Apple and 26% of the S&P 500 Report Earnings in the Week Ahead

Market volatility is back for October trade, driven by the wild swings in oil and energy stocks, Ebola headlines and major moves in just about every asset class. TheStreet’s Jill Malandrino reminds investors that some volatility in the markets is a good thing as up and down days are what make longer-term averages and opportunities for fundamental investors, and we saw that this week as Friday’s trade was one of the best days for the market in all of 2014. Traders will be focused on earnings for the week ahead as 26% of the S&P 500 companies report results including Apple, Microsoft and McDonald’s. Housing data will also be key as related stocks are trading at highs, as well as Ebola headlines and President Obama’s and Washington’s response to containment and treatment. Energy participation contributes to the strength in the markets as 10% of the S&P 500 are oil and gas stocks, so traders will once again hone in on what happens with oil price levels and the supply situation.