland and Russia,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 0.65% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 20% after being above 20% at the end of February, and down 5% by mid-April. Gilead is up 1.6%, this week.
• PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR (OSX) was down 2.06% as of noon Wednesday. The price of oil is currently $91.62 per barrel, down $2 from last week.
• PHLX Gold/Silver Sector (XAU) was down 3.05% as of noon Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,247 per ounce, down $19 from last week.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The NASDAQ Global Index is a float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index, and tracks the performance of 98% of the listed market cap in the global equity space. The index currently includes 9,055 securities. The index is down 1.2% this week but up 12.5% year-over-year.

ADP employment report, which covers private employment in the US, is expected to be distributed tomorrow. The NASDAQ US Benchmark, a barometer for large, mid and small cap stocks in the US, is flat this week. The S&P 500, NASDAQ Composite and Dow all have similarly registered no gains this week.

“On the heels of the ceasefire agreement being outlined by Russia and Ukraine, the European and Emerging Markets have responded today with gains of 80 and 160 basis points, respectively,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is down 0.56% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 22% after being above 20% at the end of February, and down 5% by mid-April. Gilead is up 0.98%, this week.
• NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure (QGRD) was up 1.12% as of noon Wednesday. Some of the index’s largest holdings include Quanta Services, ITC Holdings and Red Electrica.
• PHLX Gold/Silver Sector (XAU) was down 3.49% as of noon Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,267 per ounce, down $19 from last week.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The NASDAQ Emerging Markets Index is a float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index which includes securities, in countries designated as Emerging Markets. The index currently includes 2,376 securities and some of the larger holdings include Samsung, China Mobile, and Petrobras. The index is up 1.5% this week and 11.2% year-to-date.

At 2pm EST the Federal Reserve will release minutes from its latest monetary-policy meeting. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average have been up for two straight days, while the NASDAQ Composite has had gains for the past five days.

“Markets are giving pause while awaiting the results from the most recent monetary-policy meeting from the Federal Reserve. Heading into today, the NASDAQ Composite has had five straight days of gains,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 1.63% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 18% after being above 20% at the end of February, and down 5% by mid-April. Celgene is up 3.7%, this week.
• NASDAQ CLEAN EDGE GREEN ENERGY (CELS) was up 2.21% as of noon Wednesday. Some of the index’s largest holdings include Tesla Motors, Linear Technology and First Solar.
• PHLX Gold/Silver Sector (XAU) was flat with a return of 0.01% as of noon Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,293 per ounce, down $12 from last week.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The NASDAQ Global Buyback Achievers Index is comprised of securities that have effected a net reduction in shares of 5% or more in the past year. The index currently includes 193 securities and some of the larger holdings include Home Depot, Oracle and Airbus Group. The index launched on August 11, 2014, and is up 1.3% this week.

Today, July US retail sales figures were released by the Commerce Department. According to the report, figures came in “virtually unchanged… from the previous month and 3.7 percent above July 2013.” Despite this report’s results, the US markets are up strongly this week with major US benchmarks up between 1% and 1.5%.

“The retail sales report points to an ongoing, though modest, consumer recovery. Though Q2 earnings season is largely behind us, recent strong announcements, such as Priceline on Monday, evidence how specific sectors are contributing to this picture,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 1.75% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 13% after being up above 20% at the end of February. Biogen and Gilead are up 2.71% and 2.14%, respectively, this week.
• NASDAQ CLEAN EDGE GREEN ENERGY (CELS) was up 1.54% as of noon on Wednesday. Some of the index’s largest holdings include Tesla Motors, Linear Technology and First Solar.
• PHLX Gold/Silver Sector (XAU) was up 2.17% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,308 per ounce.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The NASDAQ Composite (COMP) measures all NASDAQ domestic and international based common type stocks listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market. The index currently includes 2,555 securities and some of the largest holdings include Apple, Microsoft, Google, Intel, Amazon and Facebook. The index is up 1.4% this week and 6% year-to-date.

