The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) just can't be stopped, and today the 30-stock index topped out a record intraday peak of 17,969.11 -- and is on pace for a new all-time closing high -- as a strong jobs report boosts sentiment around the Street. Specifically, the Labor Department said 321,000 jobs were created last month -- the best month of hiring in nearly three years. Meanwhile, average hourly earnings for private-sector employees advanced by 2.1% year-over-year, in line with economists' estimate. This burst of buying power isn't relegated to blue chips, with the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (COMP) up a respective 4.8 and 16.7 points. What's more, both the DJI and the SPX are well on their way to notching a seventh consecutive weekly win.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

• The stock plunging into penny-stock territory amid bankruptcy news.
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• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with notable put volume is broadcasting issue Starz (NASDAQ:STRZA). The stock is up 3.7% at $28.79, after reports STRZA may be looking for alternatives to putting itself on the block was met with a bullish brokerage note. In the options pits, puts are trading at 31 times the average intraday pace, with possible buy-to-open activity detected at the equity's January 2015 30 strike.

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

One of the major Nasdaq advancers is retailer Francesca's Holdings Corp (NASDAQ:FRAN), which has surged 24.6% to $14.45, as reports of a new leader overshadow a price-target cut to $17 from $19 from Cowen and Company (although the brokerage firm reiterated its "outperform" rating). One group that's likely feeling the pain of today's bullish gap is short sellers. At present, 18.3% of the stock's float is sold short, and it would take nearly 10 sessions to cover all of these bearish bets, at average daily trading volumes.

Over on the Big Board, for-profit educator ITT Educational Services, Inc. (NYSE:ESI) is one of the biggest gainers. The stock has soared 19% to $8.90, following news of a $100 million financing agreement with Cerberus Business Finance. While the stock has enjoyed some big moves to the upside recently, ESI is still staring at a steep 73.5% year-to-date deficit. As such, it's no surprise to see sentiment tilted toward the bearish side. Among covering analysts, three-quarters maintain a "hold" or worse suggestion, while 59.2% of the security's float is sold short.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down 0.7 point, or 5.4%, at 11.71, and on pace for its lowest daily close since late August.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.65, with puts outstripping calls. SPY is up 0.5 point, or 0.2%, at $208.11.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is down after European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi said the central bank will delay the consideration of additional stimulus measures until next year. This overseas news is overshadowing an expected drop in initial jobless claims, which retreated back below the 300,000 level last week. While there's nothing left on the economic docket for this afternoon, Wall Street is eagerly awaiting tomorrow's nonfarm payrolls report and unemployment figures for November. At last check, the DJI was off 83 points, or 0.5%, while the S&P 500 Index (SPX) has given back 10.2 points, or 0.5% -- both pulling back from Wednesday's all-time highs.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

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• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with notable put volume is satellite radio issue Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:SIRI). The stock is off 1% to trade at $3.57, with puts crossing at 125 times the intraday norm. The majority of this volume is the result of a single speculator, who -- according to Trade-Alert -- sold to open 48,210 December 3.50 puts (although the activity appears to be tied to stock).

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

One of the major Nasdaq advancers is semiconductor name Avago Technologies Ltd (NASDAQ:AVGO), which has spiked 8.5% to trade at $103.18, after earlier hitting a record high of $103.78. This bullish price movement was sparked by a successful trip to the earnings confessional, and a subsequent round of upbeat analyst notes. This is likely good news for the recent crop of call buyers. AVGO's 10-day call/put volume ratio of 6.31 across the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) ranks in the 70th percentile of its annual range.

Similarly, one of the biggest gainers on the Big Board is specialty retailer Tilly's Inc (NYSE:TLYS). The shares have soared 27.3% to hover near $9, following the company's upbeat third-quarter earnings report and a trio of price-target hikes at B. Riley, Mizuho, and SunTrust Robinson. Nevertheless, the stock is still close to 22% south of breakeven on a year-to-date basis. Digging deeper, a portion of today's technical surge may be the result of short sellers covering their bearish bets. One-tenth of TLY's float is sold short, which equates to 11 days' worth of pent-up buying activity, at typical trading levels.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.4 point, or 3.1%, to 12.86, but is facing resistance from its 10-day moving average, located at 12.92.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.63, with puts easily outstripping calls. SPY is down 0.9 point, or 0.4%, at $206.99.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) hit a record intraday high of 17,905.33 earlier, and was last seen roughly 3 points above breakeven -- but on its way to notching another new all-time closing peak. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) has tacked on 0.2%, thanks to a rise in the energy sector. In fact, crude for January delivery was last seen 61 cents, or 0.9%, higher at $67.49 per barrel, after the Energy Information Administration said inventories fell by 3.7 million barrels last week. Elsewhere on the economic front, the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) services index rose by a wider-than-expected margin, private payrolls missed the mark, and productivity grew, while labor costs declined. Looking ahead, the Fed's Beige Book is slated for release at 2 p.m. ET.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

