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Perspectives and insights
What's the word on the markets? Get insights from E*TRADE investment strategists.
08/03/20
The economy is at a critical crossroads as the recovery shows signs of fading. Will the market continue to push higher?
07/30/20
Is the Fed weighing policy changes amid signs of a stalling economy? It may still have a few tricks up its sleeve.
07/24/20
Biotech stocks have made headlines, but the vaccine story is far from over. Here are a few factors for investors eyeing this sector.
07/16/20
Will the first full earnings season of the pandemic era provide answers—or just more questions?
07/09/20
Understanding the labor market is essential to understanding the economy—and the stock market. Find out what the latest jobs data shows.
07/01/20
Market momentum slowed as virus cases surged. Will a second wave derail recovery progress?
06/26/20
Looking for potential opportunities for your portfolio? In the post-pandemic era, you may need to look beyond traditional economic data.
06/18/20
With markets seemingly pricing a rosy forecast, what are potential market movers for the back half of the year?
06/11/20
After cutting rates to zero and injecting trillions of dollars of liquidity into the economy, what’s left in the Fed’s toolkit?
06/01/20
Optimism was the name of the game last month as investors looked beyond the magnitude of the economic damage and toward the pace of recovery.
05/29/20
Stocks snapped a three-day winning streak on Thursday amid growing tensions between the US and China. US equities were lower in early trading Friday but remained on track for an up week and an up month.
05/27/20
Stocks rallied early Wednesday but later erased gains as tech shares slid.
05/22/20
US stocks were lower early Friday but remained on track to wrap a week of solid gains, despite millions more unemployment claims and mounting tensions with China.
05/20/20
Stocks pulled back Tuesday after a massive Monday rally, but the major US indexes were higher early Wednesday as more states move to reopen.
05/18/20
Despite an end-of-week rally, the S&P 500 lost more than 2% last week, but stocks surged early Monday following reports of positive developments on a coronavirus vaccine and generally bullish sentiment from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell over the weekend.
05/15/20
After rallying Thursday, US stocks fell early Friday as the S&P 500 and Dow tracked toward their worst week since late March.
05/13/20
US stocks fell in early trading Wednesday as Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell dismissed the possibility of negative interest rates despite pressure from President Trump.
05/11/20
Stocks fell in early trading Monday as investors weighed reopening the economy against the potential for a new wave of coronavirus infections.
05/08/20
Stocks rallied Thursday and were higher in early trading Friday—even after April’s jobs report confirmed historic job losses in the US.
05/06/20
Following two days of gains, US stocks continued to rise early Wednesday as a growing number of states begin to reopen their economies.
05/04/20
After wrapping up their best month in over 30 years, US stocks started May in the red. Equities fell Friday and moved lower in early trading Monday as investors weighed the road to recovery against heightened US–China tensions.
05/01/20
While the March sell-off broke records, April was historic in its own right, as stocks posted a stunning recovery to finish the month more than 30% off March’s lows.
04/29/20
Stocks rallied Wednesday amid the Fed’s "do what is necessary" approach to recovery and renewed hope for a potential coronavirus treatment.
04/27/20
US equities were higher in early trading Monday as discussions around reopening the economy gained momentum.
04/24/20
After another volatile session, US stocks closed flat on Thursday as investors digested millions more jobless claims and reports of an unsuccessful clinical trial for a prospective coronavirus treatment.
04/22/20
US stocks moved higher early Wednesday following the Senate's approval of additional aid for small businesses and hospitals.
04/20/20
Equities moved lower in early trading Monday after the US stock market delivered consecutive up weeks for the first time since mid-February.
04/17/20
Despite more disheartening economic data, US stocks posted small gains on Thursday, and rallied in early trading Friday amid news of a potentially effective coronavirus treatment.
04/15/20
The major US indexes fell sharply in early trading Wednesday, as corporate earnings revealed a grim economic outlook.
04/13/20
Earnings season kicks off this week following the S&P 500's best weekly performance since 1974.
04/08/20
Stocks closed lower on April 7 after starting the week with a massive 7% rally.
04/06/20
Despite last week’s dismal jobless claims and employment report, it was the quietest week for the market in more than a month.
04/03/20
According to the Labor Department’s monthly employment report, employers cut more than 700,000 jobs in March, the first decline in payrolls since September 2010. The unemployment rate rose to its highest level since August 2017, from 3.5% in February to 4.4%.
