Friday, February 28, 2014

02-28-14: End of Day Report (Weekend Review) - Largest Stock Moves, New 52 Wk. Highs/Lows, Unusual Option Volume


Friday's Headline
Stocks end upbeat Feb. with S&P 500 at record
Benchmark index posts 48th record close of past year

By Anora Mahmudova, MarketWatch

Stocks saw some pressure late in the session as Ukraine officials accused Russia of sending troops into the Crimea region, although the S&P 500 and the Dow managed to push back into positive territory before the closing bell.

Earlier, investors shrugged off a sharp cut in the estimate of fourth-quarter U.S. economic growth that nonetheless matched expectations and focused on better-than-expected readings from Chicago PMI and consumer-sentiment reports.

Read the full article here: Stocks end upbeat Feb. with S&P 500 at record, via MarketWatch


This weekend's headlines
The story this weekend has been, and very well may continue to be, the arming and mobilization of Russian military forces to the Ukraine.

Three headlines / stories which sum up the most recent activity are included below, all from WSJ.com:

1. U.S. Tracks 'Thousands More' Troops Flowing into Ukraine

2. Kerry Warns of Consequences for Russia
Incursion 'an Incredible Act of Aggression,' Secretary of State Says


3. Ukraine’s Acting President Orders Military to Full Combat Alert


What's Next?
If the UN (and ultimately the US?) is forced to mobilize forces of their own, then the resilient US markets may fall prey (at least in the short-term) to some volatility (i.e. risk). The question at this point simply is: "What, if anything, does Vladimir Putin intend to do, now?"


Recap of Friday's Market

Largest Stock Gainers



Largest Stock Losers



New 52 Wk Highs in S&P 500



New 52 Wk Lows in S&P 500



Unusual Option Volume



Elevated Implied Volatility (IV) to Historical Volatility (HV)



This is trade analysis, not a recommendation.






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