S&P500 Index
Latest S&P500 Index News and Updates
Is Oil’s Rise Coming to a Halt?
On November 28, 2017, US crude oil (USO) (USL) active futures fell 0.2% and closed at $57.99 per barrel. All eyes are on the outcome of OPEC’s meeting.
A Look at Key Economic Indicators Released Last Week
In this series, we’ll take a look at US inflation, US retail sales, and China’s retail sales for October 2017. We’ll also analyze some economic indexes and the Eurozone’s consumer confidence in November 2017.
Energy Sector Saw a Mixed Performance This Week
With the mixed performance from natural gas and crude oil, the energy sector is showing a modest increase this week.
Brazil’s Manufacturing PMI Improved: What’s Driving the Growth?
According to data provided by Markit Economics, the final Markit Brazil Manufacturing PMI (purchasing managers’ index) stood at 51.2 in October 2017 as compared to 50.9 in September 2017.
How Does Qualcomm Fit into Broadcom’s Business Model?
Broadcom climbed the ladder through acquisitions, while Qualcomm climbed the ladder through its technology advantage in the smartphone industry.
How Did DVN’s Dividend Cut Affect Its Dividend Yield?
Devon Energy Corporation’s 56.0% dividend cut in 2016 was followed by a 43.0% cut in 2017.
Target’s Growth Initiatives Are on Track
Target announced several customer-friendly initiatives that are resulting in higher sales. The company ramped up its delivery mechanism.
Here’s What’s Driving Walmart’s Sales Growth
Walmart (WMT) reported sales of $123.2 billion in fiscal 3Q18, which easily exceeded analysts’ expectation of $121 billion, rose 4.2% YoY (year-over-year).
Why Germany’s Services PMI Weakened in October
The final Markit Germany’s services PMI (purchasing managers’ index) stood at 54.70 in October 2017 compared to 55.60 in September 2017.
Will AT&T Agree to Sell CNN or DIRECTV for Time Warner Buyout?
Amid rising competition in the wireless space, AT&T (T) has its hopes in the proposed acquisition of leading content provider Time Warner (TWX).
Walmart: Segments’ Sales Trends in Fiscal 2018
During the last reported quarter, the Walmart U.S. segment’s sales rose 3.3% year-over-year to $78.7 billion, reflecting a 1.8% increase in comps.
Will Apple Overtake Samsung in Smartphone Sales?
While Samsung (SSNLF) has been the leader in smartphones in terms of units sold, Apple (AAPL) may be catching up.
These Key Economic Indicators Have Just Been Released
These economic indicators are important for global investors because they reflect the condition of the global economy.
These Major Economic Indicators Were Released Last Week
In this series, we’ll analyze the performance of the Eurozone Consumer Confidence Index and the ZEW Economic Sentiment Index in October 2017.
Why Intel’s Partnership with Google’s Waymo Matters
In August 2017, Intel completed the acquisition of Mobileye for a very high premium, and it’s wasting no time to put Mobileye’s technology to work.
Does China’s Consumer Confidence Signal Better Conditions?
According to a report provided by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the consumer confidence index for China stood at 114.7 in August 2017 compared to 114.6 in July.
China’s Inflation Is Improving: Are Consumers More Selective?
According to a report provided by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, China’s inflation index improved 0.50% in September 2017 compared to a 0.40% rise in August 2017.
Why Kellogg’s 3Q17 Profit Margins Could Improve
Kellogg (K) posted improved profit margins despite lower sales, thanks to the company’s focus on efficiency and initiatives to reduce costs.
China’s GDP at 6.8% in 3Q17: What’s Affecting Economic Growth?
China’s GDP grew at an annualized rate of 6.8% in 3Q17 and met the market expectation. The economy expanded at an annualized rate of 6.9% in the first two quarters of 2017.
Wall Street’s Forecast for Flotek Industries before Its 3Q17 Earnings
On October 16, 2017, all analysts tracking Flotek Industries rated it as a “buy” or some equivalent.
Russia’s Services PMI Improves: A Stronger Business Climate?
The final Russia Services PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) was 55.2 in September 2017 compared to 54.2 in August 2017.
What Helped Brazil’s Services PMI Rise So Much in September?
The final Brazil Services PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) stood at 50.7 in September 2017 compared to 49.0 in August.
Insights into Brazil’s Manufacturing PMI in September 2017
The final Markit Brazil Manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) stood at 50.9 in September 2017. It remained unchanged compared to August 2017.
Why India’s Services PMI Expanded in September
The final Markit India Services PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) stood at 50.7 in September 2017 compared to 47.5 in August 2017.
