The Dow Jones today rose 39 points ahead of tomorrow's critical announcement by the European Central Bank on its stimulus plans. But the Dow's gains were capped by a decline in International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM) stock.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the market's fear gauge, slipped 5% on the day.
Here's a look at the top stories from today's trading session...
by Shah Gilani
The UBS dark pool fine announced last week is yet another example of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission dropping the ball on one of the biggest schemes staring them right in the face.
The SEC came down on UBS Group AG (NYSE: UBS) for not following the rules and regulations that make markets fair and orderly – and also for not being honest to its clients.
But this "record" fine wasn't really newsworthy - in fact, it was pretty absurd...
by Jim Bach
Netflix Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) stock was up big today on an earnings boost.
But while Netflix earnings were mostly positive, this company is not the good bet it appears to be.
Money Morning Capital Wave Strategist Shah Gilani has several reasons why he's not sold on Netflix stock.
To find out why he would not buy NFLX, watch this video...
More and more of today's chipmakers, including Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC), are locating their manufacturing facilities off the beaten path these days – in one of the world's fastest-growing economies… and a nation you may find controversial.
But my job is to take you wherever the biggest innovations are being made so we can find the best opportunities.
by Jim Bach
Deflation in 2015 seems to be upon us. And while falling prices might seem like a good thing, deflation can wreak havoc on the economy.
In a deflationary period, prices will drop, corporate profits will dry up, wages will shrink, and all of this will reinforce the conditions of recessions.
These four charts show that the U.S. has a real deflation problem now...
2015 Mergers and Acquisitions: M&A activity, if executed properly, can result in industry dominance and shareholder wealth.
Some of the companies planning to tie up in 2015 could monopolize an entire sector, while others simply hope to bolster their chances against the competition.
Here are the most anticipated and industry-changing deals ahead...
Stock simulators are great tools to help both novices and pros hone their trading knowledge. Some even let you trade options.
Virtual trading forums have surged in popularity over the past few years. And online users can compete with one another to earn bragging rights on best portfolio.
Stock market futures today (Wednesday) forecasted a 74-point decline from yesterday's close on weak fourth-quarter revenues from tech giant International Business Machines (NYSE: IBM).
Thursday, the ECB is expected to announce its own massive bond-purchasing program to stimulate the currency bloc's dragging markets. But any move that doesn't deliver quantitative easing will no doubt shock markets.
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I've been following one of the biggest "stealth" stories of the year: the rise of China's yuan as it gears up to take its place on the world stage.
Towards this very goal, China has taken steady, calculated steps for some time.
It's also no secret that China and Russia have a "special relationship" that will drive this trend.
by Jim Bach
IBM earnings were released today (Wednesday). The verdict – another lousy quarter for sales.
While troubling that sales fell for the 11th quarter in a row, a deeper look at IBM's financials reinforce where the real trouble lies. And they are much more entrenched than a mixed earnings season.
Here's what matters in today's IBM earnings...
