Binary Options Analysis

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Asia and Europe Rally, US Ends Mixed

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Equities

Following the West’s lead on Wednesday, Asian markets rallied on Thursday. The Nikkei gained .8% to 8877, as financial stocks led the gains. Sharp tumbled 16% to a 31-year low after warning of a record loss for the upcoming year. The Kospi climbed 1.3%, as LG Electronics advanced 7.4%, posing its 9th straight gain. In China, the Hang Seng and the Shanghai Composite both soared 2%, while Australia’s ASX 200 advanced 1%.

 

European markets posted modest gains, led by materials stocks, which posted a gain of 2.7%. The DAX rose .6%, the CAC40 edged up .3%, and the FTSE ticked up .1%

 

Mining group, Xstrata, soared 9.9% after confirming it was involved in merger talks with commodity trader, Glencore. Glencore shares surged 6.9%.

 

US stocks ended mixed as traders prepared for Friday’s job report. The Dow slipped 11 points to 12705, the Nasdaq advanced .4%, and the S&P 500 edged up .1%.

 

Mastercard shares jumped 6.7% after profits exceeded analyst estimates for the 7th quarter in a row. Abercrombie and Fitch tumbled 13.7% after releasing weak sales data for the holiday season, and slashed their outlook for the coming year.

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb-3-anf-300x138.png

Abercrombie & Fitch Shares Continue to Drop

 

Treasuries and Commodities

US bonds closed mixed after dropping on Wednesday. 10-year notes inched up 2/32 to yield 2/32, while 30-year notes declined 9/32 to yield 3.01%.

 

The wild ride in natural gas continued, as the energy commodity surged 6.6% to 2.545. Crude oil fell 1.1% to 96.55, and gasoline slid .5% to 2.8771.

 

Metals traded mostly higher, as silver climbed 1.5% to 34.325, and gold gained .7% to 1761.90. Bucking the uptrend, copper shed 1.5% to 3.7855.

 

Currencies

Currencies traded in narrow ranges, with the Dollar moving up slightly. The Euro and Swiss Franc both slipped .2% to 1.3149 and 1.0912 respectively, and the Pound lost .3% to 1.5807. The Yen and Australian Dollar closed flat.

 

Economic Outlook

Weekly jobless claims fell to 367K, 6K better than forecast. Labor costs rose more than expected, while productivity increased less than expected, both positive developments for the employment situation.

 

Friday’s key report will be January’s non-farm payroll data. Economists are expecting a gain of 150K jobs, down from last month’s 200K gain. The unemployment rate is expected to remain at 8.5%. Also due are the ISM non-manufacturing index, and factory orders.

 

Earnings are due from Clorox, Tyson Foods, and Weyerhaeuser.

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Focus Shifts to Greece as Debt Deal Remains Elusive

 

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Equities

 

Friday’s strong jobs data gave Asian markets an opening boost on Monday. The Nikkei and ASX 200 both climbed 1.1%, while the Kospi surrendered an early gain to end flat. China’s Shanghai Composite also closed flat, while the Hang Seng eased .2%.

 

European markets slipped slightly as anxiety overGreece’s debt troubles pulled down financials. The CAC40 fell .6% the FTSE eased .2% and the DAX ended flat as Greece policymakers struggled to reach an agreement with debt holders, even as the official deadline for a deal passed.

 

Back at home, US stocks opened lower but erased most of their losses as the session progresses. The Dow settled down 17 points to 12845, the Nasdaq dipped .1%, and the S&P 500 settled down fractionally at 1344.

 

Humana shares sank 5.4% on disappointing revenue, even though profits met analyst estimates.

 

Regulators are considering blocking Express Scripts buyout of Medco, pressuring shares in both companies. Medco tumbled 8.1% and Express Scripts shed 4.6%.

 

 

 

Treasuries and Commodities

 

Bonds posted moderate gains, recovering some of Friday’s losses. 10-year notes gained 7/32 to yield 1.90%, and 30-year notes advanced 21/32 to yield 3.08%.

 

Natural gas rallied 2.6% to 2.563, and gasoline climbed .9% to 2.94, while crude oil declined .6% to 97.21.

 

Gold and copper fell .9% to 1724.19 and 3.865 respectively, while silver slipped .2% to 33.685.

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb-7-gold-300x135.png

Gold Slumps as much as $50 in 2 Days

 

 

 

Currencies

 

The Dollar had rallied earlier in the morning, but those gains evaporated as the day progressed. The Euro declined .1% to 1.3133, recovering from a low of 1.3031. The Pound rose .1% to 1.5828, the Australian Dollar edged up .2% to 1.0730, and the Canadian Dollar climbed .3% to .9960. The Yen fell .5% to 76.56, and the Swiss Franc slipped .2% to 1.0886.

 

 

 

Economic Outlook

 

Pressure is mounting on Greeceto secure a deal before time runs out, triggering a default. Greecehas until March 20th to make a payment of 14.5 billion euro, or it will default. A deal for a 130 billion euro bailout has been pending since October, awaiting concessions fromGreece.

 

Tuesday’s light economic calendar will include the TIPP economic optimism index, and consumer credit. Earnings are scheduled for Coca-Cola. Gartner, and Vitesse Semiconductor.

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Greek Hopes Push up Euro, Treasuries Slide

 

BinaryOptionStrategy.com

 

Equities

Asian markets closed modestly lower, amid rising tensions over Greece’s debt troubles. The Nikkei eased .1% to 8918, the ASX 200 fell .5%, and the Hang Seng closed down fractionally. China’s Shanghai Composite tumbled 1.7% as steel companies dropped, while Korea’s Kospi edged up .4%.

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb-8-china-300x134.png

China's Shanghai Composite Continues to Struggle, Dropping 1.6%

 

Indecision gripped European traders, leaving the major indexes mixed at the close. The CAC40 rose .2%, while the DAX slipped .2%, and the FTSE closed flat. Excitement abated over the potential merger of Xstrata and Glencore, as several major shareholders said they’d vote against the deal, sending shares of both companies down roughly 4%.

 

In the US, stocks inched up, lifted on hopes that a Greek debt deal was imminent. The Dow closed up 33 points to 12878, the S&P 500 gained .2%, and the Nasdaq rose .1%.

 

Yum Brands advanced 2.6%, and Coca-Cola gained .8% after beating analyst profit forecasts. Mastercard doubled its dividend to 30 cents a share, pushing the stock up .4%.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

Bonds fell, with 10-year notes shedding 19/32 to yield 1.98%, and 30 year notes losing 1 1/32 to yield 3.15%.

 

Crude oil jumped 1.8% to 98.66, a day after Saudi Arabia said it favored a $100 target for oil prices. Natural gas dropped 2.8% to 2.479.

