
Getting better than expected numbers next week would be a catalyst for the markets, giving buyers a reason to move away from the sidelines and begin investing more money in stocks once again. On the flip side, however, disappointing data or corporate earnings would likely extend the current downturn further, dampening any hopes of a near-term rebound.
Just off the lows of the day, futures point to a slightly lower open on this last trading day of the week. The markets are on pace for their fourth straight week of declines – their longest losing streak since February/March.
One recurring theme this week—while sales of luxury goods continue to struggle, consumers continue to shop for less expensive goods.
Earlier this week the big natural gas ETF, the U.S. Natural Gas Fund (UNG), announced that it was suspending the issuance of new shares. Why did this happen?
Stock futures are up modestly on better-than-expected jobless claims data and Alcoa’s smaller-than-expected loss.
Ahead of Alcoa’s earnings report after the bell, here are a few key issues at hand for the forthcoming corporate earnings season.
