Showing posts with label CSX. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CSX. Show all posts

Monday, October 2, 2017

MORNING CALL 10/2

Barchart Morning Call

OVERNIGHT MARKETS AND NEWS
Dec E-mini S&Ps (ESZ17 +0.17%) this morning are up +0.16% at a new record nearest-futures high on signs of strength in Chinese manufacturing activity that is positive for global economic growth after the China Sep manufacturing PMI unexpectedly rose +0.7 to 52.4, the fastest pace of expansion in 5-1/3 years. European stocks fell back from a 4-month high and are down -0.05% on rising tensions in Spain after a violence-marred vote in Catalonia spurred the regional government there to press for independence from Spain. Asian stocks settled mostly higher: Japan +0.22%, Taiwan +0.78%, Australia +0.84%, Singapore +1.31%. Hong Long, China, South Korea and India all closed for holiday. Japanese stocks closed higher on increased economic optimism after the Japan Q3 Tankan showed business conditions among large manufacturers rose to the highest in 10-years.
The dollar index (DXY00 +0.51%) is up +0.52%. EUR/USD (^EURUSD) is down -0.57%. USD/JPY (^USDJPY) is up +0.24%.
Dec 10-year T-note prices (ZNZ17 -0.09%) are down -3 ticks at a new 2-1/2 month low.
The China Sep manufacturing PMI unexpectedly rose +0.7 to 52.4, stronger than expectations of -0.1 to 51.6 and the fastest pace of expansion in 5-1/3 years.
The Eurozone Sep Markit manufacturing PMI was revised downward to 58.1 from the originally reported 58.2, still the highest since the data series began in 2014.
The Japan Q3 Tankan large manufacturing business condition rose +5 to 22, stronger than expectations of +1 to 18 and a 10-year high.
ECB Governing Council member Georghadji said a pickup in inflation is "still largely dependent on the ECB's accommodative monetary policy stance and that only a sustained adjustment in the path of inflation would warrant the gradual withdrawal of our exceptional degree of monetary policy accommodation."
U.S. STOCK PREVIEW
Key U.S. news today includes: (1) revised-Sep U.S. Markit manufacturing (expected unchanged at 53.0, prelim-Sep +0.2 to 53.0), (2) Sep ISM U.S. manufacturing index (expected -0.8 to 58.0, Aug +2.5 to 58.8), (3) Aug construction spending (expected +0.4%, Jul -0.6% m/m), (4) Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan (voter) speaks in a moderated Q&A at an event hosted by the El Paso branch of the Dallas Fed, (5) USDA weekly grain export inspections, (6) USDA crop conditions and progress report.
Notable Russell 1000 earnings reports today include: Whiting Petroleum (consensus -$0.20).
U.S. IPO's scheduled to price today: PDL Community Bankcorp (PDLB).
Equity conferences this week: ADAS & Autonomous Vehicles USA Conference on Mon, Capital Link New York Maritime Forum on Mon, Eurosurfas Conference on Mon, PDA Universe of Pre-filled Syringes and Injection Devices Confernce on Mon, Deutsche Bank U.S. Leveraged Finance Conference on Mon-Wed, European Utility Week Conference on Tue, Global Gaming Conference - Panel on Tue, Helitech International Conference on Tue, NetApp Insight Investor Summit on Tue, Japan Pack Trade Show on Tue, Linley Processor Conference on Wed, Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce Business Conference on Fri.
OVERNIGHT U.S. STOCK MOVERS
Akamai (AKAM +2.18%) was upgraded to 'Buy' from 'Neutral' at Guggenheim Securities with a target price of $54.
Stanley Black & Decker (SWK +0.97%) was upgraded to 'Overweight' from 'Equal-Weight' at Morgan Stanley with a target price of $169.
Citrix (CTXS +0.17%) was upgraded to 'Outperform' from 'Market Perform' at Wells Fargo Securities with a price target of $95.
Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB +1.41%) was downgraded to 'Underperform' from 'Neutral' at Baird.
Select Comfort (SCSS +0.39%) was upgraded to 'Outperform' from 'Market Perform' at Raymond James with a 12-month target price of $35.
PepsiCo (PEP -0.19%) was downgraded to 'Hold' from 'Buy' at Jeffries.
Union Pacific (UNP unch) was downgraded to 'Equal-Weight' from 'Overweight' at Morgan Stanley.
CSX Corp (CSX +1.06%) was downgraded to 'Underweight' from 'Equal weight' at Morgan Stanley who lowered their price target on the stock to $43.
Tiffany (TIF +0.92%) was upgraded to 'Buy' from 'Hold' at HSBC with a price target of $110.
Finish Line (FINL +3.17%) was downgraded to 'Neutral' from 'Positive' at Susquehanna Financial.
Trinity Industries (TRN +2.31%) jumped nearly 10% in after-hours trading after a federal appeals court in New Orleans overturned a 2015 ruling against TRN for a $663 million judgement that was awarded in a lawsuit the alleged the company defrauded the U.S. government with a faulty highway guardrail safety system.
TerraForm Power (TERP -0.83%) may move higher this morning after it reported Q2 adjusted Ebitda of $136 million, better than consensus of $119.7 million.
MARKET COMMENTS
Dec S&P 500 E-mini stock futures (ESZ17 +0.17%) this morning are up +4.00 ponts (+0.16%) at a new all-time nearest-futures high. Friday's closes: S&P 500 +0.37%, Dow Jones +0.11%, Nasdaq +0.78%. The S&P 500 on Friday posted a new record high and closed higher on carry-over support from a rally in European stocks after the German Sep unemployment rate fell to 5.4%, the lowest since German reunification began and a sign of economic strength. U.S. stocks also received a boost from the unexpected +6.3 point increase in the Sep Chicago PMI to 65.2, stronger than expectations of -0.2 to 58.7.
Dec 10-year T-note prices (ZNZ17 -0.09%) this morning are down -3 ticks at a fresh 2-1/2 month low. Friday's closes: TYZ7 -7.50, FVZ7 -5.25. Dec 10-year T-notes on Friday closed lower on the unexpected increase in the Sep Chicago PMI report and on the rally in the S&P 500 to a new all-time high, which curbed the safe-haven demand for T-notes. Losses were limited after the U.S. Aug core PCE deflator rose by a less than expected +1.3% y/y, the smallest year-on-year increase in 2 years.
The dollar index (DXY00 +0.51%) this morning is up +0.48 (+0.52%). EUR/USD (^EURUSD) is down -0.0067 (-0.57%) and USD/JPY (^USDJPY) is up +0.27 (+0.24%). Friday's closes: Dollar Index -0.009 (-0.01%), EUR/USD +0.0028 (+0.24%), USD/JPY +0.17 (+0.15%). The dollar index on Friday closed little changed. The dollar index saw support from the report that President Trump and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin met with former Fed Governor Warsh, who is considered more hawkish than current Fed Chair Yellen, to discuss the Fed Chair position. The dollar was also boosted by the increase in T-note yields, which improves the dollar's interest rate differentials. Gains were limited after the U.S. Aug core PCE deflator rose by a less-than-expected +1.3% y/y, which was dovish for Fed policy.
Nov crude oil (CLX17 -2.03%) this morning is down -88 cents (-1.70%) and Nov gasoline (RBX17 -1.70%) is -0.0252(-1.58%). Friday's closes: Nov WTI crude +1.11 (+0.21%), Nov gasoline -0.0238 (-1.47%). Nov crude oil and gasoline on Friday settled mixed. Crude oil prices were undercut by the fall in the crack spread to a 5-week low, which may curb refinery demand for crude to refine into gasoline, and by the increase in active U.S. oil rigs in the week ended Sep 29 by 6 rigs to 750, the first increase in 7 weeks. Crude oil prices were supported by the rally in the S&P 500 to a new record high, which shows optimism in the economic outlook that is positive for energy demand.
Metals prices this morning are mixed with Dec gold (GCZ17 -0.72%) -8.3 (-0.65%) at a 1-1/2 month low, Dec silver (SIZ17-0.46%) -0.046 (-0.28%) at a 1-3/4 month low and Dec copper (HGZ17 +0.03%) +0.002 (+0.05%). Friday's closes: Dec gold -3.9 (-0.30%), Dec silver -0.171 (-1.02%), Dec copper -0.026 (-0.87%). Metals on Friday closed lower on the the rally in the S&P 500 to a new record high, which reduced the safe-haven demand for precious metals, and on a lack of inflation that reduces the demand for gold as an inflation hedge after the U.S. Aug core PCE deflator rose just +1.3% y/y, the smallest pace of increase in 2 years.
GLOBAL EVENT CALENDAR10/02/2017
Monday, Oct 2
US0945 ETRevised Sep U.S. Markit manufacturing PMI expected unchanged at 53.0, prelim-Sep +0.2 to 53.0.
1000 ETSep ISM U.S. manufacturing index expected -0.8 to 58.0, Aug +2.5 to 58.8. Sep ISM new orders, Aug -0.1 to 60.3. Sep ISM employment, Aug +4.7 to 59.9. Sep ISM prices paid expected +1.5 to 63.5, Aug unch at 62.0.
1000 ETAug construction spending expected +0.4%, Jul -0.6% m/m.
1100 ETUSDA weekly grain export inspections.
1400 ETDallas Fed President Robert Kaplan (voter) speaks in a moderated Q&A at an event hosted by the El Paso branch of the Dallas Fed.
1600 ETUSDA crop conditions and progress report.
Tuesday, Oct 3
US0830 ETFed Governor Jerome Powell discusses regulatory reform at a U.S. Financial Regulation event in Washington.
n/aSep total vehicle sales expected 17.00 million, Aug 16.03 million. Sep domestic vehicle sales expected 12.68 million, Aug 12.48 million.
U.S. STOCK CALENDAR10/02/2017
NameTickerTimeDescriptionPeriodEstimate
Whiting Petroleum CorpWLL USQ3 2017 Earnings ReleaseQ3 17-0.201
Telephone & Data Systems IncTDS USRoadshow - Day 1
United States Cellular CorpUSM USRoadshow - Day 1