The unemployment rate continues to fall, hitting 6.2% this month. Jason Furman, Chairman of President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisors, takes this drop in unemployment as a good sign, but believes that wages still need to further increase. He states, “Over the last year or two, we have seen faster wage growth, but it’s still nowhere near the wage growth that we need.” According to the Financial Times, Fed Chair Janet Yellen agreed that the economy has registered “notable improvements” and argued that while the economy is not yet at full health, it is moving in the right direction.

“This is the busiest reporting week of the quarter for the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. Ten companies, including Regeneron, the seventh largest stock in the Index, reported on August 5th; 15 companies report on August 6th; and 25 companies, including Mylan, the ninth largest stock in the Index, report on August 7th,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 1.3% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 12% after being up above 20% at the end of February. Amgen and Gilead are up 2.50% and 1.53%, respectively, this week.
• NASDAQ CLEAN EDGE GREEN ENERGY (CELS) was up 2.63% as of noon on Wednesday. Some of the index’s largest holdings include Tesla Motors, Linear Technology and First Solar.
• PHLX Gold/Silver Sector (XAU) was up 1.51% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,305 per ounce, up $11 this week.

INDEX TO WATCH

• NASDAQ Internet Index (QNET) consists of 98 securities engaged in internet-related services. Some of the largest holdings include Facebook, Google, Priceline and Amazon. The index is up 12% in the last three months and 22% in the last year.

This morning, the Bureau of Economic Analysis announced that US GDP increased at an annual rate of 4% in the second quarter. This comes as the NASDAQ-100 companies continue to report earnings, including 24 this week. Comcast and Apple have both reported, and are outperforming the NASDAQ-100 this week. The Index is up 3% since the beginning of the quarter and 10.50% year-to-date.

“The NASDAQ-100 will see nearly 1/4 of member companies announcing earnings this week… the 24 reporting companies represent 12.59% of the Index by weight,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 0.95% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 14% after being up above 20% at the end of February. Amgen and Gilead are up 5.58% and 4.33%, respectively, this week.
• NASDAQ CLEAN EDGE GREEN ENERGY (CELS) was up 1.13% as of noon on Wednesday. Some of the index’s largest holdings include Tesla Motors, Linear Technology and First Solar.
• PHLX Gold/Silver Sector (XAU) was down 1.53% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,293 per ounce, down $10 this week.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index (NQ96DIVUS) consists of 89 technology and telecommunications securities that pay a regular dividend. Over the last year, the index has produced an annual yield of 3.1%, exceeding the NASDAQ US Technology Index’s 1.6% figure.

The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that inflation was in line with expectations, which quelled apprehension the Fed would soon be forced to raise interest rates. Additionally, Janet Yellen, Fed Chair, recently remarked that interest rates would remain low because we have to “deal with a very real problem, namely the economy is operating significantly short of its potential.” According to economic data though, stocks have broadly surged this year. Today, market reports show that technology and biotech securities gained on upbeat quarterly earnings, exemplified by the 1.5% rise in Apple Inc.’s shares, which beat its forecast.

“This is the biggest week of the quarter for NASDAQ-100 companies announcing earnings, with more than half the Index by weight reporting. Some notable earnings announcements today and tomorrow include Facebook, Amazon, Starbucks, and Baidu,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 3.14% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 14% after being up above 20% at the end of February. Biogen is up over 11% this week after beating earnings today.
• NASDAQ-100 (NDX) was up 0.60% as of noon on Wednesday. Qualcomm, Facebook and Intel all had returns north of 2%, specifically, returns were 3.14%, 3.10% and 2.14%, respectively.
• PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR (OSX) was up 1.33% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of crude oil is $103.13 per barrel, down $3 in the past month.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The NASDAQ International Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index (NQMAXUS) consists of 126 securities within five asset classes, including: equities, REITs, preferreds, infrastructure and fixed income. Year-to-date, the index has outperformed the NASDAQ Global Ex-US Index while producing an annual yield of close to 5%.