 

Gold rallied 1.3% to 1747.80, and silver climbed 1.4% to 34.23, while copper dipped .1% to 3.8605.

 

Currencies

An afternoon selloff in the Dollar pushed the Euro up .9% to 1.3248, its highest level in nearly 2 months. The Swiss Franc climbed .8% to 1.0963, the Australian Dollar rallied .7% to 1.0796, and the Pound gained .5% to 1.5895. The Yen slipped .3% to 76.81.

 

Economic Outlook

Consumer credit rose by $19.3 billion, nearly 3 times analyst estimates for a $7.7 billion increase, in a sign that the consumer spending is picking up dramatically. The TIPP economic optimism index rose to 49.4 from 47.5, more than forecast.

 

Wednesday’s light economic calendar will be limited to weekly oil inventories and weekly mortgage applications.

 

Earnings are due from Akamai, CVS, Cisco, Groupon, ICE, Moodys, Sprint, Time Warner, Visa, and Whole Foods.

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Asia Rallies, West Awaits Greek Deal

 

BinaryOptionStrategy.com

 

Equities

Asian markets rallied on Wednesday, with several of the major indexes climbing to multi-month highs. The Nikkei advanced 1.1% to 91016, a 3 month high, as Toyota raised its annual profit forecast by more than 30%. Similarly, the Kospi posted a gain of 1.1%, with leading shipbuilders advancing 6% on hopes the sector will soon recover. The Shanghai Composite surged 2.4%, and the Hang Seng jumped 1.5% to 21018, a 6 month high. The ASX 200 trailed its peers, rising just .4%.

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb-9-hang-seng-300x134.png

Hang Seng Index Climbs to 6 Month High

 

The East’s impressive gains failed to make an impact on the West. European markets closed slightly lower, as the region anxiously awaits a Greek debt deal. The FTSE slipped .2%, while the DAX and CAC40 dipped less than .1%.

 

US stocks fared better, posting modest gains. The Nasdaq gained .4% to 2916, the S&P 500 rose .2%, and the Dow inched up 6 points to 12884.

 

Disney shares gained.7% after beating earnings forecasts, while missing on revenue.

 

Caesars Entertainment soared 71% in its first day of trading under the symbol “CZR”.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

The Treasury auctioned $24 billion in 10-year notes, with a high-yield of 2.02%, and bid-to-cover ratio of 3.05. 2 through 30-year notes all closed flat to fractionally lower.

 

Gasoline climbed 1.7% to 2.978, and crude oil rose .5% to 98.90, while natural gas shed 1.1% to 2.444. Crude oil inventories rose by .3M barrels, significantly less than the 2.5M expected.

 

Metals traded mixed, as copper gained .7%, while silver and gold fell .7% to 1735.40 and 33.935, respectively.

 

Currencies

The Dollar gained modestly across the board. The Pound slumped .5% to 1.5819, and the Yen dropped .3% to 77.01. The Euro, Australian Dollar, Swiss Franc, and Canadian Dollar all ended down .1%, as the market braces for the outcome of Greece’s debt negotiations.

 

Economic Outlook

Weekly mortgage applications jumped last week, a healthy sign that the housing market is on the rebound.

 

The Bank of England, and the ECB will announce their rate decisions on Thursday, but no changes are expected.

 

In the US data is due on weekly unemployment claims, and wholesale inventories.

 

Earnings are scheduled for Activision, CBOE, Dunkin Donuts, LinkedIn, Noble Energy, Pepsi, Phillip Morris, and Rio Tinto.

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Greek Lawmakers Reach Agreement, Market Unimpressed

 

BinaryOptionStrategy.com

 

Equities

Asian markets closed little changed, ahead of major rate decisions from Europe. The Nikkei slipped .2% to 9002, while the Kospi gained .5%. In China, inflation rose more than forecast, but market participants failed to notice. The Shanghai Composite rose .1% to 2350, and the Hang Seng closed flat. Australian shares closed down .2%, recovering from a 1.1% loss earlier in the day.

 

European markets advanced moderately, as the Bank of England and ECB kept rates unchanged. The UK’s central bank announced it would increase its quantitative easing program, and the ECB indicated it would work to make it easier for banks to get loans. The DAX gained .6%, the CAC40 rose .4%, and the FTSE edged up .3%.

 

Greece announced lawmakers had reached an agreement for an austerity plan, a key step in getting another bailout package, but the market reaction was minimal.

 

US stocks inched up for a 3rd straight day. The Dow rose 6 points to 12890, the Nasdaq advanced .4%, and the S&P 500 gained .2% to 1352.

 

PepsiCo shares sank 3.7% on a disappointing outlook for 2012, despite reporting strong profits. Groupon shares tumbled 13.9% after reporting an unexpected loss in its first public earnings announcement.

 

On the upside, Akamai share jumped 10.5% on earnings which exceeded forecasts, and Visa shares advanced 3.8% after announcing solid earnings and a new stock buyback plan.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

Bond prices eased modestly, with 10-year notes slipping 4/32 to yield 2.03%, and 30-year notes declining 19/32 to yield 3.18%.

 

Crude oil rallied 1% to settle at 99.70, after crossing above $100 earlier in the session. Gasoline climbed 1.2% to 3.012, and natural gas gained .8% to 2.468.

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb-10-oil-300x137.png

Oil Rallies 1%, Crossing Above $100 for the First Time this Month

 

Copper jumped 1.6% to 3.9715, and silver rose .5% to 33.855, while gold closed flat at 1731.

 

Agricultural futures sold off, with cotton tumbling 3.5%, and wheat sinking 2.2%.

 

Currencies

Despite two central bank decisions, and news of a Greek debt deal, the currency markets were relatively quiet. The Euro rose .2% to 1.3283, while the Swiss Franc and Canadian Dollar rose .1% to 1.0967 and .9953 respectively. The Yen sank .8% to 77.70. The Pound and Australian Dollar closed flat.

 

Economic Outlook

Weekly jobless claims fell to 358K, 11K better than forecast, and 15K better than last week. Wholesale inventories rose by 1%, significantly higher than the .4% forecast.

 

Friday’s reports will include international trade, and consumer sentiment. Fed chairman, Bernanke, will be speaking in Orlando about the housing market.

 

Earnings are due from Alliant Energy and Barclays.

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Report (Feb. 6- Feb. 10)

 

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Binary Options Report (Feb. 6- Feb. 10)

Markets

 

The markets rcovered from their lows but showed a weekly loss. The S&P and Nasdaq lost a 5-week winning streak. This comes with stalled debt talks in Greece, disappointing economic reports and the S&P downgrading some Italian banks. The Dow Jones lost 89.23 to close at 12,801.23. The S&P 500 lost 9.31,to close at1,342.64. The Nasdaq fell 23.35to close at 2,903.