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

MORNING CALL 3/14

Barchart Morning Call

OVERNIGHT MARKETS AND NEWS
Jun E-mini S&Ps (ESM17 -0.19%) this morning are down -0.14% and European stocks are down -0.29% as the FOMC begins its 2-day policy meeting today where the markets are expecting a 25 bp rate hike in the federal funds rate. European stocks fell and GBP/USD slid -0.74% to a 1-3/4 month low after the UK Parliament voted to allow the government the go-head to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which will allow Prime Minster May to announce the formal start of Brexit. European stocks and EUR/USD were also undercut by weaker-than-expected economic data on Eurozone Jan industrial production. Losses were contained ahead of Wednesday's elections in the Netherlands where the pro-EU Liberal party has moved ahead in the polls against the anti-EU Freedom Party. Asian stocks settled mixed: Japan -0.12%, Hong Kong -0.01%, China +0.07%, Taiwan +0.48%, Australia +0.03%, Singapore -0.12%, South Korea +0.90%, India +1.71%. China's Shanghai Composite climbed to a 1-week high on signs of strength in China's economy after China Feb industrial production rose at the fastest pace in 1-1/2 years.
The dollar index (DXY00 +0.28%) is up +0.27%. EUR/USD (^EURUSD) is down -0.19%. USD/JPY (^USDJPY) is up +0.16%.
Jun 10-year T-note prices (ZNM17 -0.04%) are down -3 ticks on negative carry-over from a slide in 10-year German bund prices to a 13-3/4 month low.
The German Mar ZEW survey expectations of economic growth rose +2.4 to 12.8, weaker than expectations of +2.6 to 13.0.
Eurozone Jan industrial production rose +0.9% m/m and +0.6% y/y, weaker than expectations of +1.3% m/m and +0.9% y/y.
China Feb industrial production rose +6.3% year-to-date y/y, stronger than expectations of +6.2% year-to-date y/y and the fastest pace in 1-1/2 years.
U.S. STOCK PREVIEW
Key U.S. news today includes: (1) Feb PPI final demand (expected +0.1% m/m and +1.9% y/y, Jan +0.6% m/m and +1.6% y/y) and Feb PPI ex food & energy (expected +0.2% m/m and +1.5% y/y, Jan +0.4% m/m and +1.2% y/y), (2) FOMC begins 2-day policy meeting.
Notable Russell 1000 earnings reports today include: HD Supply (consensus $0.42).
U.S. IPO's scheduled to price today: Ardagh Finance Holdings (ARD).
Equity conferences: JP Morgan Aviation, Transportation & Industrials Conference on Mon-Wed, Bank of America Merrill Lynch Consumer and Retail Tech Conference on Tue-Wed, Barclays Emerging Payments Forum on Tue-Wed, Barclays Global Health Care Conference on Tue-Thu, Gabelli & Co. Waste & Environmental Services Symposium on Thu, American College of Cardiology Meeting on Fri.
OVERNIGHT U.S. STOCK MOVERS
Corning (GLW +0.54%) was downgraded to 'Neutral' from 'Buy' at Goldman Sachs.
Disney (DIS +0.54%) was upgraded to 'Buy' from 'Neutral' at Guggenheim Securities with a 12-month target price of $128.
GEO Group (GEO +2.84%) rose 1% in after-hours trading after it was announced that it will replace Synopsys in the S&P MidCap 400 before the market opens Thursday, March 16.
Synopsys (SNPS +0.36%) gained 1% in after-hours trading after it was announced that it will replace Harman International in the S&P 500 before the market opens Thursday, March 16.
Black Knight Financial Services (BKFS -1.04%) was rated new 'Outperform' at Wedbush with a 12-month target price of $44.
FedEx (FDX +0.50%) and CSX Corp (CSX +0.59%) were both was rated new 'Outperform' at Wells Fargo Securities.
Resolute Energy ({=REN climbed 8% in after-hours trading after it reported Q4 adjusted Ebitda of $49.0 million, better than consensus of $45.5 million.
