Friday, September 18, 2009

Market Notes - September 18, 2009

U.S. stock futures ticked slightly higher, indicating a positive start when trading begins. For the month of September so far, the Dow is up more than 3%, the S&P 500 is up 4.4% and the Nasdaq is up 5.9%. Both the S&P and the Nasdaq are on pace for their seventh consecutive monthly gains.

There is no major economic data being released today. Trading could see additional volatility as today marks the expiration of four contracts. Stock index futures, stock index options, stock options, and single stock futures all expire today. This is known as “quadruple witching”, which happens once a quarter and usually leads to additional trading activity.