 

 

 

DJIA CHART

 

 

 

 

 

FOREX

 

Euro traders appear to be losing patience as Greece continues to break promise after promise. The Greek debt problem is now in its 23rd month, and the outlook continues to to worsen. What is next? This week will be critical.

 

The Greek Parliament must approve the terms of the austerity proposal that the Cabinet approved after the close of trading on Friday. Last weeks plan was rejected by EU minister as it supposedly required another 325 million Euros in spending cuts (in additional to the reported 3.3 billion that was presented). Finance Minister Venizelos has framed the vote as a decision on whether the country will remain with the Euro. This move, even if it only posturing, sets a tone of ‘no alternative’ to traders.

 

Should Parliament approve the proposal, then Greece must get rivate investors to consent to haircuts on existing debt. The current terms are for a more-than 70 percent write down, a swap for 30 year bonds yielding 3.6 percent along with growth and EFSF bond sweetners. If that step is done, then the EU ministers will decide whether it is confident in Greece’s ability to bring its debt to the targeted 120 percent of GDP. If that is done, the 130 billion euro package will be released. Should any of these steps fail then the failure is in the cards and default happens.

 

EURUSD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMODITIES

 

Oil prices fell Friday with a critical bailout plan for Greece’s economy stalling. Crude lost $1.17 to close at $98.67. Gold was up $8.90 to $1747.90

 

Oil Chart

 

 

 

 

 

EQUTIES

 

NYSE Euronext narrowly beat analyst forecasts with a 13 percent profit rise to $212 million in Q4 ’11, after Deutsche Boerse’s plan to take over the transatlantic exchange was scuttled. LinkedIn surged after the online networking company beat expectations and handed in an outlook for the quarter and full-year that beat estimates. Expediafell after the online travel agency reported sales that missed and profit that was hurt by rising costs.

 

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by David Frank

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Fundamental Analysis and the Week Ahead

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

 

ECONOMIC NEWS

 

In the US, hiring picked up in July as the Labor Department reported employers added 117,000 jobs last month and the unemployment rate dipped to 9.1 percent. Even more stunning was the news from the ratings agency of S&P.

 

Standard & Poor’s, one of the world’s three major credit rating agencies, cited “difficulties in bridging the gulf between political parties” as a major reason for the downgrade from US’s top shelf AAA status to AA+, the next level down. The rating agency has essentially lost faith in Washington’s ability to work together to address its debt.

 

The downgrade, hours after markets closed on Friday, is a first for the US since it was granted an AAA rating in 1917. S&P warned about a downgrade as far back as April.

 

 

 

THE WEEK AHEAD

 

MONDAY: Employment trends index

 

TUESDAY: NFIB small biz optimism index, productivity and costs, 3-yr note auction, FOMC mtg announcement; Earnings from Disney

 

WEDNESDAY: Weekly mortgage apps, wholesale trade, oil inventories, 10-yr note auction, treasury budget; Earnings from Macy’s, Cisco

 

THURSDAY: International trade, jobless claims, 30-yr bond auction, money supply; Earnings from Kohl’s, Nordstrom

 

FRIDAY: Retail sales, consumer sentiment, business inventories; Earnings from JCPenney

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by David Frank

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Doubts over Greek Bailout Weigh on Equities

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Equities

Asian markets fell on Friday, as doubts lingered over the fate of Greece’s bailout package, even after lawmakers approved an austerity plan. The Nikkei declined .6% to 8947, the Kospi shed 1% to 1994, and the ASX 200 fell .9%. Chinese markets ended mixed, as the Hang Seng slumped 1.1% to 20784, while the Shanghai Composite rose .1%, despite disappointing import data.

 

Selling pressure accelerated in Europe. The CAC40 dropped 1.5%, the DAX sank 1.4%, and the FTSE lost .7%. Banking shares lost more than 3.4% as protests erupted in Greece over the proposed austerity measures, while European leaders demanded even steeper cuts.

 

US stocks closed lower, as the Dow fell 89 points to 12801, its largest fall in 2012. The Nasdaq closed down .8%, and the S&P 500 dropped .7% to 1343, while the VIX surged 11.6% to 20.79.

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb-13-vix-300x135.png

VIX Surges 11.6% as Greek Tensions Spike

 

LinkedIn shares soared 17.8% after beating analyst profit forecasts and raising its outlook for the year. Nuance shares slumped 13% after profits fell short of estimates.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

Bonds advanced, as investors favored the safety of US treasuries. 10-year notes gained 14/32 to yield 1.99%, and 30-year notes advanced 30/32 to yield 3.14%.

 

Commodities traded mostly lower. Crude oil fell 1.2% to 98.67, and gasoline declined 1.3% to 2.9749.

 

Copper tumbled 2.9% to 3.862, while gold and silver both dropped .9% to 1726 and 33.60, respectively.

 

Wheat lost another 2.5% to 630, and corn lost .8% to 631.75.

 

Currencies

The Dollar rallied as the currency markets shifted into “risk off” mode. The Australian Dollar was the largest loser, dropping 1.1% to 1.0673. The Euro fell .7% to 1.3188, the Pound lost .4% to 1.5755, and the Swiss Franc dropped .5% to 1.0915. The Canadian Dollar shed .7% to 1.0018, while the Yen bucked the trend, inching up .1% to 77.59.

 

Economic Outlook

The US trade deficit grew to $48.8 billion, slightly larger than expected, and up from last month’s $47.1 billion deficit. Consumer confidence fell more than expected to 72.5, from last month’s reading of 75.

 

No major economic reports are due on Monday. Earnings are scheduled for Dryships, Rackspace, and Vitamin Shoppe.

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher

[dave123]

Hello BinaryOptionStrategy,

 

I am considering trading binary options, would you consider sharing your strategy here on Indo? I have one developed by another options trader and it uses the OptionBit trading platform. The system is exceptionally simple and, according to this trade makes money every day. He claims to make $5000 per week trading several currency pairs and demonstrates on youtube video.

 

Have you any experience with the above platform?

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Stocks Gain as Greece’s Passes Austerity Bill

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Equities

Asian markets began the week on an up note, encouraged by Greece’s successful passage of an austerity bill. The Nikkei rose .6% to 8999, and the Kospi gained .6% as well, led by car makers. Australia’s ASX 200 rallied .9%, the Hang Seng advanced .5%, and the Shanghai Composite closed flat.

 

In Europe, stocks posted moderate gains, the region’s response to Greece’s austerity bill was muted.. The FTSE climbed .9%, as Cable & Wireless Worldwide soared 37% after Vodafone revealed it is considering a takeover bid for the company. The DAX gained .7%, and the CAC40 rose .3%.

