The DJIA is modestly higher and testing its footing above the 17,000 level, while crude oil enjoys a big bounce
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) was up by nearly 81 points at its intraday peak thanks to higher oil prices, but has pared some gains ahead of tomorrow's European Central Bank (ECB) policy decision. While the Dow attempts to solidify its footing above 17,000, April-dated crude futures remain higher, up 4.1% at $37.98 per barrel after today's inventory report showed a big drop in gasoline stockpiles. As a result, energy stocks are heating up, bouncing back from yesterday's drubbing.
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Among today's stocks with unusual put volume is
Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc (NYSE:LL), with the contracts trading at triple the expected intraday rate. Most active is the stock's out-of-the-money March 10 put, which is seeing possible buy-to-open activity. While LL shot higher out of the gate after the company
disputed Whitney Tilson's bearish remarks, the shares are now up just fractionally at $11.85 -- and remain short-sale restricted after Tuesday's big sell-off.
One of the notable gainers on the Nasdaq is cybersecurity firm FireEye Inc (NASDAQ:FEYE), up 2.6% at $18.30. Boosting the stock is a round of upbeat brokerage attention, on the heels of the company's full-year guidance hike. Notably, FEYE has muscled atop its 80-day moving average, which served as support on numerous occasions last year.
Zagg Inc (NASDAQ:ZAGG) is one of the worst performers on the Nasdaq, diving 13.8% to $9.03. Today's gap lower was prompted by the ZAGG's disappointing quarterly earnings.
The
CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is off 0.08 point, or 0.4%, at 18.59.
Today's put/call volume ratio on the
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.90, with puts nearly doubling calls. At last check, SPY was up 1.1 points, or 0.5%, at $199.47.