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals (AMPH +0.82%) declined over 7% in after-hours trading after it reported a Q4 loss of -$2.7 million after reporting a profit the same period last year.
Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX -1.06%) sold-off 9% in after-hours trading after CNBC reported that Pershing Square Capital Management sold its entire stake of 27.2 million shares in Valeant.
Lantheus Holdings (LNTH +6.04%) dropped 10% in after-hours trading after it announced a public secondary offering of 3 million shares of common stock.
ON Semiconductor Corp. (ON +0.59%) lost 1% in after-hours trading after it said it will offer $500 million in convertible senior notes due 2023 in a private offering.
Physicians Realty Trust (DOC unch) slid 3% in after-hours trading after announced a public offering of 15 million shares of common stock.
Tilly's (TLYS -2.14%) tumbled over 10% in after-hours trading after it said it sees a Q1 loss per share of -7 cents to -15 cents, wider than consensus of a loss of -4 cents a share.
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals (AUPH +24.00%) slumped over 15% in after-hours trading after it announced a public offering of common stock, although no size was given.
MARKET COMMENTS
Jun E-mini S&Ps (ESM17 -0.19%) this morning are down -3.25 points (-0.14%). Monday's closes: S&P 500 +0.04%, Dow Jones -0.10%, Nasdaq +0.16%. The S&P 500 on Monday closed higher on positive carry-over from a rally in Chinese stocks on signs of reduced U.S.-China trade tensions after Steve Schwarzman, one of the Trump administration's top economic advisors, said in a CNN interview that President Trump will likely moderate his criticisms of China, including his campaign claim that the country manipulates its currency. Stocks were also boosted by M&A activity after Intel acquired Mobileye for $15 billion. Gains were limited by weakness in energy producing stocks after Apr WTI crude fell 0.19% to a 3-1/2 month low.
Jun 10-year T-notes (ZNM17 -0.04%) this morning are down -3 ticks. Monday's closes: TYM7 -7.00, FVM7 -3.25. Jun 10-year T-notes on Monday closed lower on hedge selling by bond dealers underwriting corporate bonds for Verizon and Humana and on expectations that the FOMC will raise interest rates after Wednesday's 2-day policy meeting.
The dollar index (DXY00 +0.28%) this morning is up +0.27 (+0.27%). EUR/USD (^EURUSD) is down -0.0020 (-0.19%). USD/JPY (^USDJPY) is up +0.18 (+0.16%). Monday's closes: Dollar index +0.06 (+0.06%), EUR/USD -0.0020 (-0.19%), USD/JPY +0.09 (+0.08%). The dollar index on Monday recovered from a 1-1/2 week low and closed higher on weakness in EUR/USD on European political risks ahead of Wednesday's Dutch election where anti-EU and anti-Islam Freedom Party leader Wilders is running neck-to-neck with current Prime Minister Rutte's Liberal party.
Apr WTI crude oil prices (CLJ17 +0.56%) this morning are up +34 cents (+0.70%) and Apr gasoline (RBJ17 +0.68%) is +0.0103 (+0.65%). Monday's closes: Apr crude -0.09 (-0.19%), Apr gasoline -0.0194 (-1.21%). Apr crude oil and gasoline on Monday closed lower with Apr crude at 3-1/2 month low. Crude oil prices were undercut by negative carry-over from Friday's news from Baker Hughes that U.S. active oil rigs in the week ended Mar 10 rose 8 to a 17-1/2 month high of 617 rigs. Crude oil prices were also undercut by comments from Russia's biggest crude producer, Rosneft, that rising U.S. oil output is the "main threat" to any global output deal to curb crude production. Crude prices recovered from their worst levels on comments from Kuwait's Oil Minister who said his country supports extending OPEC's production cut agreement after June.

