Financial Tides -- A Stock Market Investing Newsletter by Jim Van Meerten: 2015-01-04

Friday, January 9, 2015

Tree.Com - Barchart's Chart of the Day

Tree.com (TREE) is the Bachart Chart of the Day. The Finance - Consumer Loan company has a Trend spotter buy signal, a Weighted Alpha of 65.30+ and gained 53.10% in the last year.

The Chart of the Day belongs to Tree.Com (TREE). I found the stock by sorting the All Time High list by new high frequency in the last month then used the Flipchart feature to review the charts. Since the Trend Spotter signaled a buy on 12/23 the stock gained 6.95%.

TREE is the parent of several well-known brands and businesses in the financial services and real estate industries including LendingTree, LendingTree Loans(sm), GetSmart.com, HomeLoanCenter.com, RealEstate.com, iNest.com, RealEstate.com, REALTORS(r) and Domania.com. Together, they serve as an indispensable ally for consumers who are looking to comparison shop loans, real estate and other financial products from multiple businesses and professionals who compete for their business. As an independent company, Tree.com will explore new areas where a competitive marketplace model empowers consumers and provides choices when making key life decisions.

Barchart's Opinion trading systems are listed below. Please note that the Barchart Opinion indicators are updated live during the session every 10 minutes and can therefore change during the day as the market fluctuates. The indicator numbers shown below therefore may not match what you see live on the Barchart.com web site when you read this report.

Barchart technical indicators:

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
15 new highs and up 16.62% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 68.81%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 48.61
Recently traded at 49.39 with a 50 day moving average of 44.50

Fundamental factors:

Market Cap $558.60 million
P/E 43.81
Revenue is expected to grow 18.90% this year and another 11.70% next year
Earnings estimates not given
Wall Street analysts issued 1 strong buy and 2 buy recommendations

Most technical indicators have signaled too many trades. Sims this stock is volatile I'd use a moving stop loss 15% below its recent high as an exit point.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Acorda Therapeutics - Barchart's Chart of the Day

Acorda Therapeautics (ACOR). The biomedical stock has a Trend Spotter buy signal, a Weighted Alpha of 48.38+ and gained 50.00% in the last year.

The Chart of the Day belongs to Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR). I found the stock by sorting the All Time High list for the stock with the best technical buy signals, then used the Flipchart feature to review the charts.

Acorda Therapeutics is commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the identification, development and commercialization of novel therapies that improve neurological function in people with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and other disorders of the central nervous system. Acorda currently markets Zanaflex Capsules for the management of spasticity. The Company's lead product candidate, Fampridine-SR, for the improvement of walking ability in persons with multiple sclerosis. It develops therapies that restore neurological function to people with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and related conditions of the nervous system.

100% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
12 new highs and up 11.08% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 67.01%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 39.37
Recently trade at 41.82 with a 50 day moving average of 37.23

Fundamental factors:

Market Cap $1.75 billion
P/E 49.83
Revenue expected to grow 14.70% this year and another 7.00% next year
Earnings estimated to increase 17.90% this year, be down next year but compound at an annual rate of 45.00% for the next 5 years
Wall Street analysts issued 2 strong buy, 3 buy and 7 hold recommendations on the stock

The 50-100 Day MACD Oscillator has been an effective technical trading strategy on this stock and should be used to find an exit point.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

National Health Investors - Barchart Chart of the Day

National Health Investors (NHI) is the Barchart Chart of the Day. The health care REIT has a Trend Spotter buy signal, a Weighted Alpha of 31.30+, gained 29.46% in the last year and paid a 4.30% dividend.

The Chart of the Day belongs to National Health Investors (NHI). I found the REIT by sorting the All Time New High list for the stocks having the most frequent new highs in the last month, then used the Flipchart feature to review the charts. Since the Trend Spotter signaled a buy on 10/16 the stock gained 20.60%.

National Health Investors, Inc. is a real estate investment trust which invests in income producing health care properties primarily in the long-term care industry. The company provides current income for distribution to stockholders through investments in health care related facilities, including long-term care facilities, acute care hospitals, medical office buildings, retirement centers and assisted living facilities.

100% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
16 new highs and up 11.69% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 78.13%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 70.89
Recently traded at 73.54 with a 50 day moving average of 67.29

Fundamental factors:

Market Cap $2.43 billion
P/E 17.71
Dividend yield 4.30%
Revenue expected to grow 47.00% this year and another 22.60% next year
Earnings estimated to increase 17.70% this year, an additional 11.00% next year and continue to increase at an annual rate of 6.30% for the next 5 years
Wall Street analysts issued 1 string buy, 1 buy and 5 hold recommendations on this stock

I'd hold this stock as long as it has a positive total rate of return.

The 5 Best NASDAQ 100 stocks

I wanted to find the NASDAQ 100 stocks with the best technical buy signals and charts. I used Barchart to sort the NASDAQ 100 Index stocks for the best technical buy signals then used the Flipchart feature to review the charts.

Today's list includes American Airlines Group (AAL), Ross Stores (ROST), Monster Beverage (MNST), Whole Foods Market (WFM) and Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY):

American Airlines Group (AAL)

Barchart technical indicators:

80% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
8 new highs and up 3.43% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 62.92%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 50.90%
Recently traded at 52.96 with a 50 day moving average of 47.09

Ross Stores (ROST)

Barchart technical indicators:

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
8 new highs and up 4.60% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 67.54%
Bachart computes a technical support level at 91.74
Recently traded at 94.90 with a 50 day moving average of 87.75

Monster Beverage (MNST)

Barchart technical indicators:

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
9 new highs and up 7.32% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 66.07%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 107.13
Recently traded at 114.80 with a 50 day moving average of 107.46

Whole Foods Markets (WFM)

Barchart technical indicators:

80% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
7 new highs and up 2.61% in the last month
Relative strength Index 59.76%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 48.53
Recently traded at 49.60 with a 50 day moving average of 46.89

Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY)

Barchart technical indicators:

80% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
13 new highs and up 6.64% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 66.89%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 74.92
Recently traded at 76.91 with a 50 day moving average of 66.89

BARCHART MORNING CALL 1/7

BARCHART MORNING CALL

Wednesday, January 7th, 2015View Older Reports

Everything you need to know about the markets in one free daily newsletter.

You will also receive a free subscription to the Barchart family of newsletters.

OVERNIGHT MARKETS AND NEWS

March E-mini S&Ps (ESH15 +0.59%) this morning are up +0.63% and European stocks are up +1.29% amid optimism that weaker-than-expected Eurozone Dec inflation bolsters the case for the ECB to begin quantitative easing. The Eurozone Dec CPI fell a more-than-expected -0.2% y/y, the biggest decline in 5-1/4 years. Energy producers are leading the rise in stocks as the price of crude oil gained. The Greek 10-year bond yield climbed to a 1-1/4 year high of 10.196% and sent the Greek ASE Stock Index tumbling to a 2-1/4 year low. European economic growth remains divergent after the Italy Nov unemployment rate unexpectedly rose +0.1 to a record high 13.4% (data from 1977), while the German Dec unemployment rate unexpectedly fell -0.1 to 6.5%, the lowest since data for a reunified Germany began in 1991. Asian stocks closed mixed: Japan +0.01%, Hong Kong +0.83%, China +0.08%, Taiwan +0.35%, Australia -0.21%, Singapore +0.50%, South Korea +0.25%, India -0.29%. Commodity prices are mixed. Feb crude oil (CLG15 +0.02%) is up +0.06%. Feb gasoline (RBG15 -1.02%) is down -0.67%. Feb gold (GCG15 -0.48%) is down -0.52%. Mar copper (HGH15 -0.38%) is down -0.33%. Agriculture prices are higher. The dollar index (DXY00 +0.46%) is up +0.58% at a new 9-year high. EUR/USD (^EURUSD) is down -0.52% at an 8-3/4 year low after the larger-than-expected decrease in Eurozone Dec CPI strengthened the case for the ECB to begin large-scale asset purchases. USD/JPY (^USDJPY) is up +0.63%. Mar T-note prices (ZNH15 -0.12%) are down -4 ticks.
Eurozone Dec CPI fell -0.2% y/y, more than expectations of -0.1% y/y and the fastest pace of decline in 5-1/4 years. Dec core CPI rose +0.8% y/y, a larger increase than expectations of +0.7% y/y.
The Eurozone Nov unemployment rate was unchanged at 11.5%, right on expectations.
The German Dec unemployment change fell -27,000 to a record low 2.841 million, more than expectations of -5,000 and the most in 8 months. The Dec unemployment rate unexpectedly fell -0.1 to 6.5%, better than expectations of unch and the lowest since data for a reunified Germany began in 1991.
German Nov retail sales rose +1.0% m/m, better than expectations of +0.2% m/m. On an annual basis, Nov retail sales unexpectedly fell -0.8% y/y, worse than expectations of +0.6% y/y.

