The delayed jobs report did little to lift investor sentiment
Wall Street is once more selling off, this time over a concerning jobs report. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is down 215 points at last check, heading for a third-straight loss. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are also deep in the red, the former also eyeing a third-straight drop, while the tech heavy latter has slid below 23,000 and heads for a fourth-consecutive losing session.
Amidst renewed concerns about the health of the U.S. economy, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) is pacing for a third daily pop. Oil prices are also in focus today as Ukraine-Russia peace talks coalesce, with WTI January-dated crude futures last seen down 2.7% at $55.26 per barrel -- their lowest level since 2021.
- Streaming giant earns rare double upgrade.
- Auto stock shifts into high gear.
- Plus, LCID lulls call sellers; red-hot airliner upgraded; and oil stocks stumbling.
Lucid Group Inc (NASDAQ:LCID) stock is getting attention from options traders today, after Ford (F) said it will be adjusting its focus on EV manufacturing. At last look, over 107,000 calls have already changed hands today, volume that's 12 times the average intraday amount. Most of this attention is on the January 2026 2-strike call, where seller activity is detected. LCID is down 2% to trade at $11.64, a chip-shot from its Nov. 21 record low of $11.46. The EV stock is down 61% in 2025.
Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) is near the top of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, last seen up 2.9% to trade at $42.92, after the airliner was upgraded to "overweight" from "equal weight" at Barclays. The analyst in coverage also hiked its price target to $56 from $34, cited an improved commercial strategy. Southwest stock is heading for an 11th-straight win, and earlier hit a three-year high of $43.54. Year to date, LUV is now up 28%.
Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) stock is near the bottom of the NYSE, last seen down 4.9% to trade at $27.03. Oil stocks across the board are lower, succumbing to a combination of broad market pressures and crumbling crude prices. HAL is trying to hold its year-to-date breakeven level, but has now been turned away twice by the $30 level in 2025 and is headed for its worst daily performance since Oct. 10.