Yesterday Yellen spoke with the Senate Banking Committee and reported slight optimism. At this point, the Fed still has a monthly bond-buying program at $35B. In discussing when and the possibility of raising interest rates, Yellen noted, “There's no formula and there's no mechanical answer that I can give you about when the first rate increase will occur… It will depend on the progress of our economy and how we assess it based on a variety of indicators.”

“Next week will be the heart of earnings announcement season for the NASDAQ-100, with 36 companies representing 52% of the index reporting,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is down 3.25% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 10% after being up above 20% at the end of February.
• NASDAQ-100 (NDX) was up 0.69% as of noon on Wednesday. Intel beat earnings and is up 8% this week. As well, eight of the other top 10 largest companies have had positive returns with Amazon and Microsoft having positive returns north of 2.5%.
• PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR (OSX) was up 1.23% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of crude oil is $100.91 per barrel, down $6 in the past month.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The NASDAQ US Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index (NQMAUS) includes five asset classes with the basket including 126 securities. The five asset classes are equities, REITs, preferreds, MLPs and fixed income. Year-to-date, the index has outperformed major US equity benchmarks including the NASDAQ Composite, S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Yesterday’s earnings announcement from Alcoa is the first US-listed company to report second quarter earnings and the majority of US-listed companies will do the same over the next month and a half. Major US and global equity indexes were down this week. FOMC minutes are expected to be released today at 2pm EST.

“Over the next four weeks, many of the biggest names in technology from the NASDAQ-100 are expected to announce earnings, kicking-off with Google, Yahoo, eBay and Intel next week,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is down 4.29% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 12% after being up above 20% at the end of February.
• NASDAQ OMX GLOBAL GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS (QGLD) was up 1.53% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,323 per ounce, up $3 this week.
• NASDAQ INTERNET (QNET) was down 3.85% as of noon on Wednesday. Some of the largest holdings of the index include Amazon, Google, Facebook and Priceline.

INDEX TO WATCH

• Over the next four weeks, 84 securities in the NASDAQ-100 are expected to announce the most recently quarterly earnings. Eight of the 84 will announce during the week of July 14. The index is down 1.03% this week and up 8.2% year-to-date.

Today the final US GDP Q1 figure was reported as being down 2.9% as opposed to the predicted 1% slide. The slide in the quarter has been consistently pushed to being a result of the cold weather. Equity markets had mixed reactions to the announcement with some markets being up, some flat and others down.

“While broad US Equity markets continue to touch or be around all-time highs, it’s interesting to see the results of the final US GDP Q1 figure being almost 2% below prior estimates,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is down 0.05% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 13% after being up above 20% at the end of February.
• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was up 0.27% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,323 per ounce, up $7 this week.
• NASDAQ INTERNET (QNET) was up 1.06% as of noon on Wednesday. Some of the largest holdings of the index include Amazon, Google, Facebook and Priceline.

INDEX TO WATCH

• Track the global equity space by monitoring the NASDAQ Global Index (NQGI). The quarterly evaluation for the month of June became effective after the close of trading on June 20, 2014. The index is down 0.61% this week and up 4.56% year-to-date.

The Fed wrapped up its two-day meeting today. The outcome resulted in another $10B decrease of its bond buying program, to $35B. Today, US Equity markets were flat in anticipation of this announcement. In addition, it is estimated that interest rates will continue to be low, unless inflationary pressures cause the Fed to act.

“The Fed has continued to decrease its bond buying program by $10B. Note that interest rates will most likely remain low despite the recent increase in the CPI, with year-over-year figures pointing north of 2%,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is down 0.04% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 9% after being up above 20% at the end of February.
• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was up 1.41% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,272 per ounce, down $2 this week.
• PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR (OSX) was up 0.03% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of oil is currently $106 per barrel, down $1 this week.

