Here are 4 tips for today's trading. This will help you decide where you should invest and what to look for:
1. Stock market overview
1. Stock market overview
Wall Street traders seem to be reluctant to return to their desks on Monday.
U.S. stock futures are looking soft, even as other global markets rally.
European markets are jumping in early trading, while Asian markets all ended the day with gains.
2. U.S. dollar is on the rise
2. U.S. dollar is on the rise
The U.S. dollar edged higher against its major counterparts in cautious trade on Monday, with investors reluctant to make major moves before the Bank of Japan wraps up its two-day policy meeting Tuesday, followed by the Federal Reserve’s policy decision Wednesday.
3. Commodities overview
3. Commodities overview
Oil and natural gas prices are slipping on Monday. Crude oil futures are declining by 2% to trade just below $38 per barrel.
Iran said at the weekend it wouldn't participate in an OPEC production freeze until it is pumping four million barrels per day. That's 700,000 barrels per day more than it said it produced in January.
Despite the dip, crude is still significantly above a February low when oil was trading around $26 per barrel. Market sentiment could shift again when OPEC releases its latest monthly oil report.
4. Friday market recap
4. Friday market recap
The Dow Jones industrial average added 218 points on Friday, ending the day 1.3% higher. The S&P 500 was up 1.6% and the Nasdaq grew 1.9%.
This was the fourth consecutive week of gains for the Dow after a period of punishing volatility earlier in the year.