GLOBAL EVENT CALENDAR03/14/2017
Tuesday, Mar 14
US0830 ETFeb PPI final demand expected +0.1% m/m and +1.9% y/y, Jan +0.6% m/m and +1.6% y/y. Feb PPI ex food & energy expected +0.2% m/m and +1.5% y/y, Jan +0.4% m/m and +1.2% y/y.
n/aPresident Trump and German Chancellor Merkel meet at the White House.
1200 ETFOMC begins 2-day policy meeting.
Wednesday, Mar 15
US0700 ETWeekly MBA mortgage applications, previous +3.3% with purchase sub-index +1.7% and refi sub-index +5.2%.
0830 ETMar Empire manufacturing survey general business conditions expected -3.7 to 15.0, Feb +12.2 to 18.7.
0830 ETFeb CPI expected unch m/m and +2.7% y/y, Jan +0.6% m/m and +2.5% y/y. Feb CPI ex food & energy expected +0.2% m/m and +2.2% y/y, Jan +0.3% m/m and +2.3% y/y.
0830 ETFeb retail sales expected +0.1% and +0.1% ex autos, Jan +0.4% and +0.8% ex autos.
1000 ETMar NAHB housing market index expected unch at 65, Feb -2 to 65.
1000 ETJan business inventories expected +0.3%, Dec +0.4%.
1030 ETEIA Weekly Petroleum Status Report.
1400 ETFOMC interest rate decision expected 25 bp increase in fed funds target range to 0.75%-1.00%. FOMC releases updated macroeconomic forecasts and Fed Chair Yellen holds a press conference.
n/aU.S. debt ceiling suspension expires, but Treasury has until Aug-Sep until default.
U.S. STOCK CALENDAR03/14/2017