04/01/20
March was a tough month to say the least. As the coronavirus gained a foothold in the US, the economy went into hibernation and market volatility hit levels investors hadn’t experienced in a dozen years. We take a look at where we’ve been and consider what the markets may have in store as they attempt to return to more normal conditions.
03/30/20
Despite losing some steam on Friday, US stocks had their strongest week since March 2009.
03/27/20
Stocks posted their third consecutive day of gains on March 26—the first time since February the S&P 500 has had three straight up days. But the market looked poised to snap that winning streak, as stocks started Friday’s session down more than 3%.
03/25/20
Stocks surged in anticipation of the Senate passing the latest fiscal stimulus/economic relief bill. The S&P 500 rallied more than 9%, its fourth-biggest up day of the past 30 years.
03/23/20
Despite a couple of up days, last week was the worst week for US stocks since October 2008, as the global coronavirus lockdown continued.
03/20/20
Nearly all asset classes rallied in early trading on March 20, as local governments continued to roll out “stay at home” orders and policymakers indicated they would do whatever it takes to help the economy weather the coronavirus.
03/18/20
The latest updates and insights on recent market moves.
03/15/20
On Sunday, March 15, the Federal Reserve announced its second emergency rate cut in the past two weeks, slashing the benchmark federal funds rate by 1% to a target range of 0–0.25%—the lowest level since December 2015.
03/12/20
These are chaotic times at home and at work, not to mention in the markets. We offer some perspective on what’s happened and what’s to come.
03/09/20
The recent oil-price war was the latest domino to fall as investors remain on edge as the coronavirus continues to spread across the globe and threaten economic fallout.
03/03/20
In a historic and rare move, on Tuesday, March 3, the Federal Reserve issued an emergency rate cut in response to evolving economic risks posed by the coronavirus.
03/02/20
Pandemic fears drove stocks into their deepest pullback since last August and sent Treasury yields to record lows in February.
02/24/20
Market volatility has spiked as investors weigh the potential impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
02/21/20
With big tech dominating the market, could investors unknowingly be overexposed? We explore ideas for diversification.
02/14/20
As China grapples with major health scare, much of the impact remains unknown. We look to past events for perspective on what it may mean for the market.
02/03/20
After a strong start, stocks retreated in late January amid coronavirus fears.
01/29/20
In its first meeting of 2020, the Federal Reserve opted to leave the overnight fed funds rate unchanged.
01/24/20
Public companies and fund managers have taken up the mantle to fight climate change. For individual investors looking to take a stand, we explore a few themes for a greener portfolio.
01/17/20
Earnings season is underway, hot on the heels of a record year for the stock market. Will companies post a fourth-straight quarter of negative growth?
01/10/20
Markets quickly recovered from the aftermath of the US airstrike that killed an Iranian general, but what might the geopolitical uncertainty mean in the longer term?
01/02/20
After a record year for the markets, what could investors be watching in 2020?
12/20/19
We take a look at the US-China Phase One deal and share a few considerations for investors.
12/11/19
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday opted to leave the overnight fed funds rate unchanged.
12/02/19
Stocks pushed back into record territory in November while trade tensions and recession fears simmered.
07/12/19
The US economy has been expanding for a record 121 months, but signs of weakness are emerging.
08/06/20
Respiration technology stock gets wind knocked out of it, traders pause to catch breath and assess situation.
08/05/20
Mattress company’s investors have probably rested comfortably lately, but the market may have set off an alarm.
08/04/20
Streaming content provider faces its first test since last month’s earnings release.
08/03/20
Technology shares bounce back as traders digest GDP and eye this week’s jobs report.
07/31/20
Pharma giant’s biotech partner in the coronavirus-vaccine race sees heavy options action as new trials get underway.
07/30/20
Bears initially drive post-earnings trade in cloud-tech stock, but bulls may be waiting in the wings.
07/29/20
Was yesterday’s heavy call options volume a sign of bullishness or classic misdirection?
07/28/20
A falling dollar may favor certain types of stocks, but traders can’t rely too heavily on a single “macro” theme.
07/27/20
The market’s leading sector gave back gains for a second-straight week as US–China tensions re-escalated.
07/24/20
Hydrogen fuel cells are the latest alt-energy tech to capture the market’s attention. One player was certainly in play yesterday.
07/23/20
Diagnostics stock hits record highs in advance of earnings, but options activity draws attention to historical price pattern.