U.S. STOCK PREVIEW

Today’s Dec ADP employment report is expected to show a solid increase of +225,000, which would be mildly above November’s rise of +208,000 and the 6-month moving average of +222,000. Today’s Nov trade deficit is expected to narrow modestly to -$42.0 billion from -$43.4 billion in October. There are 3 of the Russell 1000 companies that report earnings today: Monsanto (consensus $0.35), RPM International (0.55), MSC Industrial Direct (0.98). Equity equity conferences during the remainder of this week include: Citi Global Internet, Media & Telecommunications Conference on Tue-Wed, Goldman Sachs Global Energy Conference on Wed-Thu, and Evercore ISI Utility Conference on Thu-Fri.

OVERNIGHT U.S. STOCK MOVERS

Eli Lilly (LLY +0.50%) said it sees fiscal 2015 adjusted EPS of $3.10-$3.20, lower than consensus of $3.21 and that it sees fiscal 2015 revenue of $20.3 billion-$20.8 billion, below consensus of $20.88 billion.
Joy Global (JOY -2.07%) and Terex (TEX -3.23%) were both downgraded to 'Hold' from 'Buy' at KeyBanc.
The WSJ reports that 3G is discussing a possible acquisition of PepsiCo (PEP -0.76%) or Campbell Soup (CPB -0.67%) .
UnitedHealth (UNH -0.20%) was downgraded to 'Neutral' from 'Buy' at Goldman Sachs.
Cigna (CI +0.40%) was upgraded to 'Buy' from 'Neutral' at Goldman Sachs.
Sanofi (SNY +2.52%) was downgraded to 'Sell' from 'Neutral' at Citigroup.
Viking Global Investors reported a 5.5% passive stake in Mohawk (MHK -0.89%) .
J.C. Penney (JCP +1.86%) surged 19% in pre-market trading after it reported Nov/Dec same-store-sales were up 3.7%, at the upper end of guidance range of 2.0% - 4.0%.
Point72 Asset reported a 6.0% passive stake in Shutterfly (SFLY -3.85%) .
Point72 Asset reported an 8.7% passive stake in Kindred Healthcare (KND -1.44%) .
Nordstrom (JWN -0.63%) and Signet Jewelers (SIG -2.35%) were both initiated with an 'Outperform' at Cowen.
American Eagle (AEO +0.36%) was upgraded to 'Market Perform' from 'Underperform' at Cowen.
Micron (MU -2.69%) fell 5% in after-hours trading after it reported Q1 adjusted EPS of 97 cents, better than consensus of 92 cents, but reported Q1 revenue of $4.57 billion, below consensus of $4.62 billion. Micron also said it expects Q2 revenue of $4.1 billion-$4.3 billion, below consensus of $4.53 billion.