What’s the IMF’s View on Tax Reform?
According to the IMF (International Monetary Fund), a moderate progressive tax system may not negatively impact economic growth in developed economies (SPY) (EZU).
Why Many Analysts Aren’t Positive on Ford in October 2017
According to data compiled by Reuters as of October 11, 25% of analysts covering Ford (F) stock have given it a “buy” recommendation.
Importance of the Amazon Brand
Brand credibility has no doubt contributed to Amazon’s success in cloud computing, and anything that affects that credibility could have an impact on the company.
What Investors Should Consider before Investing in REITs
A REIT (or real estate investment trust) is a company that owns and manages income-producing real estate.
Are Small Caps Worth the Risk Right Now?
The small-cap stock universe started rallying after Trump’s victory in November.
Mylan: S&P 500’s Top Gainer on October 4
Mylan, which is one of the leading global pharmaceutical companies in the world, was the S&P 500’s top gainer on October 4.
What Really Moved W&T Offshore Stock Last Week?
W&T Offshore (WTI) stock rose ~7% last week (ended September 29), while crude oil and the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) rose ~2% and ~0.7%, respectively.
Tyson Foods Raises Fiscal 2017 Guidance
Tyson Foods (TSN) stock jumped about 8% on September 29, 2017, after the company raised its fiscal 2017 EPS (earnings per share) guidance.
A Look at Constellation Brands’ Sales Growth Strategies
Constellation Brands (STZ) is expanding its beer, wine, and spirits portfolio in the high-end or premium space.
What Analysts Recommend for Colgate-Palmolive
The majority of analysts providing recommendations on Colgate-Palmolive (CL) stock maintain a neutral outlook.
Could Indian Economy Grow Faster after GST Implementation?
On a yearly basis, economic growth in India (INDA) showed a strong improvement of 9.2% in the first quarter of 2016.
Does China’s Gradual Economic Growth Support Emerging Nations?
China (FXI) (YINN) is an important emerging nation. The gradual improvement in its economic growth is a positive sign both for emerging nations (EEM) and developed nations (EFA).
Why the Brent and WTI Crude Oil Spread Hit a 26-Month High
November WTI (West Texas Intermediate) crude oil (UWT)(DWT)(DBO) futures contracts fell 0.2% and were trading at $52.12 per barrel in electronic trading at 2:20 AM EST on September 26.
US Retail Sales Dropped: How Will It Affect the S&P 500 Index?
According to data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, US retail sales fell 0.2% in August 2017.
How Did Markets Fare in the Summer of 2017?
Summer months have a tendency to be unfavorable for the stock market. Empirical evidence has shown that average returns for the S&P 500 are negative during summer months.
How Freeport-McMoRan Benefits from Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Investments in renewable energy bode well for global copper demand, as the copper intensity in renewable energy is higher than in non-renewable energy.
Top 10 Steel Consumers: Where Does the United States Stand?
China was the largest steel consumer last year, with the mainland’s ASC at 681.0 million metric tons.
Stocks with High Dividend Yields in the Financial Sector
In this series, we’ll look at 11 S&P 500 companies offering high dividend yields.
Basic Energy Services: The Only Declining Oilfield Services Stock
In the week starting September 11, Basic Energy Services (BAS) fell from $15.66 to $14.98—a decrease of ~4%.
Why US Natural Gas Futures Hit a 2-Week High
US natural gas (DGAZ)(UGAZ)(UNG) futures contracts for October delivery rose 0.32% to $3.07 per MMBtu (million British thermal units) on Thursday, September 14.
Why Brazil’s Services Activity Was in the Contraction Zone in August
Brazil’s (EWZ) services PMI was in the contraction zone in August 2017.
Did Brazil’s Manufacturing Activity Improve in August?
According to a report by Markit Economics, the final Brazil manufacturing PMI (purchasing managers’ index) rose to 50.9 in August 2017 as compared to 50 in July.
Why China’s Services PMI Rose in August 2017
According to a report by Markit Economics, China’s Caixin services PMI rose to 52.7 in August 2017 as compared to 51.5 in July.
China’s Manufacturing PMI Indicated Stronger Business Climate
China’s manufacturing activity improved sharply in August 2017.
Goldman Sachs Increased JD.com’s Target Price to $56
Goldman Sachs (GS) has a positive outlook on JD.com (JD).
Why Goldman Sachs Is Optimistic about e-Commerce
The iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM), which tracks the performance of emerging markets, rose nearly 27.3% on a year-to-date basis as of September 7, 2017.