Overseas Trading
Stocks in Asia ended lower today, giving back Monday's Spain-inspired gains. Traders took their cues from a nasty session on Wall Street, with energy stocks among the top laggards as oil futures continued their swoon. By the close, Japan's Nikkei slipped 1%, China's Shanghai Composite and South Korea's Kospi shed 0.7% apiece, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng declined 0.4%.
European equities are mixed at midday, though rising bond yields for Italy and Spain are keeping the bulls in check. Defensive names are pacing the regional advance, with food and drug companies leading the way into the black. At last check, the French CAC 40 is up 0.3%, London's FTSE 100 has tacked on 0.1%, and the German DAX is down 0.1%.
Unusual Put and Call Activity:
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Mid-Caps Nearing a Triple of March 2009 Lows