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• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with notable call volume is automatic testing equipment specialist Teradyne, Inc. (NYSE:TER). The stock is up 1.9% to trade at $20.15 -- on no apparent news -- and call volume has swelled to 11 times what's typically seen at this point in the day. Most active are TER's January 2015 17- and 20-strike calls, where it appears new long positions are being initiated.

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

One of the major Nasdaq advancers is clothing and accessories manufacturer G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. (NASDAQ:GIII), which is up 12.6% to $94.95 -- and earlier hit a record peak of $95.20 -- thanks to a better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter earnings report. Year-to-date, the shares have climbed 28%, yet sentiment is skewed toward the skeptical side. At the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), GIII's 50-day put/call volume ratio of 1.10 ranks in the 76th percentile of its annual range. Outside of the options pits, short interest accounts for 7.7% of the stock's available float, and would take nearly two weeks to cover, at average daily trading volumes. Should GIII continue its uptrend, a capitulation from these bears could help propel the shares higher.

Elsewhere, oil-and-gas firm Emerge Energy Services LP (NYSE:EMES) is one of the biggest gainers on the Big Board. At last check, the stock was up 6.5% at $60.77, despite a price-target cut to $100 from $130 at Wunderlich Securities (although the brokerage firm reiterated its "buy" rating). It's been a volatile week for EMES, which plunged nearly 13% on Monday. Longer term, though, the shares have struggled since hitting a record high of $145.71 in August, and are down more than 58% from this peak. In spite of this, six out of seven covering analysts maintain a "strong buy" rating, versus one "hold" and not a single "sell." Plus, the consensus 12-month price target of $115 stands at an 89% premium to current trading levels.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down 0.3 point, or 2%, to 12.59, and on pace for a second consecutive close south of its 10-day moving average.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.44, with puts outpacing calls. SPY is up 0.4 point, or 0.2%, at $207.45.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) has tacked on a solid 66.9 points, or 0.4%, thanks to generally better-than-expected November auto sales data. Construction spending figures for October also topped estimates, boosting sentiment around the Street. Also higher are the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (COMP), which have each added 0.5%. However, crude has resumed its downward spiral following yesterday's impressive rebound; at last check, the January-dated contract was 2.3% lower.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

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• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with notable call volume is energy firm BP plc (ADR) (NYSE:BP), which is up nearly 2% to trade at $40.59, on rumors of a potential Royal Dutch Shell buyout. So far, call volume is running at eight times the intraday norm, and outstrips put volume by a 14-to-1 margin. Digging deeper, buy-to-open activity can be detected at the weekly 12/5 39.50-, 40-, 40.50-, and 41-strike calls.

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

One of the major Nasdaq advancers is surveillance expert Digital Ally, Inc. (NASDAQ:DGLY), which -- similar to sector peer TASR -- has soared 42.5% to trade at $18.34, as President Obama urges Congress to provide body-worn cameras to law enforcement officials. Longer term, the shares have nearly doubled in value since the start of 2014. Nevertheless, short sellers have grown increasingly skeptical of DGLY, as short interest rose 9.2% during the last two reporting periods, and now represents almost one-quarter of the equity's float. However, at DGLY's average daily trading volume, it would take less than two sessions to cover these bearish bets.

Over on the Big Board, semiconductor stock Spansion Inc. (NYSE:CODE) has rallied nearly 24% to trade at $28.28 -- and earlier touched a record high of $28.73 -- on news of a $4 billion merger with Cypress Semiconductor Corporation (NASDAQ:CY). This is likely music to the ears of traders at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX). During the last two weeks, speculators have bought to open 18.63 CODE calls for every put across this trio of exchanges.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down 1 point, or 6.7%, to 13.33, but remains above its 10-day moving average, located at 13.22.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 2.00, with puts trading at double the rate of calls. SPY is up 1 point, or 0.5%, at $206.77.

