Dow, Nasdaq Set for Worst Day in Weeks; VIX Pops

The DJIA is down triple digits, while the 'fear gauge' eyes its highest close since August

Emma Duncan

Managing Editor

Oct 25, 2017 at 12:12 PM

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), S&P 500 Index (SPX), and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are trading lower this afternoon, reeling from a batch of lackluster earnings. Of note, Boeing (BA) and Coca-Cola (KO) stocks are in the red after earnings, overshadowing a well-received report from fellow blue chip Visa (V), and setting the Dow up for its worst day since Sept. 5. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq is pacing for its worst session in a month, while the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) -- or the stock market's "fear gauge" -- is set for its highest close since Aug. 21.

Continue reading for more on today's market, including:

The 25 best stocks for November, if past is prologue.
The biotech stock that's tripled in 2017.
Plus, Chipotle's post-earnings options volume; USANA Health's earnings beat; and the healthcare stock at new lows.

Midday Market Stats October 25

Among the stocks with unusual options volume is restaurant chain Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG), with 79,000 options traded -- six times the average intraday norm, and on pace for the highest percentile of its annual range. The January 245 put is among the most popular, with over 2,800 contracts traded. At last check, CMG stock was down 15% at $276.85 -- and fresh off a four-year low of $275.72 -- after the company reported third-quarter earnings that missed estimates, continuing its trend of lower post-earnings moves.

Among the biggest gainers on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is health sciences concern USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NYSE:USNA). The shares of USNA are soaring after the company reported a third-quarter earnings beat. Shares of USNA were last seen up 10% at $68.45 -- a new year-to-date high.

One of the worst stocks on the Nasdaq today is healthcare company Acadia Healthcare Company Inc (NASDAQ:ACHC), with the shares gapping 25% lower to trade at $32.94, after the company reported weak third-quarter earnings and lowered its full-year forecast. ACHC stock is now in the red for 2017, and earlier touched a four-year low of $31.70.

Daily Chart of ACHC Since Jan 2017

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