Stocks Set to Fall Despite More Strong Jobs Numbers

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are signaling a pullback for stocks, trading well below fair value despite more upbeat jobs data. Weekly jobless claims fell to a nearly 49-year low, with unemployment claims coming in at 207,000, compared to estimates of 213,000. What's more, this bodes well for tomorrow's closely watched nonfarm payrolls report. Still, rising Treasury yields and hawkish comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell could keep pressure on U.S. markets today, with the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 (NDX) both set for lower opens, as well, while the Dow could snap its daily win streak. 

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

• The bankruptcy buzz moving mattress stocks.
• Behind the heavy options activity on Alcoa.
• 2 big investments that lifted GM shares.
• Plus, bombshell report puts tech giants in focus; yet another big Snap bear call; and strong earnings from Constellation Brands.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.03 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 577,107 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved up to 0.56, and the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.59.
2. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) are in focus this morning, following an extensive report from Bloomberg saying the companies were two of dozens of firms that fell victim to an elaborate hardware hack by Chinese spies. Both Apple and Amazon have disputed the report, but shares of AAPL and AMZN are still set for lower opens.
3. Snap Inc (NYSE:SNAP) could again be trading at new lows today, following another round of bearish analyst attention. Evercore ISI and Citi both cut their price targets to $7, with both firms maintaining their "sell" ratings on SNAP. The shares are down almost 4% in pre-market trading, putting them on pace to fall below their Oct. 2 low of $8.01.
4. Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) just delivered a strong quarterly update, beating earnings and revenue estimates, while raising its 2019 outlook. STZ shares are eyeing a 4% pop at the open -- likely good news for recent options traders.

5. Today features a speech from Fed Vice Chairman Randal Quarles in the morning. Factory orders and the Fed's balance sheet are due for release. For corporate earnings, Costco Wholesale (COST) will report.

Asian Stock Market Hit By Rising Bond Yields

Stocks in Asia suffered steep losses today on the back of surging U.S. Treasury yields. Japan's Nikkei finished 0.6% lower, even as Toyota and Softbank gained on news the two firms will be joining forces. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Heng Seng fell 1.7%, and South Korea's Kospi suffered a 1.5% loss on speculation the Bank of Korea could raise interest rates this month. Markets in China remained closed for holiday.

European markets are trading mixed at midday. Among notable movers is Denmark's Danske Bank, which is trading down after the U.S. Department of Justice said it will investigate the firm regarding a possible money laundering scandal. London's FTSE is down 0.8%, France's CAC 40 is 0.9% lower, and Germany's DAX is clinging to a 0.2% gain, at last check.