Fiscal Cliff

Futures Rise on Chinese Strength, Stimulus Hopes U.S. equity futures rose slightly in early Monday trade following news out of China that Chinese authorities will now allow direct investment of foreigners in stocks, bonds, and other financial assets. The news is just another step in China's...

Selling the "at the money" (ATM) straddle in the S&P 500 ETF (NYSE: SPY) during the countdown to the fiscal cliff may have put some grey hair on the head of many a trader, but it put green in the pockets of those who did it. In that case, traders might have learned an important lesson: be...

Futures Lower on Debt Ceiling Fears U.S. equity futures traded slightly lower and European shares ticked down in early trade as investors feared the next upcoming cliff, that of the Debt Ceiling. Republicans look set to use the upcoming debate over increasing the debt ceiling to pass spending cuts...

This weekend in Barron's online: eight categories of low-risk income growth opportunities, what the fiscal cliff deal means for investors, and the prospects for Delta Air Lines and the BRIC countries. Cover Story "Income Winners" by Andrew Bary. There are still plenty of ways to earn up to six...

Futures Flat Ahead of Employment Report U.S. equity futures were flat in overnight trading ahead of the much anticipated employment report, the last for 2012, as hawkish Fed minutes made investors second guess the so-called QE Infinity program of the Fed. However, as the Fed now has its rate...

Futures Indicate Lower Open on Imminent Cliff U.S. equity futures were higher but the Futures-Fair Value was lower, indicating a lower open for Wall Street Monday. Late Friday, futures crashed as investors feared that politicians were heading into the weekend neither with a deal nor a framework...

With 2013 just around the corner and most traders already closed up for 2012, it's time to look ahead to 2013. Some of the key events and market drivers next year can be foreseen and some may be somewhat speculative, but in all 2013 looks set to be another whip saw year, filled with continued...

Futures Drop on Cliff Fears U.S. equity futures fell in early Friday trade as indications that leaders will return early were not enough to restore confidence that a deal can be reached to avoid the Fiscal Cliff. Now, it appears likely that a deal will be reached to push the tough decisions into...

Futures Flat on Debt Ceiling Fears U.S. equity futures were flat in early trading Thursday following a letter from Treasury Secretary Geithner to leaders stating that the debt ceiling would be breached on December 31 unless the Fiscal Cliff were to be avoided and the ceiling raised. Geithner has...

Futures Rise as Leaders Pledge to Resume Budget Talks U.S. equity futures rose slightly in thin overnight trade as President Obama pledged to resume talks over avoiding the Fiscal Cliff as soon as leaders returned to session after the Christmas break. Earlier this week, it seemed unlikely that any...

Futures Drop Fiscal Cliff Fears U.S. equity futures dropped in thin pre-market trade ahead of the half trading day as leaders failed to reach an agreement on the U.S. budget situation. It now appears likely that the U.S. will go over the Fiscal Cliff in some capacity but leaders still seem...

The last full week of December is likely to contain limited trading activity. Nearly all Western markets will be closed on Tuesday for the Christmas holiday, while many will be closed on Monday in observance of Christmas Eve. There will be trading in the U.S. early Monday morning, but markets...

Futures Sharply Lower on Failed Fiscal Cliff Deal U.S. equity futures traded sharply lower overnight as House leader Boehner failed to gain enough votes to pass his Plan B to avoid the Fiscal Cliff. It is now unlikely that an agreement will be reached before Christmas, meaning leaders will have...

Futures Flat on Fiscal Cliff Fears Despite Japanese Easing U.S. equity futures were nearly unchanged in early Thursday, trading on fears over the Fiscal Cliff as democratic leaders claim that the presentation of a Plan B by the republican caucus represents a significant setback in talks. It now...

Futures Rise on Cliff Deal, German Confidence U.S. equity futures rose slightly in pre-market trading as Congressional leaders appear closer to a deal to at least manage the fiscal cliff and mute some of the effects of the tax hikes and spending cuts. Now, it is true that many of measures do not...