After being down more than 100 points in the wake of an uninspiring reading on Black Friday sales, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) has since pared these losses to a more modest 40 points, or 0.2%. Helping the 30-stock index ease off its session lows was a stronger-than-forecast report on factory activity from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), which followed a round of lackluster manufacturing reports from overseas. Elsewhere on the Street, crude oil is staging a rebound, after suffering steep losses on Friday. At last check, crude for January delivery was up 39 cents, or 0.6%, to trade at $66.54 per barrel.

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Among the stocks with notable put volume is Beijing-based Internet issue 21Vianet Group Inc (NASDAQ:VNET), despite being up 4.9% trade at $19.75, after saying a trio of well-known companies bought a stake in the company. By the numbers, roughly 5,100 puts have changed hands -- seven times the intraday average. The security's most active option is the March 16 put, where it seems a number of option traders are throwing in the towel on their bearish bets amid today's rise.

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

One of the major Nasdaq decliners is drugmaker POZEN Inc. (NASDAQ:POZN), which has tumbled 15.6% to $7.50 -- and found a place on the short-sale restricted (SSR) list -- after mutually agreeing to end its partnership with Sanofi SA (ADR) (NYSE:SNY). The equity has now moved back into the red on a year-to-date basis, which should come as music to the ears of one group of traders -- specifically, short sellers. At present, short interest accounts for a healthy 10.2% of the stock's available float, and it would take more than seven sessions to cover these bearish bets, at POZN's average daily pace of trading.

Over on the Big Board, oil-and-gas issue Emerge Energy Services LP (NYSE:EMES) is one of the day's biggest laggards, off 18% to churn near $52.60 amid a sector-wide sell-off -- and not surprisingly, is on the SSR list. Today's negative price action just highlights the equity's longer-term struggles, with EMES down 64% from its Aug. 29 record high of $145.71. Option traders have kept the faith, though, and at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), 2.90 calls have been bought to open for every put over the past 10 sessions. Echoing this call-skewed bias is EMES' Schaeffer's put/call open interest ratio (SOIR) of 0.62, which rests lower than 93% of similar readings taken in the past year. Simply stated, short-term speculators have rarely been more call-heavy toward the stock.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 1.1 points, or 8%, to 14.40 -- putting the market's "fear gauge" on pace for its loftiest daily close since Nov. 4.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.88, with puts easily outpacing calls. SPY is down 1.3 points, or 0.7%, at $205.82.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) has been clinging to the flatline this morning -- down a mere 6.2 points -- amid a mostly negative round of economic data. Durable goods orders unexpectedly rose last month, but the gains were largely powered by military spending -- calling into question the strength of business investment. Meanwhile, weekly jobless claims topped 300,000 for the first time since early September, and October new homes sales increased by a slimmer-than-anticipated margin. Elsewhere on the charts, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (COMP) are both slightly in the black, up 1.4 points and 12.9 points, respectively. The COMP also notched a 14-year high of 4,776.95 just minutes ago.

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Among the stocks with notable put volume is natural resources company BHP Billiton Limited (ADR) (NYSE:BHP), which is up 0.8% to trade at $55.62. Puts are crossing at 26 times the usual intraday pace, fueled by a surge in activity at the February 2015 47.50-strike put. Option traders are buying to open these out-of-the-money puts, where close to 16,300 contracts -- including a block of 12,500 -- are on the tape. In other words, these speculators anticipate fairly sizable losses from BHP over the next three months.

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

One of the major Nasdaq gainers is self-defense device maker TASER International, Inc. (NASDAQ:TASR), which has rallied nearly 7% to $21.99 amid continued rioting in Ferguson, Missouri, and another set of orders from the Winston-Salem Police Department. Earlier, in fact, the shares hit an almost 10-year high of $22.35, and are now up more than 38% in 2014. Despite TASR's technical tenacity, short sellers continue to be active, with short interest rising 8.1% during the most recent reporting period. Approximately 18% of TASR's float is now sold short, meaning there's plenty of cash on the sideline to fuel additional gains on potential short-covering activity.

