This morning, the Dow Jones Industrial Average projected a decline as oil prices remain volatile.
On Friday, the Dow slipped more than 40 points as the schizophrenic messages from the U.S. Federal Reserve have traders now believing that an interest rate hike is possible in the coming months. We dive deeper into that topic here.
Friday's Stock Market Numbers:
Dow Jones: 18,552.57; -45.13; -0.24%
S&P 500: 2,183.87; -3.15; -0.14%
Nasdaq: 5,238.38; -1.77; -0.03%
Today, we are going to focus on several profit opportunities that are sliding under the radar. Let's get right to the most important stories for Aug. 22, 2016.
What's Ahead for the Dow Jones Industrial Average Today
The Dow Jones Industrial Average projects a 51-point decline as investors eye a speech this week from Chair Janet Yellen at the economic symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Later this week, the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank will host central bankers around the world for three days to discuss monetary policy.
Trending: A Backdoor Way to Profit Now on a New $240 Billion Market
Since Wednesday's release of the FOMC minutes from its July meeting, various members of the central bank have weighed in on their hopes for U.S. monetary policy. The latest was San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank President John Williams, who said in a speech that he believes that a rate hike should "be on the table" during the Fed's next meeting in September.
Oil prices are retreating this morning after traders admitted that last week's rally was overblown due to optimism over OPEC's upcoming production meeting. WTI crude was off 2.6%, while Brent crude slid 2.9%.
A default is coming, and it's going to get ugly fast. As of the end of August, 113 companies had defaulted on their debt in 2016, already matching the total number of defaults from 2015. The year-to-date default count was also 57% higher than a year earlier. Money Morning Global Credit Strategist Michael Lewitt says that the situation is only going to get worse.
Silver prices slumped nearly 2% on speculation that the Federal Reserve may hike interest rates in the months ahead. The metal has fallen more than 3% in August, but our latest silver price prediction shows a climb before 2017.
Stocks to Watch Today, Aug. 22, 2016
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- In deal news, shares of cancer drug manufacturer Medivation Inc. (Nasdaq: MDVN) climbed more than 20% in pre-market hours. According to reports, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) will purchase the firm for $14 billion.
- That's not the only deal on tap. Shares of CST Brands Inc. (NYSE: CST) were down in pre-market hours despite news that the gas station and convenience store chain will be purchased for $4.4 billion by Canada's Couche-Tard.
- Other companies set to report earnings today include The Hain Celestial Group Inc. (Nasdaq: HAIN), and Zoe's Kitchen Inc. (NYSE: ZOES).
Today's U.S. Economic Calendar (all times EDT)
- Chicago Fed National Activity Index 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.
Up Next: Why Investing at Market Peaks Can Be Very Profitable
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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.