MARKET COMMENTS

Mar E-mini S&Ps (ESH15 +0.59%) this morning are up +12.50 points (+0.63%). The S&P 500 index on Tuesday fell to a 2-1/2 week low and closed lower: S&P 500 -0.89%, Dow Jones -0.74%, Nasdaq -1.20%. Bearish factors included (1) the -0.7% drop in U.S. Nov factory orders, weaker than expectations of -0.5%, (2) the -3.1 point decline in the Dec ISM non-manufacturing index, weaker than expectations of -1.3 to a 6-month low of 58.0, and (3) a slide in energy producers after the price of crude oil slumped to a new 5-1/2 year low.
Mar 10-year T-notes (ZNH15 -0.12%) this morning are down -4 ticks. Mar 10-year T-note futures prices on Tuesday rose to a 2-1/2 month high and closed higher. Closes: TYH5 +19.0, FVH5 +12.25. Bullish factors included (1) carry-over support from a plunge in the 10-year German bund yield to a record low 0.441% on speculation the ECB will embark on QE at its Jan 22 policy meeting, and (2) weaker-than-expected U.S. economic data on Nov factory orders and the Dec ISM non-manufacturing index.
The dollar index (DXY00 +0.46%) this morning is up +0.529 (+0.58%) at a new 9-year high. EUR/USD (^EURUSD) is down -0.0062 (-0.52%) at an 8-3/4 year low. USD/JPY (^USDJPY) is up +0.75 (+0.63%). The dollar index on Tuesday closed slightly higher, but remained below Monday’s 9-year high: Dollar index +0.121 (+0.13%), EUR/USD -0.00429 (-0.36%), USD/JPY -1.255 (-1.05%). The main supportive factor was weakness in EUR/USD on speculation the ECB is closer to large-scale sovereign-bond purchases and on concern that Jan 25 elections in Greece may put the anti-austerity Syriza party into power and lead to Greece’s departure from the Eurozone. Limiting gains in the dollar was a fall in USD/JPY fell to a 2-week low as a slide in stocks boosted the safe-haven demand for the yen.
Feb WTI crude oil (CLG15 +0.02%) this morning is up +3 cents (+0.06%) and Feb gasoline (RBG15 -1.02%) is down -0.0091 (-0.67%). Feb crude and Feb gasoline on Tuesday dropped to new 5-1/2 year lows and closed lower: CLG5 -2.11 (-4.22%), RBG5 -0.0334 (-2.42%). Bearish factors included (1) dollar strength, (2) weaker-than-expected U.S. economic data on Nov factory orders and the Dec ISM non-manufacturing index, which signals reduced energy demand, and (3) expectations that Wednesday’s weekly EIA data will show crude supplies increased by +700,000 bbl.

GLOBAL EVENT CALENDAR01/07/2015

US	0700 ET	Weekly MBA mortgage applications, previous +0.9% with purchase sub-index +1.3% and refi sub-index +1.1%.
	0815 ET	Dec ADP employment change expected +225,000, Nov +208,000.
	0830 ET	Nov trade balance expected -$42.0 billion, Oct -$43.4 billion.
	1030 ET	EIA Weekly Petroleum Status Report.
	1400 ET	Minutes of the Dec 16-17 FOMC meeting.
	1830 ET	Chicago Fed President Charles Evans discusses the role and impact of monetary policy in an uncertain economy at an event in Chicago.
GER	0200 ET	German Nov retail sales expected +0.2% m/m and +0.6% y/y, Oct +1.6% m/m and +1.7% y/y.
	0330 ET	German Dec Markit construction PMI, Nov 53.5.
	0355 ET	German unemployment change expected -5,000, Nov -14,000. Dec unemployment rate expected unch at 6.6%.
UK	0400 ET	UK Dec new car registrations, Nov +8.0% y/y.
	0430 ET	UK Dec Lloyds business barometer, Nov 42.
EUR	0500 ET	Eurozone Dec CPI expected -0.1% y/y, Nov +0.3% y/y. Dec core CPI expected +0.7% y/y, Nov +0.7% y/y.
	0500 ET	Eurozone Nov unemployment rate expected unch at 11.5%.

U.S. STOCK CALENDAR01/07/2015

Company	Ticker	Time	Event Description	Period	Estimate
RPM International Inc	RPM US	7:30	Q2 2015 Earnings Release	Q2 2015	0.55
MSC Industrial Direct Co Inc	MSM US	7:30	Q1 2015 Earnings Release	Q1 2015	0.976
Monsanto Co	MON US	8:00	Q1 2015 Earnings Release	Q1 2015	0.347
MSC Industrial Direct Co Inc	MSM US	8:30	Q1 2015 Earnings Call	Q1 2015
Eli Lilly & Co	LLY US	9:00	Q4 2015 Guidance Call	Q4 2015
Monsanto Co	MON US	9:30	Q1 2015 Earnings Call	Q1 2015
RPM International Inc	RPM US	10:00	Q2 2015 Earnings Call	Q2 2015
Acuity Brands Inc	AYI US	11:00	Annual General Meeting	Y 2015
Rovi Corp	ROVI US	17:30	Investor and Analyst Day	Y 2015
Apollo Education Group Inc	APOL US		Annual General Meeting1/7

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Hopfed Bancorp - Barchart's Chart of the Day

HopFed Bancorp (HFBC) is the Barchart Chart of the Day. The S&L has a Trend Spotter buy signal, a Weighted Alpha of 21.11+ , gained 16.93% in the last year and paid a 1.26% dividend.