Around midday, oil-and-gas name Seadrill Ltd (NYSE:SDRL) has forfeited roughly one-fifth of its value on a poorly received third-quarter earnings report and the suspension of its dividend payments. At last check, the stock was sitting at $16.58 -- down 60% year-to-date -- and earlier bottomed at a five-year low of $16.02. While shareholders are feeling the burn, options traders have been banking on losses in recent weeks. During the past 10 days at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), SDRL has racked up a put/call volume ratio of 1.69, which ranks in the 80th percentile of its annual range. In other words, option players have bought to open puts over calls at an accelerated clip of late.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is off 0.2 point, or 1.7% -- putting the market's "fear gauge" at risk of finishing below 12 for the first time since late August.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.03, with puts and calls running about neck and neck. SPY is up 0.2 point, or 0.1%, at $207.30.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is slightly higher, as traders weigh a decline in consumer confidence against a better-than-expected preliminary gross domestic product (GDP) reading for the third quarter. Specifically, the Conference Board's consumer confidence index fell this month to its lowest level since June -- to 88.7 from a revised 97.1 in October -- while the GDP climbed to an annualized rate of 3.9%. At last check, the Dow was up 10.5 points, or 0.1%. Elsewhere, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is down 2 points, and the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) has added 3.7 points.

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• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with notable put volume is Coinstar parent Outerwall Inc (NASDAQ:OUTR), which has stumbled 2.5% to hover near $69.63 following yesterday's price hike at its Redbox kiosks. Specifically, puts are trading at 25 times the expected intraday rate, with attention being paid to the April 45 and 60 puts -- the equity's two most popular strikes. It appears one speculator is selling to open the lower strike and buying to open the higher, implementing a bear put spread in the hopes of additional long-term downside.

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

One of the major Nasdaq decliners is law enforcement equipment provider Digital Ally, Inc. (NASDAQ:DGLY), which is plunging in the wake of a grand jury decision last night not to indict a police officer for killing a teenager in Ferguson, Missouri. At last check, the stock was 6.6% lower at $13.13, just a day after rallying more than 12%. In terms of sentiment, more than one-quarter of DGLY's float is sold short, so this morning's sell-off is likely being cheered by at least one group of speculators.

Meanwhile, HR application designer Workday Inc (NYSE:WDAY) has stumbled after analysts panned the company's latest earnings results. Currently, the shares are down 5.6% to trade at $87.25. Taking a step back, the brokerage crowd is evenly divided on WDAY, which sports 11 "strong buy" ratings and an equal number of "hold" opinions.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up a slim 0.03 point, or 0.2%, and remains at risk of finishing below 13 for a third straight session.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 2.50, as puts more than double calls. SPY is down 0.4 point, or 0.2%, at $206.90.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is clinging to the flat line around midday -- up less than 2 points -- failing to follow its overseas peers decisively higher during the holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) isn't much better off, up just 0.2%. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) is easily outpacing the DJI and SPX, tacking on a solid 0.6%.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

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• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with notable call volume is Dow component United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX). The stock is down 1.1% to trade at $109.11, following the retirement of CEO Louis Chenevert. The decision, which was not expected, will be effective immediately. In the options pits, calls are trading at 25 times the typical intraday rate. Most of this activity can be traced to the February 2015 115-strike call, where 17,738 contracts are on the tape. With 89% crossing at the ask price, and fewer than 2,000 contracts in open interest, it appears speculators are buying to open the contracts, expecting the shares to trend higher over the next several months.

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

One of the major Nasdaq advancers is cancer drug developer Ariad Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARIA), which has soared nearly 8% to hover around $7.04 on Australian approval of leukemia treatment Iclusig. The move higher has ARIA finally back in the black on a year-to-date basis, and north of recent congestion in the $6.40-$6.70 range. Likely helping to power some of today's gains is covering activity among short sellers, as 30.4% of the stock's float is dedicated to short interest -- an amount that would take nearly nine sessions to buy back, at ARIA's typical trading volume.

Meanwhile, for-profit educator ITT Educational Services, Inc. (NYSE:ESI) is up 5% at $9.28, making it one of the Big Board's biggest winners around midday. Short-covering activity may account for some of the gains here, as well. In fact, a brow-raising 70.3% of ESI's outstanding float is sold short -- not surprising, considering the stock is down about 72% on a year-to-date basis.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down 0.2 point, or 1.2%, at 12.74, putting the market's "fear gauge" on track for a second straight close below 13.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.60, as puts outpace calls. SPY is up 0.3 point, or 0.2%, at $206.99.

It's a day for the record books, as traders cheer a round of upbeat central bank news from overseas. Specifically, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) and S&P 500 Index (SPX) hit all-time intraday peaks of 17,894.83 and 2,071.46, respectively, right out the gate after China announced a surprise interest-rate cut. Not to be outdone, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) tagged a new 14-year high of 4,751.60. Although the indexes have since pulled back from these technical milestones, all three are poised to finish the session with solid gains, and notch a fifth consecutive weekly win.

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• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with notable call volume is discount retailer Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST). The stock has soared 6.8% -- and tagged a fresh record peak of $89.48 -- after its better-than-expected third-quarter earnings report was met with no fewer than nine price-target hikes. Most optimistic among the bunch was SunTrust Robinson, which boosted its target price by $7 to $101 (and reiterated its "buy" rating), representing expected upside of 13.7% to ROST's current perch at $88.85. In the options pits, calls are trading at eight times the average intraday pace. Buy-to-open activity has been detected at the security's November 90 call, as speculators roll the dice on an extended trek into all-time-high territory through tonight's close.

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

One of the major Nasdaq advancers is application software issue Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK), which has rallied 7.4% to its current perch at $62.72, and notched a new record high of $63 along the way. ADSK received a fresh batch of bullish brokerage notes after its stronger-than-forecast turn in the earnings confessional last night, including one from UBS, which raised its price target to $69 from $65, and underscored its "buy" opinion. Year-to-date, ADSK has tacked on more than 24%, and a continued rise could shake some of the weaker bearish hands loose. In fact, at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), the equity's 10-day put/call volume ratio of 1.28 sits just 5 percentage points away from an annual pessimistic peak.

Over on the Big Board, online real estate concern SouFun Holdings Ltd (NYSE:SFUN) is one of the day's biggest gainers, as Beijing's unexpected rate cut helps lift Chinese firms. At last check, the security was up 16% at $9.16 -- edging closer to the double-digit territory Monday's option bulls were eyeing -- and on pace to close north of its 20-day moving average for the first time since Oct. 23. Amid today's rally, call volume has soared to almost five times what's typically seen at this point in the day, and a number of speculators are gambling a strong start to the new year. Specifically, the equity's weekly 1/2 12-strike call is most active, and appears to be seeing buy-to-open activity.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.1 point, or 0.9%, and is on pace to log a nearly 3% weekly gain.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.03, with puts having a slight edge over calls. SPY is up 1.2 points, or 0.6%, at $206.79, and earlier notched a record high of $207.84.

After a slow start to the morning, U.S. markets have moved higher, as a round of upbeat economic reports at home overshadows disappointing data from across the pond. Specifically, factory activity in Philadelphia more than doubled the consensus estimate, while existing home sales and leading indicators for October both exceeded expectations. Additionally, jobless claims remained south of the highly watched 300,000 mark for a 10th consecutive week, while continuing claims fell to a 14-year low. At last check, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is sitting 0.04% north of breakeven, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is up 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) is outperforming its peers with a 0.5% lead.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

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• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with notable call volume is home furnishings retailer Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM). The stock has surged 9.5% -- and tagged a fresh record peak of $76.39 along the way -- to trade at $76.03, following a strong showing in the earnings confessional and subsequent round of bullish brokerage notes. Call volume has soared to 11 times what's typically seen at this point in the day, with a number of speculators closing out of their now in-the-money November 75 calls. Meanwhile, those looking for more upside through tomorrow's close are buying to open WSM's November 77.50 calls.

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

One of the major Nasdaq advancers is home decor specialist Kirkland's, Inc. (NASDAQ:KIRK). The stock has jumped nearly 17% to linger near $21.10, after unveiling a better-than-expected third-quarter earnings report. Today's bullish gap is sure to deal a blow to short sellers. At present, 9.5% of the equity's float is sold short, representing more than three weeks' worth of pent-up buying demand, at typical daily trading levels. Shorts may have been hedging with long calls ahead of the event, though, considering option traders at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) have bought to open 1.21 calls for each put on KIRK over the past 10 sessions.

