Dow Jones Industrial Average Comfortably Higher Amid Rate-Hike Hype

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) has pared its gains -- but is still enjoying a triple-digit lead -- as Wall Street deciphers ongoing rate-hike speculation. On the heels of the central bank's decision last week -- which pushed the Dow back in correction territory -- St. Louis Fed President James Bullard was among those voicing support for a rate hike this year. What's more, Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart will be speaking later today, kicking off a week chock-full of central bank speeches. Elsewhere, Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS) reiterated expectations for the S&P 500 Index (SPX) to climb back atop 2,100 by the end of the year, and the Street is apparently shrugging off a drop in existing home sales last month.

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

 

• The alarming prediction that has GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO) in free fall -- again. 
• Is it statistically safer to buy stocks mid-week? Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner crunches the numbers.
• 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 call activity is cybersecurity issue Cyberark Software Ltd (NASDAQ:CYBR). The contracts are crossing at four times the pace expected for this time of day. However, activity on some of the more popular strikes appears to be of the sell-to-open variety, suggesting some traders are betting on a short-term ceiling. CYBR is 6.9% higher today at $50.95, thanks to some bullish attention from the Street. 

 

One of the leading gainers on the Nasdaq is Atmel Corporation (NASDAQ:ATML), on news the company is being purchased by Dialog Semiconductors for $4.6 billion. The microcontroller producer has now jumped 14.2% to $8.30. 

Another winner today is Pandora Media Inc (NYSE:P), which is near the top of the Big Board. Shares of the music streamer are 4.7% higher at $20.63 -- and earlier hit a new year-to-date high -- after being halted twice ahead of a favorable copyright ruling.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is 1.2%, or 5.4 points, lower, but found support right above the 20 level earlier today. 

 

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.81, with puts nearly doubling calls. SPY was last seen 2.1 points, or 1.1%, higher, at $197.51.