Dow Jones Industrial Average Moving Today Ahead Of Fed Minutes Release

For Nov. 18, 2015, here are your stock market futures, earnings reports, top stock market news, and stocks to watch…

Stock Futures Today

Futures for today (Wednesday) were up 17 points as investors focus on the 2 p.m. release of the minutes from the October Fed Open Market Committee meeting. In addition, retail earnings reports will lead a busy day of company quarterly updates.

On Tuesday, the Dow (DIA) gained only six points after a bomb threat in Germany canceled an international soccer match and renewed concerns of terror attacks across Europe. A German official said a bomb attack had been planned in Hanover, where the match was scheduled. The news offset positive earnings reports from retailers.

Top News in the Stock Market Today

The stock market: Investors should keep an eye on weekly crude inventories, which will likely affect oil prices in the wake of geopolitical uncertainty generated by French and U.S. airstrikes in Syria. In addition, investors will want to digest a report on monthly sales and two speeches by members of the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Fed Focus: Yesterday’s Consumer Price Index report suggested that inflation increased by 0.2% in October. The news suggests that the U.S. Federal Reserve is more likely to raise interest rates in December. Today, investors will parse through the minutes of last month’s FOMC meeting to seek insight on the Fed’s take on monetary policy; however, given recent geopolitical concerns across Europe and the United States, is the Fed going to change its rate hike forecast?

Oil Outlook: This morning, oil prices were on the rise as traders anticipate a week-over-week decline in U.S. inventory levels. December WTI oil prices added 1.7% to hit $41.36 per barrel, while Brent oil prices gained 2.1% to hit $44.50.

Earnings Outlook: LOW, TGT, SINA, CRM, GMCR, NTAP, LB, SPLS, ARMK