07/22/20
Bulk retailers weathered the lockdown better than most businesses, and price action suggests buyers may be lining up for some of their stocks, too.
07/21/20
One of the hottest areas of tech is one you probably don’t pay much attention to.
07/20/20
Last week saw an inversion of the market status quo, as traders rotated away from tech.
07/16/20
Is oil getting ready to boil? Crude comes to near-standstill as OPEC plots its next move.
07/15/20
FDX shares packaged themselves into a tight consolidation after a big earnings rally. Will breakout traders be leaning to the upside or the downside?
07/14/20
More upside in solar stocks? Traders may want to look at names that are still in the shade.
07/13/20
Surprise employment surge rounds out rebound week for US stocks.
07/10/20
Soaring “talent marketplace” stocks highlight another area of the economy that may be evolving because of the pandemic.
07/09/20
Will travelers avoiding the skies hit the highways instead—and will they take certain stocks along for the ride?
07/08/20
Large options trade highlights recently high-flying stock consolidating near its all-time highs.
07/07/20
Options traders move in as another electric vehicle maker goes parabolic.
07/06/20
Surprise employment surge rounds out rebound week for US stocks.
07/02/20
Up or down, the stock market has often exhibited an interesting pattern in July.
07/01/20
As we kick off the second half of 2020, the US market is still in the red for the year. Find out what that’s meant for stocks in the past.
06/29/20
Despite some positive economic data, stocks slumped last week as coronavirus cases surged.
06/26/20
Options traders’ exit highlights potential crescendo in high-flying stock’s momentum.
06/25/20
Stock’s sell-off could be opportunity for bullish options traders suddenly looking at fat put prices.
06/24/20
Beyond the vaccine story: A subgroup of biotech stocks has exploded in recent months.
06/23/20
Stock’s options activity may point to a potential weak link in the financial-sector chain.
06/19/20
With earnings around the corner, food stock seeks to retain some of its lockdown-fueled demand.
06/17/20
Yesterday’s market action showed the potential for certain stocks to move if infrastructure spending moves from proposal to reality.
06/16/20
Options action heats up amid stock’s sharp turnaround from recent pullback.
06/15/20
Stocks experience first real pullback in a month, tested by second-wave concerns, Fed outlook.
06/12/20
Recent stock market loss(es) have been a gain for put options—something bullish traders may be able to capitalize on.
06/11/20
Crude oil paused this week after hitting a three-month high as oversupply worries flared up again.
06/10/20
Some new stock listings have skyrocketed in recent days. Just a case of temporarily bottled-up demand, or a new market catalyst?
06/09/20
Semiconductor component stock slips from highs. A larger market forces aligning as stock nears potential test level?
06/08/20
The Nasdaq 100 starts a new week at record highs after the latest jobs report blows away estimates.
06/05/20
Is the airline rally the real deal, or just a layover to a less-bullish destination?
06/04/20
Sports-betting operator’s blistering rally gets its first test. How might traders wager in the next round?
06/02/20
Will resurgent grocery stock enter buy zone after last week’s earnings beat?
06/01/20
Stocks made a strong push in late May as recovery optimism outweighed renewed US-China tensions.
05/29/20
Another player in the streaming entertainment space may have disrupted some trends, but it hasn’t necessarily derailed them.
05/28/20
If the recent retreat in some Chinese stocks has been fueled by fears of delisting in the US, traders may find pullback opportunities in high-momentum names.
05/27/20
Some video game stocks have retreated after surging during the lockdown. Game over, or just warming up for Round 2?
05/26/20
Market rides optimism over potential coronavirus prevention as the Great Reopening picks up steam.
05/22/20
Explosive moves in silver and platinum may have defined future entry points for bullish traders.
05/21/20
If investors feel the need to cash in on some of the market’s recent high-flyers, traders could see a bump in some overlooked areas of the market.
05/20/20
How many traders and analysts use the Fibonacci number series to attempt to forecast prices.
05/19/20
Some market watchers think stocks with big stakes in the 5G space could get a boost in the post-coronavirus world.
05/18/20
Stocks lost ground, but once again shrugged off the week's worst economic data.
05/15/20
Earnings season may feel like it’s come and gone, but some key companies will release their numbers next week.
05/14/20
Why two of the biggest commodity futures markets may be setting up for breakout moves.
05/13/20
With earnings around the corner, a gap looms on the price chart of resurging tech stock.
05/12/20
Does huge options trade mean traders have a sweet tooth for iconic snack maker?
