COMP Retakes 5K; Dow Jones Industrial Average Storms Higher

All three major indexes are comfortably in the black

Mar 20, 2015 at 11:43 AM
facebook twitter linkedin


U.S. stocks are making an end-of-week statement today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) adding over 100 points. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (COMP) are both well in the black also, with the latter reclaiming the significant 5,000 level and hitting a 15-year high. A lower dollar is helping the market -- as is speculation that Greece could unveil a new economic reform package -- with all three major indexes looking at strong weekly gains.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

Midday Market Stats

Among the stocks with notable put volume is Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON), with the contracts crossing at 14 times the normal intraday rate. It appears most of the activity can be attributed to a 10,000-contract block of the April 110 put, which was bought to open according to Trade-Alert. Shares of the agricultural concern were last seen 1.1% higher at $116.69.

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

Prothena Corporation PLC (NASDAQ:PRTA) is by far the biggest gainer on the Nasdaq today, after some positive developments from it Parkinson's drug, and a price-target hike at RBC. The drugmaker has added an astonishing 39% today to trade at $40.65.

Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:FOLD) is one of the biggest losers on the Nasdaq today, giving back some of yesterday's monstrous gains. The biotech concern was 6.1% lower at last check to trade at $11.71.

15-Minute Chart of FOLD since Wednesday

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) has lost 1.3 point, or 9.5%, at 12.74, its lowest point since early December.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.39, with puts outnumbering calls. SPY was last seen 1.6 point, or 0.8%, lower at $210.19.

 

Now is the time to join our thriving community of Event Traders who consistently profit from every earnings season. With this discounted subscription opportunity, you'll stay ahead of the curve and seize opportunities others miss. Do not let Q3 earnings season pass you by – subscribe now and supercharge your portfolio with expert insights that turn market reactions into profit-generating opportunities!! Don't waste another second... join us right now before the next trade targeting +200% is released!