INDEX TO WATCH

• Track the global equity space by monitoring the NASDAQ Global Index (NQGI). The quarterly evaluation for the month of June becomes effective after the close of trading on the 3rd Friday each June (this year, June 20, 2014). The index is up 0.15% this week and up 4.27% year-to-date.

OPEC is set to maintain its output quota, despite turmoil among OPEC members, as well as adequate oil global supplies. OPEC is currently holding its annual meeting in Vienna, Austria.

“OPEC has opted to maintain its 30 million barrel a day quota. This supply quota has not seemed to disrupt or impact oil prices,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 1.65% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 10% after being up above 20% at the end of February.
• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was up 3.52% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,261 per ounce, up $9 this week.
• PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR (OSX) was down 0.33% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of oil is currently $105 per barrel, up $2 this week.

INDEX TO WATCH

• Buybacks have been a hot topic, as they offer another means of shareholder returns outside of dividends. Track the international buyback space by monitoring the NASDAQ International BuyBack Achievers Index (DRBXUS). The index conducts its annual evaluation, which becomes effective after the close of trading on the last trading day in July. The index is down 0.09% this week but up 5.60% year-to-date.

Broad US equity markets are at all-time highs. Employment figures reported by ADP point to 179,000 jobs being added in May. This Friday, the US Department of Labor will release its jobs report for the month of May. According to some, with the addition of these new jobs, the US has now recovered all jobs lost during the financial crisis.

“US jobs reports are continuing to give healthy figures from ADP and we anticipate the same from the US Department of Labor this Friday. It should not come as a shock that the US equity markets have continued to touch all-time highs in conjunction with this news,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 1.32% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 7% after being up above 20% at the end of February.
• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was up 0.54% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,244 per ounce, flat this week.
• PHLX SEMICONDUCTOR (SOX) was up 1.76% as of noon on Wednesday. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 14% with cumulative returns being positive since the middle of February.

INDEX TO WATCH

• Buybacks have been a hot topic, as they offer another means of shareholder returns outside of dividends. Track the international buyback space by monitoring the NASDAQ International BuyBack Achievers Index (DRBXUS). The index conducts its annual evaluation, which becomes effective after the close of trading on the last trading day in July. The index is up 0.69% this week and 4.66% year-to-date.

Last week the National Association of Realtors posted April statistics on sales of previously owned homes as well as new single-family home sales. While both were higher than the previous month, both were down year-over-year.

“While housing sales figures are being reported as lower than last year at this time, it’s interesting to see how the mortgage rates have changed since the Fed’s announcement of its bond buying program. 30-Year fixed mortgage rates are currently above 4.1%, up from 3.6% this time last year,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 2.60% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 6% after being up above 20% at the end of February.
• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was down 5.50% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,258 per ounce, down $34 this week.
• PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR (OSX) was up 0.14% as of noon on Wednesday. The price per barrel of crude is currently $103.70, down $1 this week.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The internet space has been heating up of late with returns close to 10% during the past three weeks. Track the space by monitoring NASDAQ Internet (QNET). The index is up 0.89% this week.

Fed Reserve Chief Janet Yellen gave testimony to the Joint Economic Committee today, saying, “a high degree of monetary accommodation remains warranted.” She also remarked that higher unemployment rates are “far from satisfactory” and “elevated.” “The monthly Fed bond buying program was reduced by $10B to $45B last week, keeping it on track to end the program later this year. However, this week’s comments from the Fed indicate there is no plan to increase interest rates after the buying ends,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is down -1.34% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is flat after being up above 20% at the end of February.
• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was down -2.73% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,292 per ounce, down $10 this week.
• PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR (OSX) was up 0.68% as of noon on Wednesday. The price per barrel of crude is currently $100.82, up $1 this week.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The price of Kansas Wheat futures has grown 39% since the end of January rising to $8.35. Track the space by monitoring the NASDAQ Commodity Kansas Wheat Index ER (NQCIKWER). The index is up 2.9% this week.

