This morning, the highly followed Consumer Price Index(CPI) was released by the Labor Department. The CPI increased by 0.4 percent in January. The Core CPI, which excludes food and energy increased by just 0.2 percent. Weekly U.S. jobless claims increased by 25,000 to 410,000. The one month weekly jobless claims average is now 417,000. The bottom line is that the S&P 500 Index e-mini futures(ES H1) are lower by 1.25 to 1331.75. In other words, the reaction by the stock market was very minimal and that is really all that matters when it comes to trading.

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.(NYSE:CLF) is the major winning stock this morning. The stock is trading higher by more than 10.0 percent in the pre-market. The leading iron ore pellet company reported earnings after the closing bell last night that were better than expected and the market is reacting positive to the news. 

The Asian markets finished slightly higher last night continuing their winning ways over the past week. When the Asian market trade higher that will usually favor higher commodity prices. Therefore, the leading commodity stocks such as Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.(NYSE:FCX), and Southern Copper Corp.(NYSE:SCCO) could be in play today.

Traders and investors should remember that tomorrow is options expiration. The trading days leading up option expiration can be very volatile as the major institutions that can move markets will play a lot of games. Just look at the past three trading days this week and you will see how volatile the market has been. 

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InTheMoneyStocks.com