 

Similar gains were achieved in the US. The Nasdaq led the advance climbing 1% to 2931. The Dow added 73 points to 12874, and the S&P 500 gained .7% to 1352.

 

Apple shares closed up 9.18 to 502.60, crossing the $500 mark for the first time, amid rumors the company may soon declare a dividend.

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb-14-apple-300x135.png

Apple's Recent Rally Pushes Shares Above $500

 

First Solar slumped 5% to 41.72 after Brigantine cut its rating to “hold” from “buy”.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

Bonds rose modestly, with 10-year notes up 4/32 to yield 1.97%, and 30-year notes up 15/32 to yield 3.12%.

 

Crude oil jumped 2% to 100.60, and gasoline gained .9% to 3.0025, while natural gas shed 1.7% to 2.434.

 

Silver edged up .3% to 33.69, while copper slid .6% to 3.8375, and gold closed flat.

 

Agricultural futures rallied, as wheat climbed 1.8%, soybeans jumped 1.9%, and corn added 1.2%.

 

Currencies

Currency markets traded in relatively narrow ranged on Monday. The Euro eased 8 pips to 1.3190, the Pound rose .1% to 1.5771, while the Yen and Swiss Franc traded flat. The Australian Dollar posted an outsized gain of .6% to 1.0734, and the Canadian Dollar rose .3% to .9992.

 

Economic Outlook

Tuesday’s economic calendar will include retail sales, import prices, and business inventories. Overseas, the ZEW economic sentiment index for Germany and the Euro zone is due.

 

Earnings are due from Good Year Tire, Metlife, Weight Watchers, and Zynga.

 

-Bradley Welcher

 

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Moody’s Warns of Debt Downgrades for UK and France

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Equities

Asian markets traded mixed on Tuesday. The Nikkei advanced .6% to 9052, as the Bank of Japan announced another $130 billion asset buying plan. The news weakened the yen, which pushed up exporters. Australian shares dropped 1%, weighed down by miners, and the Kospi eased .2%, as steel makers tumbled more than 3%. The Hang Seng ticked up .2% to 20918, while the Shanghai Composite slipped .3% to 2345.

 

Moody’s downgraded the debt of 6 European countries, and warned it may downgrade the debt of the UK, Austria, and France, all of which have Aaa ratings.

 

European shares traded slightly lower, unfazed by the rating move. The CAC40 slipped .3%, the DAX declined .2%, and the FTSE eased .1%.

 

US stocks closed little changed as the Dow rose 4 points to 12878, the Nasdaq traded flat, and the S&P 500 edged down .1%.

 

Yahoo shares tanked 4.7% to 15.37, on news that negotiations with Softbank and Alibaba over the sale of Yahoo’s Asian assets have stalled.

 

Zynga share jumped 7% ahead of its earnings report. After hours, the shares fell 7%, erasing all of their gains, even though the company exceeded analyst estimates.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

US bonds gained, with 10-year notes up 10/32 to yield 1.94%, and 30-year notes up 21/32 to yield 3.09%.

 

Natural gas soared 4.8% to 2.547, as the energy commodity continues to experience wild daily swings. Crude oil gained .2% to 101.07, while gasoline fell .8% to 2.9899.

 

Metals traded lower as silver lost .7% to 33.485, copper fell .6% to 3.8185, and gold dipped .3% to 1720.60.

 

Currencies

The Yen tumbled 1.2% to 78.51 falling to a 3-month low, while the Dollar traded modestly higher against other currencies. The Pound and Euro both slid .4%, and the Swiss Franc ticked down .3% to 1.0865. The Australian Dollar lost .3% to 1.0683, and the Canadian Dollar declined .2% to .9990.

 

 

Dollar Climbs 1.2% against the Yen as BOJ Announces More Stimulus

 

Economic Outlook

US retail sales data was disappointing, rising just .4% last month, as opposed to a forecast of .8%. On the bright side, core retail sales rose .7%, slightly more than the .6% expected. Business inventories and import prices were both inline with estimates.

 

Wednesday s extremely busy economic calendar will include the Empire state manufacturing survey, industrial production, housing market index, weekly oil inventories, FOMC minutes, credit card default rates, and weekly mortgage applications.

 

Earnings are scheduled for CBS, Abercrombie & Fitch, Comcast, Deere, Nvidia, Marriott, NetApp, NetEase, Tesla Motors, and Vonage.

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Asian Stocks Rally, US Slides

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Equities

Asian markets jumped on Wednesday, as angst over Greece’s debt troubles waned. The Nikkei soared 2.3% to 9260, its highest level in August. In Korea,the Kospi rallied 1.1% to 2052, a 6-month high, as Samsung Electronics and Hynix Memory both surged more than 5%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rallied 2.1%, and the Shanghai Composite climbed .9%, encouraged by comments that China will continue to purchase European sovereign debt.

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb-16-nikkei1-300x136.png

Nikkei Climbs 2.3% to 6-month High

 

European shares traded mixed. The CAC40 and DAX advanced .4%, while the FTSE slipped .1%. Heineken shares soared 3.7% and BNP Paribas jumped 4.1% after both companies exceeded analyst profit forecasts.

 

US stocks dropped, as investors shrugged off upbeat economic data. The Dow skidded 97 points to 12781, the Nasdaq dropped .6%, and the S&P 500 fell .5%. The minutes from the last FOMC meeting revealed that some Fed officials believe another round of asset buying will be needed to prop up the economy, spooking investors.

 

Apple shares skidded 2.3% to 497.67, pulling back from its record high.

 

Several companies surged on impressive earnings data. Comcast shares climbed 4.9%, Dean Foods rocketed up 10.3%, and Abercrombie & Fitch rallied 8.3% on upbeat earnings reports.

 

Zygna shares tumbled 17.8% despite reporting earnings which exceeded forecasts.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

Bonds traded mixed with 10-year notes up 2/32 to yield 1.93%, while 30-year notes slipped 6/32 to yield 3.10%.

 

Commodities traded mixed, with no clear direction within the major groups. In energy, crude oil advanced 1.2% to 101.94, and gasoline rose .8% to 3.0065, while natural gas slumped 3.8% to 2.436.

 

Gold gained .7% to 1729.10, silver inched up .1% to 33.39, while copper declined .2% to 3.806.

 

Currencies

The Euro fell .5% to 1.3067, and the Swiss Franc declined .3% to 1.0834. The Pound, Australian Dollar, and Canadian Dollar all closed within .1% of their previous close. The Yen ticked up .1% to 78.35 after Tuesday’s steep drop.

