Does Your Portfolio Need More Protection In This Volatile Market?
Markets: All 4 indexes had gains again in this shortened week, with the Russell 2000 up 2.35% – once again, small caps advanced more than larger firms. All 4 indexes hit highs together for the 1st time since 1999.
Dividend Stocks Update: These high dividend stocks go ex-dividend this coming week: Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners LP (NYSE:BEP), Chatham Lodging Trust REIT (NYSE:CLDT), Exelon Corp (NYSE:EXC) Unit (NYSE:EXCU).
Volatility: The VIX fell 4% this week, finishing at $12.34.
Currency: The dollar rose vs. the yen, Swiss franc, and the loonie, but fell vs. the Aussie, NZD, and the British pound.
Market Breadth: 23 of the DOW 30 stocks rose this week, vs. 13 last week. 76% of the S&P 500 rose this week, vs. 68% last week.
US Economic News: Existing Home Sales surprised to the upside, hitting 5.38M. Durable Goods Orders and Consumer Sentiment also beat expectations. 30-year mortgage rates rose above 4%.
Week Ahead Highlights: OPEC meets on Nov. 30th, with crude oil's recent rise being pinned to hopes that oil ministers will hammer out a final production cut deal.
Next Week’s US Economic Reports: November’s Payrolls Report and Unemployment Rate comes out on Friday.
Sectors & Futures: Telecoms led, while HealthCare trailed.
Copper & natural gas led, while oats and coffee futures trailed: