Markets posted their fifth straight session of gains Thursday, bouncing back from a deep sell-off that sent the Dow into a correction. Jurrien Timmer, Director of Global Macro at Fidelity, breaks down why there has been such choppy trading in the markets.
Timmer says the two years leading up to the correction were unusually quiet due to the markets firing on all cylinders. Last August was a pivotal moment for markets because the chances of corporate tax cuts spiked. Timmer says another factor was the bond market because it was way too complacent about the possibility of rate hikes.
The VIX index, which serves as a "fear gauge" in markets, spiked in recent weeks. Timmer places the blame on hedge funds and traders who were short volatility. He added that the fundamentals of the economy are still relatively constructive and volatility will settle back down.
Poised to raise interest rates Wednesday for a 10th time, Federal Reserve officials are facing two competing economic trends that could make their future rate decisions more difficult and treacherous.
U.S. job openings fell in March to the lowest level in nearly two years, a sign that the American labor market is cooling in the face of higher interest rates.
Cheddar News' Courtney Sturgeon reports from the Cboe floor with Russell Rhoads, Associate Clinical Professor at Kelley School of Business to break down why option traders should pay close attention to the FOMC meeting on Wednesday and monthly payrolls being released on Friday.