 

Economic Outlook

The Empire state manufacturing survey jumped to 19.5, blowing past forecasts of 14.7, and a sharp advance from last month’s 13.5 reading. The NAHB housing market index rose to 29, its highest level since 2007, another sign that the real estate market is turning around. Industrial production came in flat, below estimates for a .7% gain.

 

Thursday’s reports will include housing starts, PPI, the Philadelphia Fed survey, and weekly jobless claims.

 

Earnings are due from Agilent, Applied Materials, Baidu, GM, Nordstrom, and Waste Management.

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher

[fandabbydozo]

Great post..

 

Barclays coming up to strong resistance at 250-252.

 

Also some Divergance being created at these levels

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Stocks Trade Higher on Greek Hopes, Economic Data

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Equities

Thursday’s rally on Wall Street gave Asian markets a boost on Friday. The Nikkei jumped 1.6% to 9384, the ASX 200 added .3%, and the Kospi gained 1.3%, as Samsung Electronics advanced 3.6% to a record closing high. In greater China, the Hang Seng rallied 1% to 21692, while the Shanghai Composite closed flat.

 

Expectations for an imminent Greek bailout lifted European markets. The DAX and CAC40 climbed 1.4%, and the FTSE edged up .3%. Shares in Lafarge, the world’s largest cement maker, soared 8.3% after the company announced it would cut costs to offset losses tied to Greece.

 

US stocks traded mixed in light trading, as traders prepared for the long weekend. The Dow added 46 points to 12950, the S&P 500 rose .2%, and the Nasdaq declined .3%.

 

 

Dow Rapidly Approaching 13000 Level

 

In the biotech world, Vivus shares surged 7.3% o hopes the FDA would approve its diet pill, while Gilead Sciences tumbled 14.3% after announcing disappointing news concerning its experimental Hepatitis C drug.

 

Heinz shares rallied 4.56% after beating analyst forecasts, and Campbell soup climbed 2.6% on solid earnings.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

Bonds traded modestly lower, with 10 and 30-year notes declining 6/32 to yield 2.00% nd 3.15% respectively.

 

Natural gas spiked 4.6% to 2.684, extending its gains from Thursday, as the wild volatility in natural gas continued. Crude oil gained .9% to 103.24, while gasoline fell 1% to 3.0156.

 

Copper slumped 2.2% to 3.708, leading metals lower. Silver fell .5% to 33.216, and gold edged down .1% to 1725.90.

 

Wheat advanced 2.4%, and corn rose .9%.

 

Currencies

The Yen continued to drop, shedding .8% to 79.57. The Pound rose .2% to 1.5831, and the Euro inched up .1% to 1.3148, while the Swiss Franc and Canadian Dollar traded flat. The Australian Dollar declined .4% to 1.0712.

 

Economic Outlook

Leading indicators rose to a 3.5 year high of 94.1, up .4%, posting its 4th straight monthly gain. CPI data showed prices rose .2%, slightly less than expected.

 

US markets will be closed on Monday for President’s Day.

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Greece Secures Bailout Package, Commodities Jump

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Equities

Greece received approval for its long awaited bailout package from lawmakers, but Asian markets traded mixed on the news. The Nikkei eased .2% to 9463, as Mazda shares tumbled 10% after announcing it would raise $2 billion in a share offering. The ASX 200 advanced .8%, the Hang Seng edged up .3%, and the Shanghai Composite climbed .8%. Korea’s Kospi closed flat, as significant losses in ship builders offset gains in other sectors.

 

European markets declined, as the Greek debt deal failed to inspire investors. The DAX shed .6%, the FTSE dropped .3%, and the CAC40 slid .2%.

 

The Dow briefly crossed the 13000 mark for the first time since May 2008, but failed to hold those gains as US stocks ended mixed. The Dow settled at 12966, up 16 points, the S&P 500 inched up .1% to 1362, while the Nasdaq slipped .1% to 2949.

 

Wal-Mart shares slumped 3.9% after reporting disappointing earnings.

 

Surging oil prices pressured airline stocks, sending US Airways and Delta Airways tumbling 11.4% and 7.2 respectively.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

Bond prices fell as the risk of a Greek default passed. 10-year notes declined 16/32 to yield 2.06%, and 30-year notes fell 1 4/32 to yield 3.21%.

 

Oil jumped 2.4% to 106.12, and gasoline advanced 1.7% to 3.066, while natural gas dropped 2.1% to 2.628.

 

Metals rallied across the board. Silver surged 3.5% to 34.37, copper bounced 3.1% to 3.8245, and gold traded up 2.1% to 1761.50.

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb-22-silver-300x135.png

Silver Rallies 3.5%

 

Currencies

The Australian Dollar dropped .7% to 1.0666, despite the spike in metal prices, as the US Dollar gained. The Pound slipped .4% to 1.5784, the Canadian Dollar declined .3% to .9966, and the Yen eased .1% to 79.72. The Euro and Swiss Franc closed flat.

 

Economic Outlook

Wednesday’s key report will be existing home sales, which analysts expect to rise to an annualized rate of 4.66M. Also due are weekly mortgage applications.

 

Earnings are due from Dollar Tree, Hertz, Hewlett-Packard, Limited Brands, MGM, and Toll Brothers.

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Asia Gains, West Slips, on Mixed Economic Data

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Equities

Chinese manufacturing climbed to its highest level in 4 months, encouraging markets around the region. The Nikkei advanced 1% to 9554, with exporters gaining as the Yen moved back above the psychologically significant 80 level. The Shanghai Composite rallied .9% to 2404, the Hang Seng edged up .3%, and the Kospi rose .2%. In Australia, the ASX 200 erased early losses to close flat.

 

Meanwhile, European markets skidded on weaker than expected economic data. The service sector’s PMI data unexpectedly contracted, slipping to 49.4 from last month’s 50.4 reading. The DAX slumped .9%, the CAC40 dropped .5%, and the FTSE eased .2%.

 

Fitch cut its rating on Greece to C from CCC, explaining that a near term default is highly likely, despite the recent bailout efforts.

 

US stocks traded moderately lower as well. The Nasdaq shed .5% to 2933, the Dow slipped 27 points to 12937, and the S&P 500 declined .3% to 1358.

 

Dell plummeted 5.8% after earnings fell short of estimates.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

Concerns over the euro zone helped propel bonds higher. 10-year notes gained 16/32 to yield 2.00%, and 30-year notes advanced 1 12/32 to yield 3.14%.

 

Commodities traded mixed with no clear direction. Crude oil eased .3% to 105.98, while natural gas gained 1.5% to 2.665.

 

 

Crude Oil's Recent Rise to $106

 

Gold rallied 1.2% to 1779.30, while silver ticked up fractionally, and copper settled flat.

 

Wheat climbed 1.8%, while cotton slumped 2.6%, and coffee fell 2%.

