For Nov. 16, 2015, here are your stock market futures, earnings reports, top stock market news, and stocks to watch...
Stock Futures Today
Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average today (Monday) were up 26 points. This morning, European stock markets were moving higher as investors weigh the ongoing impact of the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks that happened Friday night.
On Friday, the Dow fell 202 points, ending its six-week win streak. The markets slipped as Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO) fell nearly 6% on weak forward guidance. The firm said orders have slumped from customers outside of the United States. Meanwhile, Friday was an ugly day for retail stocks, a turnaround from Thursday's strong trading session. Shares of Nordstrom Inc. (NYSE: JWN) and Macy's Inc. (NYSE: M) fell after both companies slashed their full-year forecasts. Nordstrom sank nearly 15%. Shares of JC Penney Co. Inc. (NYSE: JCP) cratered more than 15% despite reporting better than expected earnings.
Top News in the Stock Market Today
- The Stock Market Today: Investors will keep an eye on the Empire State Manufacturing Survey and a number of speeches from members of the U.S. Federal Reserve. However, the primary focus of the markets will be how traders react to the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, which struck France on Friday night. In an interview this morning, the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett, said that he will not sell any stocks due to the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks. Private equity legend Wilbur Ross also said that he also doesn't expect any correction in the wake of the terrorist attacks.
- Gold Prices: Gold prices were up nearly 1% this morning, but remain below $1,100 per ounce. Prices were on the rise as traders purchased bullion over geopolitical concerns linked to the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks. Although gold prices remain 43% off from their all-time record in 2011, our Global Credit Strategist Michael Lewitt says that he is buying gold coins ahead of an international credit event tied to the Federal Reserve.
- Japan Sinks: Earlier today, Japan's Cabinet Office announced that its GDP declined in the September-ending quarter, pushing the country back into a technical recession. According to reports, GDP fell at an annualized pace of 0.8% in the third quarter. The news is a major blow to Abenomics.
- Oil Outlook: This morning, oil prices were on the rise as geopolitical concerns rise in the wake of Friday's Paris 2015 terrorist attacks. December WTI oil prices added 1.6% to hit $41.42 per barrel, while Brent crude prices gained 1.0% to hit $44.92.
Earnings Outlook: URBN, NUAN, A, JD, FSYS, MATW
- Earnings Report No. 1, URBN: After the bell, Urban Outfitters Inc. (Nasdaq: URBN) will report fiscal third-quarter earnings. The retail giant is expected to report per-share earnings of $0.42 on top of $871.6 million in revenue.
- Earnings Report No. 2, NUAN: This afternoon, Nuance Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: NUAN) will report fiscal fourth-quarter earnings. The company is expected to report an EPS of $0.35 on $503.7 million in revenue.
- Additional companies reporting earnings include Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A), JD.com Inc. (Nasdaq ADR: JD), Fuel Systems Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq: FSYS), and Matthews International Corp. (Nasdaq: MATW).
Pre-Market Movers: MAR, HOT, T, GM, BRK.A
- Pre-Market Movers No. 1, MAR: This morning, Marriott International Inc. (NYSE: MAR) announced that it will purchase its rival Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: HOT) in a $12.2 billion deal. The merger and acquisition activity will create the world's largest hotel chain, including the properties of Marriott with Sheraton, which will maintain more than 5,500 hotels with 1.1 million rooms around the globe. MAR shares were up 1%, while HOT stock fell 0.9%.
- Pre-Market Movers No. 2, T: Shares of AT&T Corp. (NYSE: T) are in focus after Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK.A) has boosted its stake in the telecom giant, according to a regulatory filing. Buffett has also boosted its position in General Motors Inc. (NYSE: GM).
Today's U.S. Economic Calendar (all times EST)
- Empire State Manufacturing Survey at 8:30 a.m.
- 4-Week Bill Announcement at 11 a.m.
- 3-Month Bill Auction at 11:30 a.m.
- 6-Month Bill Auction at 11:30 a.m.
What Investors Must Know This Week
- Grab Double-Digit Gains from This Analyst "Fail"
- Three Game Changers Fueling a Natural Gas Rebound
- Brace Yourself for This $2 Trillion Global Disruption
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About the Author
Garrett Baldwin is a globally recognized research economist, financial writer, consultant, and political risk analyst with decades of trading experience and degrees in economics, cybersecurity, and business from Johns Hopkins, Purdue, Indiana University, and Northwestern.