U.S. equity futures (/ES) are pointing to a higher open as earnings season hits its full stride. The advances came after a choppy trading day on Monday when most benchmarks swung wildly between gains and losses, but settled higher. This morning, stock futures tracked European markets higher, where an easing in geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West helped send markets higher. Late Monday, Moscow assured Washington that it won't invade Ukraine, while reports said Russian troops had left the Ukrainian border and returned to their base. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) was sharply higher throughout Monday’s session, but fell into the close as equities snapped back.
Treasuries are sharply lower this morning as the ‘Risk-on’ rotation takes place again. The 10-year yield will try once again to break through the 2.8% resistance level, which it has failed at repeatedly over the last month. Asia was mixed overnight. The FOMC begins its two-day meeting today with an announcement due on Wednesday afternoon. The Fed is expected to continue it’s taper of $10B per month and continue to keep interest rates at low levels. Earnings will continue to lead markets but key resistance at $1880 in the S&P 500 (SPX) will remain the resistance level to the upside.
Stock Stories:
Herbalife (HLF) – Ponzi?! – The health food supplement marketer posts better than expected quarterly results last night on the back of global expansion. The company cancels its Dividend and will instead use the cash to buy back shares which have fallen recently. Despite ongoing investigations on its business, the shares are up slightly this morning ahead of the opening bell.
Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD) – Saucey – The fast casual chain posted better than expected EPS and top-line numbers on its quarterly report last night. The stock is up over 5% in the pre-market.