 

Currencies

The Dollar traded mostly higher against global currencies. The Pound sank .7% to 1.5668, the Australian Dollar fell .3% to 1.0635, and the Swiss Franc lost .2%. The Yen declined .7% to 80.29. The Euro inched up .1% to 1.3244, after trading in a narrow range all day.

 

Economic Outlook

 

January’s existing home sales data was strong, rising by 4% to a 1.5 year high. However, the gains were based on a steep downward revision of December’s data, so the results fell shy of expectations. Mortgage applications declined last week.

 

Thursday’s reports will include weekly unemployment claims, the FHFA home price index, and weekly inventory data for crude oil and natural gas.

 

Earnings are expected from AIG, Autodesk, Crocs, Dillard’s, Dish Network, Gap, MetroPCS, Marvell, Officemax, Safeway, Salesforce, Target, and WebMD.

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Report Suggests Europe Headed for Another Recession

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Equities

Asian markets traded mostly lower on Thursday, as doubts over Europe’s economic health weighed on stocks. The Kospi slumped 1% as heavyweight Samsung Electronics tumbled 3% in a broad tech drop. The ASXX 200 slipped .2%, ending a 4-day winning streak, and the Hang Seng closed down .8% to 21381. China’s Shanghai Composite managed a gain of .3% and the Nikkei rose .4% to 9596.

 

European markets traded mixed as DAX declined .5% to 6809, the FTSE gained .4%, and the CAC40 traded flat. A European Commission report indicated that Europe is headed for a second recession, with an expected contraction of .3% over the next year. Shares in Belgian bank, Dexia, slumped 6.5%to 6.5% after saying it may go out of business.

 

US stocks advanced, as stocks recovered from early losses. The Dow added 46 points to 12985, the Nadaq climbed .8% to 2957, and the S&P 500 rose .4 to 1363.50.

 

Shares in Vivus, surged 77.5% after an FDA panel endorsed approval of its diet pill, Qnexa.

 

HP shares sank 6.5% after reporting disappointing earnings, and Kohl’s dropped 5.9% after missing analyst profit forecasts.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

Bonds ticked up slightly, with 10-year notes up 4/32 to yield 1.99%, and 30-year notes up 9/32 to yield 3.13%.

 

Crude oil extended its recent advance, climbing 1.7% to 108.05, despite an larger than expected gain in inventories. Gasoline gained 1% to 3.119, while natural gas slipped 1.2% to 2.611.

 

Silver rallied 3.4% to 35.415, and gold edged up .6% to 1781.40. Copper declined .6% to 3.8125.

 

Currencies

The Euro rallied .9% to 1.3367 despite the negative outlook for the region. , The Swiss Franc climbed .9% as well, and the Australian Dollar rose .7% to 1.0706. The Pound and Yen both gained .4%, to 1.5736, and 79.98 respectively.

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb-24-euro-300x169.png

The Euro Gained another .9%, adding to its Recent Rally

 

Economic Outlook

Weekly unemployment claims were flat from last week at 351K, marginally better than forecast. The OFHEO home price index rose by .7% more than the .2% expected.

 

Friday’s reports will include new home sales, and consumer sentiment.

 

Earnings are expected from Endo Pharmaceuticals and JC Penney.

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Report (Feb. 20- Feb. 24)

 

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Markets

 

Markest closed mixed another dull day on Friday. this comes as investors are still wary ahead of a long. The Dow lost 1.74 points to close at 12982.95. The S&P 500 saw it s best close in 3 and a half years, asi it gained 2.28 points, to close at 1,365.74, The Nasdaq rose 6.77 points to close at 2,963.75.

 

 

 

DJIA CHART

 

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/a3-300x123.png

 

 

FOREX

 

The Yen continued to rise this week with the USD/JPY gaining more than 2.1% by the. The yen’s decline has been against all of its major counterparts. While the moves in the yen have been strong, the currency is expected to remain under pressure.

 

Next week traders will be closely eyeing data out of Japan. We will see industrial production and key inflation data being released. Consensus estimates call for production to contract by 1.6% y/y, up from a previous contraction of 4.3% y/y with inflation expected to come in at -0.1% y/y from a previous read of -0.2% y/y. Although we are expecting to see the headline inflation print to contract by just 0.1% y/y, the recent trend in overall price growth, or lack thereof, could produce a larger than expected contraction, fueling ongoing deflationary concerns.

 

USD/JPY

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/b3-300x123.png

 

 

 

COMMODITIES

 

Oil is approaching last year’s highs. This comes as tensions increase over Iran’s nuclear program. West Texas crude was up 1.94 to clsoe at 109.77 . Brent crude rose by $1.85 to closed at 125.47. Gold closed lower Friday by 9.70 to finish the week at 1780.30.

 

 

 

Oil Chart

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/c2-300x123.png

 

 

 

EQUTIES

 

JC Penney lost early gains to close lower even after the clothing retailer reported earnings that beat estimates. Gap lost ground after the retailer reported a 40 percent decline in Q4 net income. Gap was hurt by higher costs and heavy discounts during the holiday season. Sears jumped for a second day to lead the S&P 500 after the retailer announced several moves to increase liquidity. They will sell 11 stores to General Growth Properties for $270 million, and the spinoff of 1,250 Hometown and Outlet.

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Fundamental Analysis and the Week Ahead (Feb. 20- Feb. 24)

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

 

ECONOMIC NEWS

 

Greece reached a supposed bailout package. However, investors still wait on if the IMF will increase its portion of the aid.

 

Out of the US, the consumer sentiment index gained to 75.3 in February, its highest mark in almost a year. Meanwhile, new home sales lost 0.9 percent in January , showing 321,000-unit annual rate.

 

THE WEEK AHEAD

 

MONDAY: Pending home sales index, Dallas Fed mfg survey

 

TUESDAY: Durable goods orders, S&P Case-Shiller home price index, consumer confidence, Fed’s Pianalto speaks

 

WEDNESDAY: Weekly mortgage apps, GDP, Fed’s Fisher speaks, Chicago PMI, Bernanke speaks, oil inventories, Fed’s Plosser speaks, Beige Book

 

THURSDAY; Fed’s Pianalto speaks, jobless claims, personal income and spending, ISM mfg index, construction spending, Fed’s Lockhart speaks, Fed’s Williams speaks, auto sales, chain store sales, EU summit

 

FRIDAY: Fed’s Bullard speaks

 

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by David Frank

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Upbeat Economic Data Pushes S&P 500 to Multi-Year Hig

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Equities

Asian markets advanced on Friday, following Wall Street’s gains on Thursday. The Nikkei rose .5% to 9647, the Kospi climbed .6%, and the ASX 200 gained .5%. China’s Shanghai Composite rallied 1.3% to 2440, while the Hang Seng inched up .1% to 21507.