Leading up to the result of the Fed’s two-day meeting today, US equity markets have been flat. First quarter US GDP growth figures were reported by the Bureau of Economic Analysis at 0.1%. In addition, the ADP National Employment Report for April shows 220,000 new workers were added to the domestic private labor market. “The monthly Fed bond buying program is expected to be reduced by $10B to $45B at the conclusion of today’s Federal Reserve meeting. The 0.1% first quarter US GDP growth figure was lower than analyst expectations, in part due to the unusually cold winter,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 1.41% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 0.26% after being up north of 20% at the end of February.
• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was down 0.72% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,293 per ounce, down $7 this week.
• NASDAQ CLEAN EDGE GREEN ENERGY (CELS) is down 3.18% this week. Linear Technology, First Solar, Tesla Motors, Cree and SolarCity are the five largest holdings in the index.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The price of Kansas Wheat futures has grown 34% since the end of January rising to $8.07. Track the space by monitoring the NASDAQ Commodity Kansas Wheat Index ER (NQCIKWER). The index is up 3.0% this week.

US equity markets have rallied during the last two weeks, to levels unseen since the beginning of April. First quarter US GDP and ADP employment reports are scheduled to be released next week. US GDP figures are expected to be between 1% and 1.5%.

“US equity markets have rebounded over the last two weeks heading into earnings for some of the biggest companies listed on NASDAQ including Apple, Facebook, Amazon, among others,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) was up 4.66% since Thursday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 2% after being up north of 20% at the end of February.
• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was up 2.54% as of noon on Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,283 per ounce, down $10 this week.
• NASDAQ-100 (NDX) was up 1.03% this week. 32 companies from the index are reporting earnings this week. Apple, Facebook and Qualcomm, among others, report today. 14 of the 32 are reporting tomorrow.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The price of coffee futures has exploded since the end of January rising to over $215 increasing from $120. Track the space by monitoring the NASDAQ Commodity Coffee Index ER (NQCIKCER). The index is up 4.6% this week and 87% year-to-date.

Greek long-term bonds are being issued for the first time since its bailout in 2010 with the sale expected to be finalized Thursday. Estimates put the value of the 5-year bonds at a minimum of €500M. US and global equity markets remain flat this week with negative returns in the 40 basis point range.

“Greece’s issuance of its first long-term bonds since its bailout is a big step for the country and may be a sign the country’s economy is turning a corner,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) was up 2.53% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 2% after being up north of 20% at the end of February.
• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was up 1.26% as of noon on Wednesday, from the most recent Friday close. The price of gold is currently $1,305 per ounce, up $2 this week.
• NASDAQ INTERNET (QNET) was up 1.74% this week. eBay, Amazon, Priceline, Facebook and Google are the five biggest holdings in the index.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The price of coffee futures has exploded since the end of January, increasing from $120 to $192 today. Track the space by monitoring the NASDAQ Commodity Coffee Index ER (NQCIKCER). The index is up 6% this week and 75% year-to-date.

The ADP National Employment Report for March shows 191,000 new workers were added to the domestic private labor market. Following the positive jobs report, global equity markets responded in a big way, with returns north of 1.5% this week. “Following the positive jobs report from ADP for the month of March, global and US equity markets are up between 1.5% and 2% this week heading into the beginning of the second quarter,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) was up 4.99% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 6.3%.
• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was flat 0.33% as of noon on Wednesday, from the most recent Friday close. The price of gold is currently $1,292 per ounce, down $2 this week.
• NASDAQ CLEAN EDGE GREEN ENERGY (CELS) was up 4.56% this week. Tesla, one of the core holdings of the index, has been in the news quite a bit this week with the announcement of a $5B battery factory set to be built in four states.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The price of natural gas has bounced around since early November 2013, starting under $3.60 and rising to $4.34 today. Track the space by monitoring the NASDAQ Commodity Natural Gas Index ER (NQCINGER). The index is down 3% this week but up 15% year-to-date.