The Chart of the Day belongs to HopFed Bancorp (HFBC). I found the S&L by sorting the Top Signals list for the stock with the most frequent new highs in the last month. Since the Trend spotter signaled a buy on / the stock gained 16.12%.

HopFed Bancorp, Inc. was incorporated for the purpose of serving as a savings and loan holding company for Hopkinsville Federal Savings Bank. The business of the bank primarily consists of attracting deposits from the general public and investing such deposits in loans secured by single family residential real estate and investment securities, including U.S. Government and agency securities and mortgage-backed securities. The bank also originates single-family residential/construction loans and multi-family and commercial real estate loans.

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20. 50 and 100 day moving averages
16 new highs and up 13.06% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 80.12%
Barchart computes a technical support level ta 12.88
Recently traded at 13.33 with a 50 day moving average of 11.92

Fundamental factors:

Market Cap $97.58 million
P/E 21.56
Dividend yield 1.26%
Revenue expected to grow 4.60% this year
Earnings estimated to increase 10% next year
2 Wall Street analysts issued a hold on the stock

Use a stop loss 10% below its most recent high to protect gains

Monday, January 5, 2015

Cempra - Barchart's Chart of the Day

Cempra (CEMP) is the Barchart Chart of the Day. The pharmaceutical company has a Trend spotter buy signal, a Weighted Alpha of 113.50+ and gained 89.60% in the last year.

The Chart of the Day is Cempra (CEMP). I found the pharmaceutical company by sorting the All Time High list for the stock having the most frequent new highs in the last month. Since the Trend Spotter signaled a buy on 11/26 the stock gained 69.65%,

Cempra Holdings, LLC is a pharmaceutical company engaged in developing antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases. It focuses on developing antibiotics for treating respiratory tract, skin and skin structure infections and to target the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
12 new highs and up 72.50% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 78.38%
Barchat computes a technical support level at 20.34
Recently traded at 24.55 with a 50 day moving average of 16.21

Fundamental factors:

Market Cap $816.04 million
Revenue expected to grow 110.30% this year and another 24.5:0% next year
Earnings estimated to increase 13.40% next year
Wall Street analysts issued 5 strong buy and 4 buy recommendations on the stock

The 20-100 Day MACD Oscillator has been the most effective technical trading strategy on this stock and should be used to find an exit point.

Mimedx Group Sell Signals

Today I deleted Mimedx Group (MDXG) from the Barchart Van Meerten Speculative portfolio for negative price momentum.

Barchart technical indicators:

32% Barchart technical sell signals
Trend Spotter sell signals
Below its 20 and 50 day moving averages'
17.13% off its recent hihg
Relative Strength Index 39.74%

5 Great Small Caps

Today I wanted to see which small cap stocks had the best technical buy signals and charts. I used Barchart to sort the S&P 600 Small Cap Index stocks for the best technical buy signals then used the Flipchart feature to review the charts.

Today's list includes Papa John's (PZZA), Coresite Realty (COR), Biglari Holdings (BH), IXIA (XXIA) and Wausau-Mosinee Paper (WPP):

Papa John's (PZZA)

Barchart technical indicators:

100% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
8 new highs and up 5.69% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 68.04%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 55.41
Recently traded at 57.00 with a 50 day moving average of 51.44

Coresite Realty (COR)

Barchart technical indicators:

100% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
8 new highs and up 6.04% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 71.18%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 38.84
Recently traded at 40.55 with a 50 day moving average of 37.86

Biglari Holdings (BH)

Barchart technical indicators:

100% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
12 new highs and up 6.91% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 71.21%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 396.34
Recently traded at 403.01 with a 50 day moving average of 361.72

IXIA (XXIA)

Barchart technical indicators:

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
8 new highs and up 6.83% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 62.92%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 10.58
Recently traded at 11.11 with a 50 day moving average of 10.13

Wausau-Mosinee Paper (WPP)

Barchart technical indicators:

96% Barchart technical buy signals
Trend Spotter buy signal
Above its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
12 new highs and up 13.85% in the last month
Relative Strength Index 68.64%
Barchart computes a technical support level at 10.79
Recently traded at 11.26 with a 50 day moving average of 10.26

BARCHART MORNING CALL 1/5

BARCHART MORNING CALL

Monday, January 5th, 2015View Older Reports

Everything you need to know about the markets in one free daily newsletter.

