Netflix Stock Surge Sparks Broad-Market Tailwinds

The three major U.S. benchmarks are set for their highest closes in almost a month

Josh Selway

Apr 17, 2018 at 11:58 AM

Stocks are extending their gains at midday thanks to an upbeat round of corporate earnings -- led by a huge rally in Netflix (NFLX) shares -- and stronger-than-expected March housing starts and industrial production. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is trading up more than 250 points, and is on pace for its highest settlement in about a month -- as are the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC). Amid the risk-on backdrop, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) is falling, with the "fear gauge" set for a sixth straight loss.

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

Founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer issues a word of caution to the bulls that have gone all-in on this energy ETF.
2 reasons Roku stock is rallying today.
Plus, speculators swarm WATT stock; a soaring gene-editing stock; and why GW Pharmaceuticals is jumping higher.

midday market stats april 17

One name seeing unusual options activity is Energous Corp (NASDAQ:WATT), with calls and puts both trading well above the expected pace. The April 20 call and put are the two most popular options, as traders take sides before front-month expiration this Friday. The April 25 call could also be seeing buy-to-open activity, which would indicate expectations that shares of the wireless charging specialist will rally above $25 this week. The stock's most recent rally attempt stalled out just below the $24 mark, with the shares last seen trading down 0.9% at $19.81.

One of the top performers on the Nasdaq is agricultural gene-editing specialist Calyxt Inc (NASDAQ:CLXT), after Jefferies said the market is underpricing the value of the company's existing pipeline. CLXT stock was last seen trading up 20.4% at $17.31, taking out the 20-day moving average and the $16 level. This latter price point is half the security's all-time high near $32 from October.

calyxt stock price april 17

Another major Nasdaq winner is GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ:GWPH), last seen trading up 10.5% at $133.29, thanks to news of a positive Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review of the company's cannabis-based epilepsy treatment. The move has GWPH stock on pace for its highest close since a weak quarterly results sent the shares spiraling back in February. However, it's worth noting the equity has stalled out several times in recent years in the $130-$140 area.

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