Schaeffer's Top Stock Picks for '25

Energy Stocks Pressure Dow Jones Industrial Average

Is a VIX Conspiracy Afoot?

Oct 19, 2015 at 12:13 PM
facebook X logo linkedin


The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is modestly lower, as traders digest lackluster growth data out of China and a largely unimpressive round of earnings -- which are overshadowing an analyst-induced record high at blue chip Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE). Among other items in the Street's crosshairs, oil futures -- and Dow components Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) and Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) -- are lower after Chinese data exacerbated concerns about demand, while the NAHB housing market index jumped to its highest level in 10 years. Meanwhile, a rally in biotechs -- with a few notable exceptions -- has the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) comfortably higher. Looking ahead, blue chip International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) will report after the close.

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

 




151019mmc


Among the stocks with notable put activity is semiconductor firm Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD), with the contracts crossing at 10 times the average intraday rate. The stock is unchanged at $1.94, just a day after giving up ground on downbeat guidance. According to Trade-Alert, put sellers are initiating new positions at the January 2016 1.50 and 2 strikes, where blocks of 50,000 and 20,000 contracts, respectively, have changed hands.

The Big Board's top gainer is Weight Watchers International, Inc. (NYSE:WTW), after this media mogul took a 10% stake in the company. At last check, shares of the dieting specialist are nearly 90% higher at $12.86.

151019wtw



Among the biggest advancers on the Nasdaq is chipmaker PMC-Sierra Inc (NASDAQ:PMCS), up 13.8% at $11.65 -- and fresh off a nine-year high of $11.73. The stock is getting a lift from yet another buyout offer.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is off 0.1 point, or 0.9%, at 14.91.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 2.78, with puts nearly tripling calls. At last check, SPY is off 0.1% at $203.09.

 
 

You have the chance to join one of Bernie's most exclusive programs, complete access at HUGE savings!

As we prepare for a new administration to take the reins in Washington, the near-term market landscape is rife with uncertainty.

The Federal Reserve has already hinted at the turbulence ahead, lowering its interest rate outlook for 2025.

Meanwhile, breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and other transformative sectors have unlocked incredible profit potential.

But these opportunities are fleeting, and timing is everything. That's where Quick-Hit Trader comes in.

Quick-Hit Trader is designed for precision and speed, getting you in and out of the market in a flash. While other investors scramble to navigate volatile conditions, you'll have access to expertly curated trades that leverage these rapid shifts to deliver explosive profits in short order.

This is your chance to capitalize on the fast-moving market like never before. Are you ready to make your move?