The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is higher at midday, as markets attempt to rebound from a three-day losing streak. However, the Dow is well off its intraday highs, and the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (COMP) briefly turned negative, amid re-emerging concerns about North Korea. Meanwhile, traders are digesting a surprise drop in new home sales, which fell to an eight-month low in August, as well as a dip in consumer confidence in September. Elsewhere, Wall Street is awaiting an afternoon speech from Fed Chair Janet Yellen, which could provide more clues about a possible December rate hike.
Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:
- The currency signal you don't want to miss, courtesy of founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer.
- The biotech stock down 75%.
- Plus, pre-earnings options activity on Nike; Carnival stock rallies; and CF Industries stock takes a breather.
Among the stocks with unusual options volume is athletic apparel powerhouse Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE), with 40,000 options traded – on pace for the 95th percentile of its annual range, and three times the average intraday volume. NKE's most popular option is the weekly 9/29 56-strike call, with over 4,000 contracts traded ahead of earnings tonight. The athletic stock was last seen 0.01% lower at $53.22, and is staring up at its 50-week moving average, which has stifled rebound attempts since a mid-August bear gap.
Carnival Corp (NYSE:CCL) is among the best on the S&P 500 Index today, up 2.6% to trade at $65.19 after reporting earnings that beat Wall Street estimates. In addition, the cruise company upped its full-year guidance. However, the shares are still staring up at their 40-day moving average, which ushered CCL stock higher until recent headwinds brought on by Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) is among the worst performers on the SPX today, down 3.6% to trade at $34.60. The fertilizer stock is pulling back after breaking into the $36 area for the first time since February. CF stock has tacked on 52% year-over-year, and is finding support atop its 10-day moving average.