The ups and downs of the global equity markets during the first quarter of 2013 have been for naught, as they are currently flat. Technology M&A activity is worth noting, as Facebook’s purchase of Oculus follows their WhatsApp deal from last month. In addition, Apple is in talks with Comcast on a set-top box streaming service.

“Global equity markets are up 67 basis points this week with year-to-date returns slightly positive at 0.11%. This year-to-date figure comes despite some early volatility this year which resulted in returns down more than 5% through the first week of February,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) was down 2.95% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 5.3% after the recent downward trend.
• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was down 5.91% as of noon on Wednesday, from the most recent Friday close. The price of gold is currently $1,307 per ounce, down around $30 this week.
• NASDAQ International BuyBack Achievers Index (DRBXUS) was up 1.7% this week with overall year-to-date returns being down 0.50%.

INDEX TO WATCH

• The price of silver has bounced around quite a bit in the last year, starting at just under $29 per ounce, to $19 at the end of January, bouncing back up to $22, then ultimately dropping to under $20 today. Track the space by monitoring the NASDAQ Commodity Silver Index ER (NQCISIER) and the covered call Credit Suisse NASDAQ Silver FLOWS 106 Index Ttl Rt (QSLVOTR).

Many expect Fed Chair Janet Yellen’s first move will be to continue the tapering schedule set forth by former Chairman Ben Bernanke. Bond buying should decrease from $65B to $55B per month. Differing from her predecessor, unemployment rates might not be used as the benchmark in determining where the economy’s growth stands. The February unemployment rate came out at 6.6% (0.1% above the Fed threshold for increasing interest rates). Many believe unemployment figures do not give an accurate depiction of the labor markets, and often note that many individuals have left the workforce, rather than continue to claim unemployment. “Equity markets have been very strong so far this week leading up to the results of new Fed Chairman Janet Yellen’s first meeting, which is expected to include the continued easing of the bond buying program,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) was up this week with a 3.03% return since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 15%.
• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was down 5.43% as of noon on Wednesday from the most recent Friday close. The price of gold is currently $1,338 per ounce, down over $40 this week.
•  NASDAQ US Buyback Achievers Index (DRB) was up 1.5% this week with a return just south of 9% since the beginning of February, making it one of the highest performing US equity indexes over that timeframe.

INDEX TO WATCH

• Solar energy has consistently been reaping in great returns with year-to-date and current week performances being 30% and 6%, respectively. Look for activity in the space by tracking NASDAQ OMX Solar (GRNSOLAR).

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have returned to profitability. In 2008, the two combined mortgage lenders received $187B in TARP funds. What is not as well known, by the end of March 2014, they will have paid around $200B in dividends back to the US Treasury, far exceeding the amount the government supplied the agencies to stay afloat. US Equity markets have been choppy this week and are currently down around 1%. “Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s rise to profitability and subsequent payment of dividends in excess of $200B is partially due to home prices coming back into favor, along with a 2012 bailout amendment by the US government. The amendment requires both agencies pay a majority of their profits as dividends to the US treasury,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) was flat this week with a 0.47% return since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 15%.
• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was up 0.95% as of noon on Wednesday from the most recent Friday close. The price of gold is currently $1365 per ounce, up over $100 from the end of January.
• NASDAQ INTERNET (QNET) was down this week with a return of -2.06%. Some core holdings include Facebook, eBay, Google, Priceline and Amazon.

INDEX TO WATCH

• With the recent political issues in Russia, look for activity in their markets by tracking the NASDAQ Russia Index (NQRU), which is down 29% year-over-year, after dropping 15% in the last two weeks.

Despite some negative economic reports in previous weeks, the US equity markets continued to rally, as new home sales data released today beat analyst forecasts. The recent surge in the markets has caused the NASDAQ Composite Index to touch a 13-year high. In addition, the price of gold has remained stable at $1,325 an ounce despite recent fluctuations in currencies and negative reports over the past few days about cyber-attacks on the virtual currency bitcoin, resulting in a huge drop-off in value. Precious metals stocks, on the other hand, were among the biggest decliners.
“With new home sales beating forecasts and strong earnings results, the U.S. equity market has largely retraced its January losses,” said David Krein, Managing Director of NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes. “Among industry sectors, the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index was the biggest mover this week, up 5.44%, bolstered by a huge spike in shares of Tesla.”

