Stocks Push Higher as S&P, Nasdaq Eye Fourth Straight Win

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is higher at midday after President Donald Trump indicated he could be flexible with the U.S.-China trade deal deadline. Adding to the bullish buzz are news Chinese President Xi Jinping will participate in trade negotiations with U.S. delegates later this week. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are up, too, looking to lock in their fourth straight gain.

Investors are also digesting the latest inflation data, which showed the consumer price index (CPI) flat in January and below analyst expectations. Meanwhile, oil prices continue to climb, with March-dated crude futures up 2.4% at $54.36 per barrel, at last check. 

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

• This semiconductor stock is Jefferies' top small-cap pick.
• The rumors Activision Blizzard just confirmed.
• Plus, Marathon Oil options pop before earnings; weak guidance sinks Twilio; and DISH extends pullback after earnings miss. 

There's notable options activity surrounding energy stock Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE:MRO). Almost 22,000 options have changed hands, six times the average intraday volume and pacing in the 99th percentile of its annual range. Most of that action is centered at the March 16 call and March 15 put, where Trade-Alert eyes a possible risk-reversal. MRO is up 2.4% to trade at $15.82 ahead of tonight's earnings event.

Twilio Inc (NYSE:TWLO) is down 5% to trade at $109.63, one of the worst stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), after the company's first-quarter and full-year profit forecasts came in below estimates. Fourth-quarter earnings arrived in line, while revenue topped expectations, Four brokerages have issued price-target hikes, though, including Monnes, Crespi, Hardt to $150. TWLO, which has received bull notes all week, nabbed a record high of $119 on Monday and has found support at its 20-day moving average.

Near the bottom of the S&P 500 sits DISH Network Corp (NASDAQ:DISH), down 5.2% to trade at $29.63. The broadcasting name reported a fourth-quarter earnings miss, and a larger-than-expected drop in pay-TV subscribers. Despite still boasting a nearly 20% year-to-date lead, DISH today is on track to close below its 20-day moving average for the first time since Jan. 3, and last month flashed a bearish signal.