Over on the Big Board, electronic retailer Best Buy Co Inc (NYSE:BBY) is one of the day's biggest gainers. The shares have tacked on 7.6% to trade at $38.24, following the company's successful turn in the earnings limelight. Call players were active on the stock ahead of this morning's scheduled event, as evidenced by BBY's 10-day ISE/CBOE/PHLX call/put volume ratio of 3.70, which ranks higher than 91% of similar readings taken in the past year. It's a trend continuing today, with calls crossing the tape at a rate 10 times the intraday average.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down 0.2 point, or 1.7%, and at risk of surrendering its short-term foothold atop its 10-day moving average.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.52, as puts outpace calls. SPY is up 0.4 point, or 0.2%, at $205.66.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) and broader S&P 500 Index (SPX) are retreating from record-high territory, as traders take some profits off the table ahead of this afternoon's release of the minutes from the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. Ahead of the highly anticipated event -- which follows in the footsteps of a handful of central bank developments overseas -- traders are also digesting mixed housing data. Specifically, housing starts unexpectedly dropped last month, due to a decline in construction on apartments; however, building permits jumped to their loftiest level since June 2008. At last check, the DJI was down 0.1%, while the SPX was 0.3% lower.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

• A quick preview of 3 notable names preparing to tell all in the earnings confessional.
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• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with notable call volume is home improvement retailer Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW), which is up 6.4% at $62.26 -- and earlier hit a record peak of $62.33 -- following its turn on the earnings stage and subsequent bullish brokerage note. LOW calls are trading at six times the intraday average, and it appears a number of these traders are closing out their November 60 and 62.50 call positions.

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

One of the major Nasdaq decliners is drugmaker BIND Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:BIND), which is off 17.1% at $8.75, after the company released the Phase II study results of its anti-cancer treatment BIND-014. Year-to-date, the shares of BIND have now surrendered 42% of their value, which should be music to the ears of short sellers. In fact, short interest accounts for a healthy 11.7% of the stock's available float, and would take nearly nine sessions to cover, at the equity's average daily pace of trading.

Over on the Big Board, aluminum product manufacturer Constellium NV (NYSE:CSTM) is one of the day's leading laggards. At last check, the shares were down 15% at $17.83, following a poorly received earnings report. It appears option traders were anticipating a post-earnings plunge, as evidenced by the stock's 10-day International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) put/call volume ratio of 4.69.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.7 point, or 5.3%, at 14.60, and on pace to notch its first daily close north of 14 since Nov. 5.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 2.14, as puts more than double calls. SPY is off 0.8 point, or 0.4%, at $204.74.

Upbeat developments from overseas and a nearly nine-year high in homebuilder confidence has helped lift U.S. markets today. In fact, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) tagged a fresh record peak of 2,050.36 earlier, while the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) has recovered nicely from yesterday's slump to tag a new 14-year high of 4,705.31. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is also gaining ground -- up 44.7 points, or 0.3% -- but a poorly received earnings report from The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) is capping the blue-chip barometer's advance.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

• The electronics name that's up more than 4% -- and notched a fresh 52-week peak -- on its CEO's bold new plan.
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• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with notable call volume is fertilizer firm Mosaic Co (NYSE:MOS). The stock is up 3.9% at $47.02 amid a sector-wide rally, after Uralkali OAO -- a Russian rival -- stopped production and evacuated workers at one of its mines. MOS calls are trading at 18 times what's typically seen at this point in the day, and it appears traders are buying to open the equity's November 46.50 calls, as they bet on more upside through week's end.

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

One of the major Nasdaq advancers is TerraForm Power Inc (NASDAQ:TERP), which is up 30.3% at $33.68 on news it is entering into joint-ownership of Boston-based First Wind with SunEdison Inc (NYSE:SUNE). The equity has now edged back above its late-July IPO price, and a continued rise could shake some of the weaker bearish hands loose. At present, 16.2% of the stock's float is sold short, and it would take more than six sessions to cover, at TERP's average daily pace of trading.

Along similar lines, SUNE is one of the major gainers on the Big Board, and has jumped 23.3% to $20.48. The stock is now up roughly 60% year-to-date, and trading north of previous congestion in the round-number $20 neighborhood. SUNE could also benefit from an unwinding of skepticism, as short interest accounts for 30.1% of the security's available float, representing almost a week's worth of pent-up buying demand.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down 0.5 point, or 3.7%, at 13.48, but appears to have found a foothold atop its 10-day moving average.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.48, as puts outpace calls. SPY is up 0.9 point, or 0.4%, after earlier hitting a record peak of $205.31.