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) was up 1.54% since Friday’s close as of noon on Wednesday of this week. Year-to-date, the index is up 20%.
• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was down 3.18% from the most recent Friday close. The price of oil is currently $102 per barrel, up around $6 from the end of January.
• NASDAQ CLEAN EDGE GREEN ENERGY (CELS) and NASDAQ OMX GLOBAL AUTOMOBILE (QAUTO) both have TESLA as a core holding. Both indexes are up this week with returns of 5.44% and 0.73%, respectively.

INDEX TO WATCH

• Some negative earnings releases have come out over the last couple of weeks in the solar space. Look for activity in this sector by tracking NASDAQ OMX Solar (GRNSOLAR), which is up a whopping 110% year-over-year.

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) has continued its recent decline with a 2.97% drop this week.  Year-to-date performance for the index is still up 5% on the heels of the Index’s best year in the past decade.
• PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR INDEX (OSX) was down 2% as of noon on Wednesday from the most recent Friday close.  The price of crude oil was flat from last week at $97.28 per barrel.
• NASDAQ OMX GLOBAL AUTOMOBILE INDEX (QAUTO) is down 3% with the expectation of slowing growth in auto sales in 2014.

• Twitter and a handful of other social media companies are expected to report earnings in the next week.  Look for activity in the space by tracking the NASDAQ INTERNET INDEX (QNET), which is up 48% year-over-year.

It is expected that the Fed will reduce its bond buying from the current $75B per month to $65B at today’s meeting, the last for outgoing Chairman Ben Bernanke. In anticipation of this announcement, we’ve seen global equity markets drop over 3% this week as investors also reacted to some disappointing earnings forecasts and global pressure on emerging markets.

“Equity markets have dropped amid disappointing earnings outlooks and emerging markets worries,” said David Krein, Managing Director of NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes. “The Fed is widely expected to reduce its bond buying program to $65B per month at today’s meeting, and investors have likely prepared for this scenario.”

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 0.89% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up a hefty 7.5% on the heels of the Index’s best year in the past decade.
• PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR INDEX (OSX) was down -0.70% as of noon on Wednesday from the most recent Friday close. The price of crude oil was flat from last week at $97.08 per barrel.
• PHLX HOUSING SECTOR INDEX (HGX) is up 2.58% with the expectation of interest rates remaining low until after Fed Chairman’s Ben Bernanke’s departure.

INDEX TO WATCH

• Facebook and a handful of other social media companies are expected to report on earnings in the next week. Look for activity in the space by tracking the NASDAQ INTERNET INDEX (QNET), which is up 48% year-over-year.

Broad U.S. and Global equity markets are up slightly after reaching all-time highs intra-day last week. Next week’s Fed meeting on January 28-29 will be the last for current Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke prior to handing over the reins to Vice Chair Janet Yellen. It has been widely expected that the tapering will continue next week dropping the bond buying from the current $75B per month to $65B. In addition, rates are expected to remain low at the very least until after Ben is no longer running the Fed.

“Interest rates are expected to remain low until after Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke’s departure,” said David Krein, Managing Director of NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes. “Tapering should continue to drop to $65B per month at next week’s meeting, and we are expecting that number to progressively drop through the year after Vice Chair Janet Yellen has taken over.”

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY (NBI) has continued its transcendence in the first few weeks of 2014 on the heels of the Index’s best year in the past decade. The Index has returned 2.33% as of noon on Wednesday from the most recent Friday close.
• PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR (OSX) was flat with a relative increase of 0.27%. The price of crude oil was $96.66 per barrel.
• NASDAQ OMX CEA SMARTPHONE (QFON) is up 1.39% following the continued flurry of price-conscious moves by providers to steal customers from one another.