 

In Europe, shares closed mostly higher, encouraged by strong earnings results from Telecom Italia, which rose 7.3%. The DAX advanced .8%, the CAC40 gained .6%, and the FTSE closed flat. Deutsche Bank jumped 4.6% after Merill Lynch upgraded the stock to “buy”.

 

US markets posted smaller gains, and the S&P 500 closed at its highest level in 3.5 years. The S&P 500 rose .2% to 1365.50, the Nasdaq edged up .2% to 2964, and the Dow closed flat at 12983.

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb-27-sp-300x133.png

S&P 500 Closes at Highest Level in 3 1/2 Years

 

Gap shares sank 4% after reporting a sharp drop in 4th quarter income. Salesforce.com rallied 9% on solid earnings data, and garnered several analyst upgrades.

 

Kenneth Cole soared 18.5% after announcing a plan to take the company private, and Sears shares surged 10.5% after announcing several initiatives t boost liquidity.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

Bonds rose with 10-year notes up 6/32 to yield 1.98%, and 30-year notes up 24/32 to yield 3.10%.

 

Crude oil’s powerful rally continued, climbing 1.94 to 109.77 amid mounting tensions surrounding Iran. Gasoline gained 1.3% to 3.1528, while natural gas dropped 2.7% to 2.55.

 

Metals traded mixed, with copper rallying 1.5% to 3.863, while gold and silver fell .6% to 1776.40, and 35.338 respectively.

 

Currencies

The Yen fell 1.5% to 81.20, as the recent downtrend intensified. The Dollar traded lower against its European counterparts, as the Pound advanced .8% to 1.5872, while the Euro and Swiss Franc climbed .6%. The Australian Dollar and Canadian Dollar both eased .3%.

 

Economic Outlook

Consumer sentiment rose to 75.3 a significant jump from last month’s 72.5 reading, hitting its highest level since February 2011. New home sales clocked in at 321K, 5K more than expected, but slightly lower than last month’s gain of 324K.

 

Monday’s data will include pending home sales, and the Dallas Fed’s manufacturing survey.

 

Earnings are due from El Paso, HSBC, Lowe’s, MBIA, Priceline.com, and Sina.

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Stocks Trade Mixed as Oil Pulls Back

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Equities

Asian markets traded mostly lower on Monday, as the recent spike in oil prices took its toll on stocks. The Nikkei declined .1% to 9633, although exporters gained as the yen continued to slide against the dollar. The Kospi slumped 1.4%, the ASX 200 dropped .9%, and the Hang Seng shed .9% to 2128. The Shanghai Composite bucked the downtrend, rising .3% to 2447, a 3 month high.

 

European markets closed lower as well. The CAC40 sank .7%, the FTSE fell .3%, and the DAX eased .2%. German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, said there was no guarantee Greece’s bailout package would succeed, dampening spirits. Banks fell 1.4%, with Societe Generale dropping 3%.

 

US stocks overcame early losses to close modestly higher. The Dow rose points to 12996, erasing a 100-point loss from earlier in the day The S&P 500 advanced .2% to 1369, and the Nasdaq inched up .1% to 2967.

 

Memory-maker, Micron Technology jumped 7.6% after its rival, Elpida Memory, filed for bankruptcy.

 

Dendreon shares tumbled 20.8% after announcing that demand for its prostate treatment, Provenge, is weaker than expected.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

Bonds rallied as the G20 called on Europe to raise more funds if it wants assistance from the outside world, suggesting additional borrowing is on the way. 10-year notes gained 15/32 to yield 1.92% and 30-year notes rallied 1 3/32 to yield 3.04%.

 

Energy skidded, as crude oil pulled back from its recent 7-day sprint, dropped 1.6% to 107.99. Natural gas skidded 3.3% to 2.607, and gasoline fell 1.1% to 3.118.

 

 

Crude Oil Pulls Back 1.6% after Crossing the $110 Mark

 

Gold shed 8.10 to 1768.30, and copper eased .1% to 3.858, while silver traded flat.

 

Wheat, soybeans, and sugar all gained more than 1% in a broad advance for agricultural futures.

 

Currencies

The Dollar rose against most European currencies amid uncertainty for the region. The Euro and Swiss Franc slid .4% to 1.3397 1.1119, and the Pound declined .3% to 1.5820. The Australian Dollar gained .5% to 1.0758, and the Yen bounced .6% to 80.54. The Canadian Dollar rose fractionally to .9991.

 

Economic Outlook

Pending home sales blew past forecasts, climbing 2% to its highest level since April 2010.

 

Tuesday’s reports will include durable goods, the Case-Shiller home price index, and consumer confidence.

 

Earnings are expected from Autozone, Cablevision, DreamWorks, First Solar, Office Depot, and Tenet Healthcare.

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Global Stocks Rise, Energy Slides

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Equities

 

Asian markets rallied on Tuesday, despite a bankruptcy filing by Elpida memory, in Japan. The Nikkei gained .9% to 9722, recovering from early losses, after chip-related stocks initially sold off, but later recovered. The Kospi rose .6%, as Hynix memory jumped 6.8%, and the Hang Seng surged 1.7% to 21569. The Shanghai Composite edged up .2%, and the ASX 200 posted a narrow loss.

 

Upbeat US consumer confidence data helped boost European markets in the afternoon. The DAX climbed .6%, the CAC40 gained .4%, and the FTSE rose .2%. The ECB will be injecting additional liquidity on Wednesday to help regional banks, which are expected to borrow 500 billion euros.

 

In the US, the Dow managed to close above 13000 for the first time in nearly 4 years, settling at 13005, up 24 points. The S&P 500 rose .4%, and the Nasdaq climbed .7%.

 

Apollo shares tumbled 16.3% after announcing that it expects a drop in enrollment.

 

Priceline.com rallied 7% after beating analyst profit forecasts.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

Bonds traded lower as risk appetite increased. 10-year notes settled down 4/32 to yield 1.94%, and 30-year notes slid 16/32 to yield 3.07%. German bonds rose with 10-year notes up .255 to yield 1.80% and 30-year notes up .56 to yield 2.41%.

 

Crude oil continued to drop, skidding 1.79 to 107.77. Gasoline sank 2.7% to 3.0434, and natural gas dropped 2.6% to 2.535.

 

Metals rallied, led by silver’s impressive 4.6% gain to 37.14. Gold advanced .7% to 1787.10, and copper rose .8% to 3.912.

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/feb-29-silver-300x137.png

Silver Jumps 4.6% to 37.14

 

Currencies

European currencies closed higher on Tuesday, as the Pound, Euro, and Swiss Franc all rose .5%. The Australian Dollar inched up .1% to 1.0771, and the Canadian Dollar gained .4% to .9952. The Yen settled flat at 80.48, after swinging up and down by .5% during the day.