CompanyTickerTimeEvent DescriptionPeriodEstimate
HD Supply Holdings IncHDS US06:00Q4 2017 Earnings ReleaseQ4 170.432
HD Supply Holdings IncHDS US08:00Q4 2017 Earnings CallQ4 17
Akamai Technologies IncAKAM US08:30Investor Summit
Extraction Oil & Gas IncXOG US10:00Q4 2016 Earnings CallQ4 16
Hill-Rom Holdings IncHRC US11:00Annual General Meeting
Toll Brothers IncTOL USAnnual General Meeting

Thursday, January 19, 2017

MORNING CALL 1/19

Barchart Morning Call

OVERNIGHT MARKETS AND NEWS
Mar E-mini S&Ps (ESH17 -0.08%) are down -0.08% and European stocks are down -0.09% ahead of the results of today's ECB meeting. The ECB is expected to keep its monthly asset purchases at 80 billion euros ($85 billion) until March, and then at 60 billion euros from April to December. The markets will also scour comments from ECB President Draghi about when the central bank may begin to taper QE at his press conference following today's ECB meeting. Metals prices are weaker with Feb COMEX gold (GCG17 -0.76%) down -0.82% and Mar COMEX copper (HGH17 -0.52%) down -0.59% at a 1-week low after comments yesterday from Fed Chair Yellen bolstered interest rate hike expectations when she said the U.S. economy is close to the Fed's objectives of full employment and stable prices. Stock losses were muted as energy producing companies gained with Mar WTI crude oil prices (CLH17 +1.21%) up +0.69% after the API late yesterday reported that U.S. crude stockpiles fell by -5.04 million bbl last week. Asian stocks settled mixed: Japan +0.94%, Hong Kong -0.21%, China -0.38%, Taiwan -0.26%, Australia +0.24%, Singapore +0.27%, South Korea +0.23%, India +0.19%. Chinese stocks were led lower by losses in mining stocks with the slide in metals prices while Japanese stocks moved higher as strength in USD/JPY boosted exporter stocks.
The dollar index (DXY00 +0.15%) is up +0.18%. EUR/USD (^EURUSD) is up +0.32%. USD/JPY (^USDJPY) is down -0.06%.
Mar 10-year T-note prices (ZNH17 -0.34%) are down -13.5 ticks at a 1-week low on continuation of weakness seen late yesterday after comments from Fed Chair Yellen bolstered the prospects for more Fed rate hikes.
U.S. STOCK PREVIEW
Key U.S. news today includes: (1) weekly initial unemployment claims (expected +5,000 to 252,000, previous +10,000 to 247,000) and continuing claims (expected -12,000 to 2.075 million, previous -29,000 to 2.087 million), (2) Dec housing starts (expected +8.9% to 1.187 million, Nov 18.7% to 1.090 million), (3) Jan Philadelphia Fed business outlook index (expected -4.9 to 15.1, Dec +11.0 to 19.7), (4) Treasury auctions $13 billion of 10-year TIPS, (5) Fed Chair Janet Yellen speaks to the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, and (6) EIA Weekly Petroleum Status Report.
S&P 500 earnings reports today include: IBM (consensus $4.88), AMEX (0.99), Union Pacific (1.33), PPG Industries (1.18), BB&T (0.74), M&T Bank (2.04), JB Hunt (1.01), KeyCorp (0.29), Bank of NY Mellon (0.77), People's United Financial (0.24), Schlumberger (0.26), Skyworks Solutions (1.58).
U.S. IPO's scheduled to price today: Keane Group (FRAC).
Equity conferences: ACI Future of Polyolefins Summit on Thu.
OVERNIGHT U.S. STOCK MOVERS
Exxon Mobile (XOM -1.24%) was downgraded to 'Sell' from 'Neutral' at UBS with a price target of $77.