INDEX TO WATCH

• Gold miners are coming back into favor in the first few weeks of 2014 after a rough 2013. Look for activity in the space by tracking the PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU), which is up 11% YTD following a -48% return in 2013.

Following Monday’s drop, broad US markets are up and are reaching new all-time highs intra-day. Three oil-train derailments in the US in the last few months have given investors cause for concern in the oil markets. The semiconductor industry is up this week in part due to consolidation deals in the space as well as recent upgrades by investment bank analysts.

“Speculation following recent train derailments carrying oil across the US has spurred widespread safety concerns. The markets are currently reflecting these concerns by selling off their oil producing companies,” said David Krein, Managing Director of NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK

• PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR (OSX) and NASDAQ GLOBAL OIL & GAS INDEX (NQG0001) were down -0.76% and -0.68%, respectively as of noon on Wednesday from the most recent Friday close. The price of crude oil was $94.35 per barrel.
• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY (NBI) was up 1.69% on the heels of the index’s best year in the past decade.
• NASDAQ GLOBAL CNSMR GOODS INDEX (NQG3000) is flat at 0.10% following the end of the holiday season on speculation that it may be an even-keeled winter for consumers.

INDEX TO WATCH
Recent mobile deal announcements to shift consumers from one brand to another are spurring interest in the industry. In addition, the Apple/China Mobile deal has garnered much fanfare. Look for activity in the space by tracking the NASDAQ OMX CEA SMARTPHONE (QFON), which is up 29% year-over-year.

Broad US markets are relatively flat this week in anticipation of the Fed meeting minutes that are coming out today. It has been largely reported that the Fed is expected to reduce its bond purchases down to $75 billion starting this month. What most analysts are looking for coming out of the Fed meeting is how optimistic the Fed is for 2014 and whether they expect to entirely wind down monthly bond purchases to nothing by the end of the year. The ADP US nonfarm private sector employment report came out this morning noting an increase of 238,000 jobs from November to December.

“Investors are now wondering if tapering will occur consistently throughout the year to the point that there will no longer be a bond purchasing program at year-end,” said David Krein, Managing Director of NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes. “The recent upbeat jobs report might give Fed officials more confidence that the markets are ready for tapering to increase.”

INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK:

• PHLX GOLD/SILVER SECTOR (XAU) was down -0.65% as of noon on Wednesday from the most recent Friday close.The price of gold was $1220.80 an ounce.
• NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY (NBI) was up 2.27% on the heels of the index’s best year in the past decade.
• NASDAQ INTERNET (QNET) is up 2.83% amid speculation surrounding internet advertising revenue increasing in 2014 and beyond.

INDEX TO WATCH The December auto sales report was released with dismal figures. Look for auto to rebound by tracking NASDAQ OMX Global Automobile (QAUTO), which is up 35% year-over-year.

Last week’s report on November's U.S. Non-farm Payrolls beat expectations, giving U.S. stocks a short-term boost during the first week of December; however stocks have given back most of their gains this week. The November unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level since 2008 at 7.0%.

U.S. market indexes were marginally lower after hitting multi-year and, in some cases, record highs. Bulls are looking for a catalyst for the next leg up, while bears fret the speed of the recent moves higher and potential Fed “tapering.”

“With the holiday shortened trading week and end-of-year portfolio considerations, some traders took profits while assessing current market levels,” said Dave Gedeon, Managing Director of NASDAQ OMX Global Information Services. “How investors are viewing valuations across the global markets will be an interesting catalyst for the start of 2014 as the spread between US and emerging markets has increased significantly in 2013.”

U.S. equities continued to climb incrementally higher as U.S. economic and earnings data have been well received. Recent “dovish” comments by incoming Fed Chairman Janet Yellen and positive sentiment on China helped fuel continued optimism.

Read more in our Weekly Market Pulse.

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