Dow Jones Industrial Average Bounces; Nasdaq Retreats as Trump Targets Drug Companies

3 Drug Stocks at Crucial Levels

Josh Selway

Jan 11, 2017 at 12:13 PM

After taking a brief trek into negative territory as President-elect Donald Trump's press conference got underway, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) has since resumed its path higher -- after earlier coming within 27 points of the 20,000 mark. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) was within a chip-shot of notching another record high, but after Trump suggested drug companies are "getting away with murder," the benchmark -- and the iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index ETF (IBB) -- retreated into the red. The currency market is reacting to Trump right along with stocks, with the Mexican peso falling to a record low against the U.S. dollar amid the news conference.

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

Analyst: "Now is the time to accumulate" Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) shares.
3 drug stocks sitting near crucial levels.
Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.
Plus... Workday halted, the rallying cybersecurity stock, and another big move from Signal Genetics.

Midday Market Stats Jan 11

Among the stocks with unusual options volume is HR specialist Workday Inc (NYSE:WDAY), which -- despite being halted for news pending -- was last seen up 8.6% at $80.72. Total volume is crossing at 13 times the intraday norm, and is on track to settle in the 99th annual percentile. The March 80 put is the most popular overall, with the March 72.50 put close behind.

Looking at the top gainers on the Big Board, Barracuda Networks Inc (NYSE:CUDA) is extending Tuesday's post-earnings rally. The cybersecurity stock was last seen 5.7% higher at $25.38, getting help from a price-target increase to $21 from $20 at Imperial Capital. CUDA now sports a year-over-year lead of roughly 142%.

Daily Chart of CUDA Jan 11

Among the worst performers on the Nasdaq is diagnostics specialist Signal Genetics Inc (NASDAQ:SGNL), just a day after the stock exploded higher on M&A speculation. At last check, SGNL was off 28% at $12.55, but is still well above its 2016 close at $5.01.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.2 point, or 1.4%, at 11.65.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.91, with puts nearly doubling calls. The SPY was last seen up 0.3 point, or 0.1%, at $226.75.

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