Netflx (NFLX +0.28%) jumped over 7% in pre-market trading after it reported 1.93 million net streaming adds, higher than consensus of 1.45 million, and said it added 5.12 million new customers in international markets, above consensus of 3.78 million.
Under Armour (UAA -2.62%) was rated a new 'Buy' at CLSA with a price target of $37.
CSX Corp. (CSX -3.18%) rallied 8% in after-hours trading after the WSJ reported that outgoing CEO Hunter Harrison and activist investor Paul Hilal are finalizing a partnership and are set to target CSX.
Kinder Morgan (KMI -0.49%) fell over 2% in after-hours trading after it reported Q4 revenue of $3.39 billion, below consensus of $3.53 billion.
Mondelex International (MDLZ +0.29%) rose nearly 3% in after-hours trading after Bega Cheese agreed to buy Mondelez's Australian grocery business for A$460 million.
Canadian Pacific Railway (CP -0.45%) lost 1% in after-hours trading after the company accelerated the retirement of CEO Hunter Harrison by about 6 months after he inquired about the possibility of working with other major freight railroads.
Rent-A-Center (RCII +1.39%) tumbled over 12% in after-hours trading after it said preliminary Q4 core comparable sales tumbled 14% and that it will have a Q4 loss per share of -20 cents to -30 cents, much weaker than consensus for EPS of 10 cents.
Zynerba Pharmaceuticals (ZYNE +15.18%) declined nearly 7% in after-hours trading after it announced a proposed public offering of common stock.
Oclaro (OCLR -0.61%) jumped nearly 8% in after-hours trading after it reported preliminary Q2 revenue of $153.5 million-$154 million, better than consensus of $150.5 million.
PTC Inc. (PTC +0.04%) rose over 1% in after-hours trading after it reported Q1 adjusted revenue of $287.2 million, above consensus of $285.6 million.
Heron Therapeutics (HRTX -0.39%) dropped over 3% in after-hours trading after it proposed a $150 million public offering of common stock.
La Quinta Holdings (LQ +1.40%) gained almost 2% in after-hours trading after it said it will pursue plans to separate into two stand-alone publicly traded companies which could involve a spinoff of its real estate assets.
Plexus (PLXS +0.58%) slid over 2% in after-hours trading after it said it sees Q2 revenue of $620 million-$650 million, below consensus of $658.7 million.
EP Energy (EPE -2.79%) dropped nearly 4% in after-hours trading after it was downgraded to 'Sell' from 'Neutral' at UBS.
MARKET COMMENTS
Mar E-mini S&Ps (ESH17 -0.08%) this morning are down -1.75 points (-0.08%). Wednesday's closes: S&P 500 +0.18%, Dow Jones -0.11%, Nasdaq +0.22%. The S&P 500 on Wednesday closed higher on comments from Dallas Fed President Kaplan (voter) who said he's "pretty optimistic" about the 2017 economic outlook. Stocks were also boosted by the +0.8% increase in U.S. Dec industrial production, stronger than expectations of +0.6% and the biggest increase in 2 years. Stocks were undercut by the -2 point decline in the U.S. Jan NAHB housing market index to 67 (weaker than expectations for a decline to 69) and by the +0.2% increase in U.S. Dec manufacturing production (weaker than expectations of +0.4%).
Mar 10-year T-notes (ZNH17 -0.34%) this morning are down -13.5 ticks at a 1-week low. Wednesday's closes: TYH7 -16.50, FVH7 -9.50. Mar 10-year T-notes on Wednesday closed lower on increased inflation expectations that bolster the case for tighter Fed policy after the 10-year T-note breakeven inflation rate rose to a 2-1/3 year high. T-notes were also undercut by comments from Dallas Fed President Kaplan who said that stronger growth and structural reforms "would allow the Fed to more quickly normalize interest rates."