 

Economic Outlook

Consumer confidence blew past forecasts, jumping to 70.8 from last month’s 61.5 reading, a 1-year high. The Richmond manufacturing index surged to 20 from 12, whereas analysts had expected a slide to 11.

 

However, not all of the economic news was positive. Durable goods, unexpected fell by 4%, reversing last month’s 3.2% gain. The Case-Shiller home price index revealed prices fell by 4% year over year, worse than expected.

 

Wednesday’s reports will include GDP, Chicago PMI, Beige Book, weekly mortgage applications, and weekly oil inventories.

 

Earnings are due from Carter’s, Costco, Joy Global, PetSmart, and Staples.

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Daily Analysis – Metals Tumble, Stocks Ease as Bernanke Fails to Offer

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Equities

Asian markets closed mostly higher on Wednesday in anticipation of the ECB’s latest injection of liquidity. The Kospi rallied 1.3% to 2030, a fresh 6-month high, and the ASX 200 gained .8%. In China, markets were mixed, as the Shanghai Composite slumped 1%, ending an 8-day winning streak, while the Hang Seng closed up .5%. Japan’s Nikkei closed flat at 9723, surrendering a substantial 140-point advance from earlier in the day.

 

In Europe, markets traded lower in the afternoon, taking the lead from Wall Street. The FTSE sank 1% to 5872, the DAX skidded .5%, and the CAC40 eased fractionally. Banking shares bucked the downtrend, rising .5%.

 

US stocks fell, as remarks by Fed chairman, Ben Bernanke, made investors nervous. Bernanke said the job market is “far from normal” and may require additional stimulus, but failed to offer any plans of additional easing at this point. The Dow lost 54 points to 12952, the Nasdaq shed .7%, and the S&P 50 declined .5% to 1366.

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/mar-1-dow-300x136.png

Dow Falls Below 13000, Down 54 Points

 

Apple shares gained 1.3% to 542.44, pushing the companies market cap past the half-trillion mark to $506 billion, in anticipation of the company’s iPad 3 launch.

 

First Solar tumbled 11.3% after missing profit forecasts and slashing its outlook. Home builders gained after the CEO of Toll Brothers said the company “feels the best” in 5 years. Toll Brothers shares climbed 4.6%, Pulte Homes rallied 6.3%, and Lennar gained 3.9%.

 

Treasuries and Commodities

Bonds traded lower, as fixed-income investors were unimpressed by Bernanke’s speech. 10-year notes declined 10/32 to yield 1.98%, and 30-year notes fell 12/32 to yield 3.10%.

 

Energy gained, led by natural gas, which climbed 3% to 2.595. Gasoline advanced 1.2% to 3.2638, and crude oil ticked up .3% to 106.91, despite a larger than expected increase in inventories.

 

Metals tanked in a powerful slide. Silver plunged 7.1% to 34.555, gold plummeted 4.7% to 1703.70, and copper declined 1.3% to 3.869.

 

Currencies

The Dollar rallied nearly across the board. The Euro slumped 1.1% to 1.3321, the Swiss Franc dropped 1% to 1.1055, and the Yen shed 1% to 81.29. The Australian Dollar and Canadian Dollar both fell .5%..

 

The Bank of England’s governor, Marvin King, said he sees no need for further quantitative easing. The upbeat outlook helped the Pound overcome the broader sell off, inching up fractionally to 1.5907.

 

Economic Outlook

GDP data for the 4th quarter showed the economy grew at 3%, better than the 2.8% forecast by analysts. Chicago PMI rose to 64 from 60.2, significantly better than the 61.6 expected.

 

Thursday’s busy economic calendar will include weekly unemployment claims, ISM manufacturing index, construction spending, personal income & spending, auto sales, and chain store sales.

 

Earnings are scheduled for Foot Locker, Kroger, and Wendy’s.

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Binary Options Report (Feb. 27- March. 2)

 

To read the Weekly fundamental analysis click here

 

Markets

 

Stocks came off lows for hte day Friday. But investors, who had little economic news to go on, sat out on the sidelines. Still, the S&P and Nasdaq eeked out small gains for the week.

 

The Dow Jones lost 2.73 points and closed at 12,977.57.

 

The S&P 500 fell 4.47 points to close at 1,369.62. The Nasdaq lost 12.78 points, to close at 2,976.19.

 

DJIA CHART

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/a-300x123.png

 

 

 

 

 

FOREX

 

This week we will see more economic events out of the US which will make the dollar more volatile. Is the recovery seen in the dollar relevant and will it continue? Friday’s US Nonfarm Payrolls is key to traders. It will be important to watch how the Dollar starts off the first full week of March trade.

 

The traditional safe haven currency will do well when risk is poor or not doiing well. If stocks lose, commodities lose, the Dollar will do better.

 

US Dollar Index

 

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/b-300x123.png

 

 

 

 

COMMODITIES

 

Oil was down to 107.10 on Friday. Crude lost 1.74 as crude futures dropped nearly 2 percent on Friday after Saudi Arabia denied a report of a pipeline fire. Gold lost 9.80 to close at 1775.10.

 

 

 

Oil Chart

 

http://www.binaryoptionstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/c-300x123.png

 

 

 

EQUTIES

 

Yelp gaiined over 60 percent in its IPO after the consumer review website priced its IPO at $15 per share. The IPO makes the value of Yelp at $900 million.

 

Citigroup’s Chairman Richard Parsons will step down from the board. Citigroup is expected to elect Michael O’Neill as the new Chairman.

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by David Frank

[BinaryOptionStrategy]

Fundamental Analysis and the Week Ahead

 

To read the Weekly technical report click here

 

ECONOMIC NEWS

 

Consumer sentiment improved slightly in late September. This is according to the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan survey. And business activity in the US Midwest grew more than expected this month. China’s manufacturing sector contracted for a third consecutive month in September. This is strongly suggesting that the world’s second-largest economy may not be immune to global headwinds.

 

THE WEEK AHEAD

 

MONDAY: ISM mfg index, construction spending, Fed’s Lacker speaks, Oracle Open World, Supreme Court starts new term

 

TUESDAY: Factory orders, Bernanke speaks, Apple iPhone event, auto sales

 

WEDNESDAY: Weekly mortgage apps, Challenger job-cut report, ADP employment report, IS non-mfg index, oil inventories

 

THURSDAY: BoE announcement, ECB announcement, jobless claims, chain-store sales

 

FRIDAY: Non-farm payroll, wholesale trade, consumer credit

 

 

 

 

 

Binary Options Trading analysis written by David Frank