You will also receive a free subscription to the Barchart family of newsletters.

OVERNIGHT MARKETS AND NEWS

March E-mini S&Ps (ESH15 -0.23%) this morning are down -0.26% and European stocks are down -1.06%, both at 2-week lows. Energy producers are leading the overall market lower after crude oil fell to a 5-1/2 year low. Also, Greek sovereign-debt concerns have undercut European stocks with Greece's ASE Stock Index down over 4% to a 2-year low after Germany's Der Spiegel magazine reported that German Chancellor Merkel is ready to accept Greece's exit from the Eurozone. The Greek opposition party Syriza is leading in polls ahead of the Jan 25 elections and Greek Prime Minister Samaras warns that a victory by Syriza would cause default and Greece's exit from the Eurozone. Asian stocks closed mixed: Japan -0.24%, Hong Kong -0.57%, China +3.05%, Taiwan -0.36%, Australia +0.26%, Singapore -1.26%, South Korea -0.22%, India -0.16%. China's Shanghai Stock Index jumped to a 5-1/2 year high as investors bought shares of China's largest companies and developers amid speculation the government will take more steps to bolster economic growth. Commodity prices are mixed. Feb crude oil (CLG15 -2.79%) is down -2.39% at a 5-1/2 year low on signs of ample global supplies after Russian Dec oil production rose +0.3% to a post-Soviet record of 10.667 million bpd and after Iraq Dec oil exports climbed to 2.94 million bpd, the most since the 1980s. Feb gasoline (RBG15 -2.82%) is down -2.07% at a 5-1/2 year low. Feb gold (GCG15 +0.29%) is up +0.19%. Mar copper (HGH15 -1.77%) is down -1.72%. Agriculture prices are higher. The dollar index (DXY00 +0.63%) is up +0.64% at a 9-year high. EUR/USD (^EURUSD) is down -0.77% at an 8-3/4 year low on speculation the ECB is moving closer to large-scale sovereign-bond purchases. USD/JPY (^USDJPY) is down -0.23%. Mar T-note prices (ZNH15 +0.09%) are up +0.5 of a tick.
The Eurozone Jan Sentix investor confidence rose +3.4 to 0.9, a bigger increase than expectations of +1.5 to -1.0 and the highest in 5 months.
The UK Dec Markit/CIPS construction PMI fell -1.8 to 57.6, a bigger decline than expectations of -0.4 to 59.0 and the lowest in 17 months.

U.S. STOCK PREVIEW

Today's Dec total vehicle sales is expected to edge lower to 16.90 million from 17.08 million in November. There is one of the Russell 1000 companies that reports earnings today: SandRidget Energy (consensus $0.04). Equity equity conferences this week include: Goldman Sachs CEO Unscripted Health Care Conference on Tue, Nomura Technology Conference at CES on Tue, J.P. Morgan Tech Forum on Tue, Wolfe Research Refiners Conference on Tue, Citi Global Internet, Media & Telecommunications Conference on Tue-Wed, Goldman Sachs Global Energy Conference on Wed-Thu, and Evercore ISI Utility Conference on Thu-Fri.

OVERNIGHT U.S. STOCK MOVERS

Caterpillar (CAT +0.38%) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK -0.87%) were both downgraded to 'Underweight' from 'Neutral' at JPMorgan Chase.
Starbucks (SBUX -0.74%) was downgraded to 'Neutral' from 'Buy' at Janney Capital.
Macy's (M -0.09%) was downgraded to 'Neutral' from 'Buy' at Buckingham.
Domino's Pizza (DPZ +0.13%) was upgraded to 'Buy' from 'Neutral' at Janney Capital.
Ford (F -0.90%) was downgraded to 'Neutral' from 'Buy' at Citigroup.
Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE -0.77%) was upgraded to 'Neutral' from 'Underperform' at BofA/Merrill Lynch.
General Mills (GIS -0.41%) was downgraded to 'Underperform' from 'Neutral' at BofA/Merrill Lynch.
Xylem (XYL +0.03%) was downgraded to 'Hold' from 'Buy' at Stifel.
CF Industries (CF +1.97%) was upgraded to 'Overweight' from 'Neutral' at Piper Jaffray.
PPL Corp. (PPL +0.08%) was downgraded to 'Hold' from 'Buy' at Jefferies.
Cognizant (CTSH +0.02%) was upgraded to 'Buy' from 'Neutral' at Goldman Sachs.
BorgWarner (BWA -0.38%) could rise 23% to $67 on higher returns and better growth prospects, according to a weekend article by Barron's.
Alamo Group (ALG +1.30%) raised its dividend by 14% to 8 cents from 7 cents per share.
Wet Seal (WTSL +16.67%) defaulted on a $27 million senior convertible note.