The dollar index (DXY00 +0.15%) this morning is up +0.18 (+0.18%). EUR/USD (^EURUSD) is up +0.0034 (+0.32%). USD/JPY (^USDJPY) is down -0.07 (-0.06%). Wednesday's closes: Dollar index +0.98 (+0.98%), EUR/USD -0.0083 (-0.77%), USD/JPY +2.02 (+1.8%). The dollar index on Wednesday closed higher on comments from Dallas Fed President Kaplan who said he's "pretty optimistic" about the 2017 economic outlook and on comments from Fed Chair Yellen who said the U.S. economy is "close" to the Fed's objectives of full employment and stable prices.
Mar WTI crude oil prices (CLH17 +1.21%) this morning are up +36 cents (+0.69%) and Mar gasoline (RBH17 +0.61%) is +0.0034 (+0.22%). Wednesday's closes: Mar crude -1.37 (-2.57%), Mar gasoline -0.0454 (-2.79%). Mar crude oil and gasoline on Wednesday closed lower with Mar gasoline at a 1-week low. Crude oil prices were undercut by the stronger dollar and by comments from IEA Director Fatih Birol who said that the recent rally in oil prices will trigger a "significant" increase in U.S. shale-oil output.
GLOBAL EVENT CALENDAR01/19/2017
Thursday, Jan 19
US0830 ETWeekly initial unemployment claims expected +5,000 to 252,000, previous +10,000 to 247,000. Weekly continuing claims expected -12,000 to 2.075 million, previous -29,000 to 2.087 million.
0830 ETDec housing starts expected +8.9% to 1.187 million, Nov 18.7% to 1.090 million. Dec building permits expected +1.1% to 1.225 million, Nov -3.8% to 1.212 million.
0830 ETJan Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey expected -4.9 to 15.1, Dec +11.0 to 19.7.
1100 ETEIA Weekly Petroleum Status Report.
1100 ETTreasury announces amount of 2-year T-notes (previous $26 billion), 2-year floating-rate notes (previous $13 billion), 5-year T-notes (previous $34 billion) and 7-year T-notes (previous $28 billion) to be auctioned Jan 24-26.
1300 ETTreasury auctions $13 billion of 10-year TIPS.
2000 ETFed Chair Janet Yellen speaks to the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research.
Friday, Jan 20
US0830 ETUSDA weekly Export Sales.
0900 ETPhiladelphia Fed President Patrick Harker (voter) speaks on the economic outlook at an event in New Jersey.
n/aPresident-elect Trumps swearing in ceremony begins.
1300 ETSan Francisco Fed President John Williams (non-voter) delivers closing remarks at the Bay Area Council meeting.
1545 ETSan Francisco Fed President John Williams (non-voter) speaks at the Solano Economic Development Corporations Annual Luncheon meeting.
U.S. STOCK CALENDAR01/19/2017

CompanyTickerTimeEvent DescriptionPeriodEstimate
PPG Industries IncPPG USBef-mktQ4 2016 Earnings ReleaseQ4 20161.182
BB&T CorpBBT USBef-mktQ4 2016 Earnings ReleaseQ4 20160.739
M&T Bank CorpMTB USBef-mktQ4 2016 Earnings ReleaseQ4 20162.036
JB Hunt Transport Services IncJBHT USBef-mktQ4 2016 Earnings ReleaseQ4 20161.01
KeyCorpKEY USBef-mktQ4 2016 Earnings ReleaseQ4 20160.29
Bank of New York Mellon Corp/TheBK US6:30Q4 2016 Earnings ReleaseQ4 20160.772
Union Pacific CorpUNP US7:00Q4 2016 Earnings ReleaseQ4 20161.329
Skyworks Solutions IncSWKS USAft-mktQ1 2017 Earnings ReleaseQ1 20171.582
DR Horton IncDHI USAnnual General Meeting