Retail Strength Helps Dow Recover

The Dow managed to gain today, recovering slightly from yesterday's massive sell-off. Walmart's (WMT) strong earnings report fueled the index's rise early on, and positive economic data -- including upbeat retail sales -- also piqued buyers' interest. At the same time, sharp losses from names like Cisco Systems (CSCO) and General Electric (GE) stocks capped the upside for the S&P 500 -- and kept the Nasdaq lower -- while trade tensions and a continued slide in Treasury yields also kept traders slightly on edge.

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

• The pot stock predicted to drop 90%.
• How SPY straddle traders racked up big gains.
• Wall Street bets on 2-year lows for this blue chip.
• Plus, a software stock gives up a key level; Netflix's hedge fund buzz; and an analyst says to buy Pinterest.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,578.98) added 99.6 points, or 0.4%, overcoming an earlier dip into negative territory. Of the Dow's 30 components, 19 finished higher, led by the 6.1% surge in Walmart shares. The biggest loser was Cisco Systems, down 8.6% at the close.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,847.60) managed to add 7 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,766.62) sat out today's gains, losing 7.3 points, or 0.1%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 21.18) gave back 0.9 point, or 4.2%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. New data from Canalys shows that the wearables market in North America topped $2 billion in the second quarter, growing 38% from a year before. The numbers reveal steady growth in the space, led by Apple (AAPL) and Samsung. (TechCrunch)
2. The European Central Bank (ECB) had to shut down one of its websites after a hacker gained access. Malicious software was planted on the site, though no market-sensitive information was compromised. (Reuters)
3. M&A reports sent tjos software stock through chart support.
4. The hedge fund news that put Netflix in focus. 
5. Why one analyst says to buy Pinterest.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Prices Hit Again

Oil prices were again under pressure due to global economic fears. By the close, September crude futures were down 76 cents, or 1.4%, at $54.47 per barrel.

Gold prices managed to rise today, though the renewed interest in equities capped the metal's upside. December gold futures finished up $3.40, or 0.2%, at $1,531.20 an ounce.