Stock Futures Pare Losses After Surprising Inflation Data

There's been notable movement in U.S. stock futures this morning, with a surprising consumer price index (CPI) pulling futures off their lows. The closely watched inflation gauge came in weaker than expected for September, momentarily calming investor nerves about rising interest rates. While the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is still set to open lower -- and add to yesterday's dramatic sell-off -- this morning's inflation data significantly cut into the index's pre-market losses. In other economic news, weekly jobless claims came in slightly higher than expected, with 214,000 Americans filing for unemployment benefits, compared to forecasts of 206,000.

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

• Analysts: 2 healthcare stocks to snag now.
• 2 big put trades on Freeport-McMoRan and Intel.
• Short sellers could act as an upside catalyst for Discovery shares.
• Plus, Delta earnings impress; Walgreens dips after results; and FDA update gives Crispr a boost.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.13 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 838,732 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio jumped to 0.74, and the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.61.  
2. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) is set for a positive post-earnings reaction, gaining 3.3% in pre-market trading. The third-quarter report showed a top- and bottom-line beat, and the company gave a strong outlook for the current quarter, with CEO Ed Bastian noting expectations for expanded margins moving into the next year. DAL shares certainly need the boost, as they're on pace for a third straight weekly loss, yesterday notching their lowest close since early July -- going against historical seasonal trends.
3. Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ:WBA) is trading lower after earnings, set for a 4.9% decline at the open. Earnings-per-share were better than expected for the fiscal fourth quarter, but sales for the period were lower than anticipated. The losses would have WBA stock testing its 320-day moving average
4. Gene editing name Crispr Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP) is set to jump 14% at the open, thanks to news the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lifted its hold on the company's clinical trial for its sickle cell disease drug. CRSP shares have lost 64% since their May highs above $70, but some analysts remain bullish.
5. Today features weekly jobless claims and the weekly crude inventories report. The Treasury budget and Fed balance sheet will also be released. WBA is the only name on the earnings schedule.

Global Markets Join U.S. In Sell-Off

Asian stocks followed Wall Street's lead, drastically selling off. Losses across all sectors weighed heavy, though tech got hit particularly hard. In Japan, the Nikkei fell 3.9% as the yen strengthened, while South Korea's Kospi tanked 4.4%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended 3.5% lower, while China's Shanghai Composite fared the worst with its 5.2% drop -- marking its biggest one-day decline since February 2016.

European markets are not ducking the global sell-off, with all major indexes significantly lower at midday. The increasing concern over global economic growth and interest rates has Germany's DAX down 0.9%, France's CAC 40 off 1.4%, and London's FTSE 100 1.5% lower, at last check.