Dow Up 133 Points as Tech, Nasdaq Churn

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is up 133 points this afternoon, as investors unpack a consumer price index (CPI) reading for October that met analysts' estimates. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) is slightly above breakeven at last check, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) is sporting midday losses amid tech sector profit taking. Elsewhere, the dollar index hit its highest level since April, while Wall Street's "fear gauge," the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) is heading for its lowest close since July 29.

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

• 2 EV stocks making headlines today.
• Analyst: Starbucks stock is a "sell."
• Plus, RKLB takes off; lithium stock leads the SPX; and SMCI extends losses.

Space exploration stock Rocket Lab USA Inc (NASDAQ:RKLB) in seeing unusual options activity today, with 187,000 calls and 43,000 puts exchanged so far, which is 16 times the volume typically seen at this point. The most popular contract is the November 20 call, where positions are being opened. RKLB is up 49.1% to trade at a record high of $21.85 at last check, after the company posted smaller than-expected losses for its third quarter and a revenue win, thanks to its Electron rocket program. Plus, Rocket Lab USA issued an upbeat fiscal fourth-quarter forecast. Pacing for its best day ever, the stock now sports a 277% year-to-date lead.

Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) is leading the SPX today as well as the lithium sector, after rival Liontown Resources cut its production forecast for its Kathleen Valley project. The shares were last seen up 6.1% at $109.09 at last check, on track for their fourth gain in the last five sessions. ALB still carries a 24.4% year-to-date deficit, but added 49.8% in the last three months.