05/11/20
Stocks take record-breaking jobs report in stride, get back into plus column last week.
05/08/20
Will college dorms be filled to capacity this fall? One stock’s outlook may hinge upon the answer to that question.
05/05/20
Low-flying airlines got Buffett-ed by news from Nebraska, but will short-term contrarians consider booking a flight?
05/04/20
Stocks pull back after posting biggest month in decades, while states look to ease lockdown restrictions.
05/01/20
Is specialty apparel stock bumping up a key technical level and new lockdown realities?
04/30/20
In wake of mega-merger, A&D powerhouse looks to escape gravity of its recent lows.
04/29/20
What does the market’s incredible rally suggest stocks may do in the coming weeks?
04/28/20
Biopharma stock’s options volatility surges, but stock may face near-term hurdle.
04/27/20
Stocks dip as crude goes on a wild ride and a potential coronavirus drug suffers a setback.
04/24/20
Options traders scoop up calls on communications tech stock as chart pattern tightens.
04/23/20
High-end retailer’s options activity kicks into gear during a pause in the stock action.
04/21/20
Liquor distributor makes a big print on the options tape, even as its stock price hunkers down.
04/20/20
Stocks extend gains as vaccine optimism helps offset more sobering economic data.
04/17/20
Surging stocks benefiting from the “lockdown economy” many present opportunities, but they come with risk. Here’s how to manage it.
04/15/20
Are certain stocks poised to benefit more than others from Fed stimulus programs?
04/14/20
Discount retailer flourishes despite coronavirus market woes, consolidates after pushing to new highs.
04/13/20
Another historic week pushes S&P 500 to the 50% retracement level of the coronavirus sell-off.
04/09/20
Initially hammered in the coronavirus sell-off, chip stocks have bounced back with a vengeance.
04/08/20
Retailer’s rally and options volatility give traders more than one way to play potential upside.
04/07/20
Housing stock seeks to build on foundation, while gold regains its shine.
04/06/20
Modest losses for US stocks last week despite historic job-loss numbers.
04/02/20
Companies that have what people need in the new world of social distancing and hunkering down have seen their stocks jump. Can it last?
04/01/20
Recent pause highlights short-term breakout possibilities and long-term market positioning.
03/31/20
After a sell-off and a huge rebound, is the recent consolidation in this bio pharma IPO the calm before its next volatility storm?
03/30/20
Stocks stage historic rebound as stimulus efforts kick into high gear. But don’t bet on the rollercoaster ride being over just yet.
03/27/20
The volatility continues, although lately it’s been the kind most traders like. Find out how the market’s dynamics may be shifting.
03/26/20
Huge rallies in “oversold” stocks may be a positive signal about the market’s overall health, but traders still need to be selective.
03/25/20
S&P 500 enjoys one of its best days of the past 30 years, but what does it say about the market’s path forward?
03/24/20
The Federal Reserve announced sweeping new “quantitative easing” measures to support the US economy and markets. And the markets moved.
03/23/20
Second-worst week in 63 years for the S&P 500, which fell below its 2018 lows.
03/20/20
As rough a patch as this has been, the stock market has been here before. And it may have something to teach us.
03/19/20
S&P 500 hits three-year low before rebounding, while the oil war sinks crude prices.
03/19/20
Make sure you understand how the market’s temporary outages can impact how you buy and sell.
03/18/20
Observations as staples soar, gold tanks, and volatility hits new records.
03/17/20
Market picked up yesterday where it left off last week—with epic volatility—and a run at the market’s December 2018 lows.
03/16/20
What was shaping up to be the second-worst week for stocks since 1960 turned out to be only the second-worst week of 2020.
03/13/20
With the S&P 500 off more than 20% from February’s highs, many traders will be looking to history to try to figure out the market’s next move.
03/12/20
In volatile market conditions, objectivity can be the most precious commodity of all.
03/11/20
Oil price war slams crude oil prices, sends S&P 500 to key retracement level.
03/10/20
Oil price war slams crude oil prices, sends S&P 500 to key retracement level.
03/09/20
Volatility reigns as market fights to stay above late-February lows.
03/06/20
Airlines have led the market to the downside during the coronavirus scare. Can they lead it back up?
03/05/20
There may be more than one way to play potentially overdone market swings.
03/04/20
What did Monday’s mega-bounce say about the market’s odds of a quick rebound from the coronavirus sell-off?
