Dow Jones Industrial Average Breaks North

"Intraday volatility" has been the name of the game of late, and today is no exception. After trading on both sides of breakeven to start the session, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) made a decisive move higher at midday. Traders are digesting a slight uptick in weekly jobless claims -- which remain near 15-year lows -- ahead of tomorrow's closely watched nonfarm payrolls report, and are keeping a close eye on bond yields and cooling crude.

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

• The big news at Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA).
• While this popular app maker is cutting costs -- much to the Street's delight -- this java giant cut guidance.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with notable option activity is Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc (NYSE:LL). After initially dipping out of the gate, the shares have reversed to trade 4.3% higher at $28.41, amid reports the company is pulling its China-made laminate flooring. LL calls are crossing at four times the average intraday rate, with buy-to-open action spotted at the weekly 5/8 30-strike call. LL hasn't closed north of $30 since news of a management shake-up and federal charges hit the wires late last month.

The top gainer on the Nasdaq is biofuel concern Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ:GEVO), which has more than doubled amid sky-high volume, after securing a renewable jet-fuel partnership with Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK). At last check, GEVO was up 122.5% at $5.50, and is on pace to end the week comfortably north of its 20-week moving average -- a trendline that's served as resistance since late 2013.
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One of the top losers on the Nasdaq -- and the top percentage decliner on the S&P 500 Index (SPX) -- is Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:WFM). The shares are down 10.6% at $42.65 -- and are poised to close south of their 200-day moving average for the first time since an early November bull gap -- after the firm unveiled lackluster same-store sales and plans for a new discount chain.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.1 point, or 0.7%, to challenge its 200-day moving average -- a trendline not defeated in more than a month. 

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.93, with puts nearly doubling calls. At last check, SPY was 0.4 point, or 0.2%, higher at $208.44.