MARKET COMMENTS

Mar E-mini S&Ps (ESH15 -0.23%) this morning are down -5.25 points (-0.26%) at a 2-week low. The S&P 500 index on Friday slid to a 2-week low and closed lower: S&P 500 -0.03%, Dow Jones +0.06%, Nasdaq -0.20%. Bearish factors included (1) the weaker-than-expected U.S. Dec ISM manufacturing index report of -3.2 to 55.5, and (2) weakness in oil producers as crude oil prices fell to a fresh 5-1/2 year. The main bullish factor was ECB President Draghi’s statement that reinforced expectations for the ECB to announce sovereign debt purchases at its next meeting on Jan 22.
Mar 10-year T-notes (ZNH15 +0.09%) this morning are up +0.5 of a tick. Mar 10-year T-note futures prices on Friday closed mildly higher on the weaker-than-expected U.S. ISM report and on safe-haven demand with the decline in the S&P 500 index to a new 2-week low. Closes: TYH5 +11.5, FVH5 +5.25.
The dollar index (DXY00 +0.63%) this morning is up +0.579 (+0.64%) at a 9-year high. EUR/USD (^EURUSD) is down -0.0093 (-0.77%) at an 8-3/4 year low. USD/JPY (^USDJPY) is down -0.28 (-0.23%). The dollar index on Friday posted a new 9-year high and closed sharply higher: Dollar index +0.804 (+0.89%), EUR/USD -0.0102 (-0.84%), USD/JPY -0.12 (-0.10%). The dollar was driven higher by euro weakness sparked by ECB President Draghi’s dovish QE statement.
Feb WTI crude oil (CLG15 -2.79%) this morning is down -$1.26 a barrel (-2.39%) at a fresh 5-1/2 year low and Feb gasoline (RBG15 -2.82%) is down -0.0296 (-2.07%) at a 5-1/2 year low. Feb crude on Friday slumped to a new 5-1/2 year low: CLG5 -0.58 (-1.09%), RBG5 -0.0387 (-2.63%). Bearish factors included (1) dollar strength, (2) news that Russian and Iraqi oil production rose in December, (3) the weak U.S. ISM manufacturing report, and (4) carry-over weakness from Wednesday’s EIA inventory report.

GLOBAL EVENT CALENDAR01/05/2015

US	1100 ET	USDA weekly grain export inspections.
	n/a	Dec total vehicle sales expected 16.90 million, Nov 17.08 million. Dec domestic vehicle sales expected 13.70 million, Nov 13.70 million.
JPN	0000 ET	Japan Dec vehicle sales, Nov -13.5% y/y.
EUR	0430 ET	Eurozone Jan Sentix investor confidence expected +1.5 to -1.0, Dec -2.5.
UK	0430 ET	UK Dec Markit/CIPS construction PMI expected -0.4 to 59.0, Nov 59.4.
	n/a	UK Dec Halifax house prices expected +0.3% m/m and +7.6% 3-mo/year-over-year, Nov +0.4% m/m and +8.2% 3-mo/year-over-year.
GER	0800 ET	German Dec CPI (EU harmonized) expected +0.2% m/m and +0.2% y/y, Nov unch m/m and +0.5% y/y.
	n/a	German Nov retail sales expected +0.2% m/m and +0.7% y/y, Oct +1.6% m/m and +1.7% y/y.
CHI	2045 ET	China Dec HSBC services PMI, Nov +0.1 to 53.0. Dec HSBC composite PMI, Nov 51.1.

U.S. STOCK CALENDAR01/05/2015

Company	Ticker	Time	Event Description	Period	Estimate
Ford Motor Co	F US	9:30	December 2014 Sales and Revenue Release	2014
Ford Motor Co	F US	10:00	December 2014 Sales and Revenue Call	2014
SandRidge Energy Inc	SD US		Q3 2014 Earnings Release	Q3 2014	0.038