03/02/20
Stocks sink, Treasuries soar, yields plunge as coronavirus spread tips market into correction.
02/28/20
The knife continued to fall yesterday, but market history suggests the floor may be closer than some people think.
02/27/20
The market’s biggest two-day drop in more than three years throws spotlight on key short-term patterns.
02/25/20
Some opportunistic traders will be watching key levels as market trims early 2020 rally.
02/24/20
The final week of a strong February opens with US stocks pulling back from their most recent records.
02/19/20
Will stock’s correction turn out to be a heart-healthy development for bulls?
02/14/20
Are bulls betting casino operator’s rebound has staying power?
02/13/20
As risk factors appear to ease, traders push key semiconductor stock back toward highs.
02/12/20
Options traders ante up in wake of last week’s earnings report from “growth” cyclical stock.
02/07/20
A bearish-looking scenario turns out to have a potential bullish streak.
02/06/20
AMZN consolidates after last week’s surge: Is a gap waiting to be closed?
02/05/20
Stock’s quick rebound from downside breakout raises the prospect of a bear trap.
02/03/20
February kicks off with stocks battling their first downturn of the year, courtesy of the coronavirus.
01/31/20
Earnings opportunities: There’s the initial reaction, and what traders see after the smoke clears. They’re not always the same.
01/29/20
Big sell-offs can sometimes be followed by big rebounds, and sometimes options can offer an additional edge.
01/28/20
As the coronavirus story spreads, we take a closer look at the market moves surrounding past outbreaks.
01/24/20
Does options action in gaming tech stock support the picture on the price chart?
01/23/20
History suggests virus scares may be bigger challenges for medicine than markets.
01/21/20
Market rolls to more records amid initial Q4 numbers, trade-deal signing.
01/17/20
Some bulls may be seeing red after retail stock posts surprise holiday sales miss.
01/16/20
Chipmaker seeks to maintain its relative strength amid a potential breakout scenario.
01/15/20
Don’t let a slow trading day fool you—there are usually price moves worthy of your attention.
01/14/20
Heavy options activity and volatility highlight potential trader interest in healthcare stock.
01/13/20
Stocks shrug off US–Iran confrontation, scale new heights in first full week of 2020.
01/09/20
Has the worm turned for one of last year’s new tech stocks? Options traders may see an edge.
01/07/20
Some traders may be wondering whether geopolitical risk is creating a trading opportunity in airline stocks.
01/06/20
Market opens 2020 on volatile note as Middle East tensions crash New Year’s party.
01/03/20
After a surge in call options volume, aerospace stock fires its booster rockets on first day of new trading year.
01/02/20
2019 saw big moves in gold, oil, coffee, and other markets. Will they still be hot commodities in 2020?
12/31/19
January rallies aren’t layups, but the past may hold some clues about how the month tends to unfold.
12/30/19
Don’t forget to keep tabs on how momentum may rotate through different market sectors in the coming year.
12/27/19
Regardless of how 2020 shapes up for the market, there’s one thing traders should keep in mind.
12/26/19
What do outsized annual returns like this year’s signal for the following year?
12/24/19
2019 followed the stock market’s election–cycle script. Will 2020 follow suit?
12/23/19
US stocks close out last full week of 2019 with their biggest gains since September.
12/19/19
One of these long-time trading mainstays recently challenged resistance.
12/18/19
An uptrending stock takes a 10% hit, and its put-call ratio surges. What’s next?
12/17/19
Unusual options activity highlights potential fuel for a price move.
12/16/19
Stocks back to record highs amid trade optimism and a hands-off Fed.
12/13/19
China-sensitive retailer’s options may offer discount for bulls.
12/12/19
Financial companies usually kick off quarterly reporting season. Do their stocks get a head start on the action?
12/11/19
Even if small-cap momentum doesn’t last, it may offer short-term trade opportunities. And if it does have legs…
12/10/19
Are certain sectors or stocks more likely to gain ground at the end of the year?
12/06/19
Home Depot made the news a couple of weeks ago, but things may be more interesting now that it’s no longer in the spotlight.
12/05/19
Was yesterday’s rebound a head fake or the end of the dip? We crunch some numbers to help find out.
12/04/19
Is China’s big cup of joe poised to cool, or is it just starting to heat up?
12/03/19
Huge stock move was even bigger for options yesterday.
11/07/19
Underpriced options may be one way for traders to play a potential year-end energy rally.
06/04/19
A semiconductor barometer has paused near a potential inflection point.
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