With a speech from Fed Chair Janet Yellen looming on the horizon, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is taking its bearish cues from crude oil. Specifically, stocks are under pressure as oil prices tank following a stiff 2.5-million-barrel jump in U.S. crude stockpiles, with October-dated oil futures last seen 3.3% lower at $46.53 per barrel. And while new home sales data bolstered stocks yesterday, this morning's existing home sales numbers showed a steeper-than-expected decline in July.

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

• The solar stock facing "unavoidable risks."
• FDA rulings have boosted shares of this drugmaker and this sector peer.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with unusual call volume is Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX), with the contracts being exchanged at four times the usual intraday rate. Bullish bettors are busy with the shares up 1.8% at $57.43 on a legal win, and buy-to-open activity is detected at the September and November 57.50 calls.

One stock getting rocked on the New York Stock Exchange is La-Z-Boy Incorporated (NYSE:LZB). The shares are down 13.4% at $27.02, and on the short-sale restricted list, after the recliner designer reported weaker-than-expected earnings and revenue, as well as a sharp decline in same-store sales.

Even worse off on the Big Board is retailer Express, Inc. (NYSE:EXPR), fresh off an earnings miss and a downwardly revised full-year forecast. The stock has surrendered nearly one-quarter of its value at $12.08, and hit a two-year low of $11.89 earlier.
 
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.8 point, or 6.5%, at 13.19.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.84, with puts nearly doubling calls. At last check, SPY is off 0.6 point, or 0.3%, at $218.41.

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is modestly higher, with traders treading carefully ahead of tomorrow's speech by Fed Chair Janet Yellen. Leading up to it, a number of central bank officials have sounded a hawkish tone. Most recently, Kansas City Fed President Esther George said she thinks "it is time to move" on a rate hike, while Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan added, "the case for removing accommodation is strengthening." Underscoring that was a round of upbeat economic data, and stocks are attempting to capitalize on a rebound in oil prices -- with October-dated crude futures last seen 0.7% higher at $47.11 per barrel.

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

• How one drugmaker's trying to put out its public relations fire.
• A handful of positive catalysts have sent this retail stock through the roof.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with unusual options volume is discount retailer Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:DG), down 13% at $79.86. Total intraday volume is at 16 times the norm, with short-term bulls buying to open the near-the-money weekly 8/26 80-strike call. The shares are being pressured by disappointing second-quarter earnings and sales, and have found a place on the short-sale restricted (SSR) list.

The New York Stock Exchange's worst performer so far is Signet Jewelers Ltd. (NYSE:SIG). Shares of the jewelry retailer have sunk 13.4% to $82.68 and landed on the SSR list, following a miserable turn in the earnings confessional.

One of the top performers on the Big Board is retailer Tilly's Inc (NYSE:TLYS), up 9.6% at $7.76. Boosting the stock is an earnings beat, as well as a round of upbeat brokerage attention from B. Riley, Mizuho, and SunTrust Robinson.
 
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.04 point, or 0.3%, at 13.49.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 0.52, with calls nearly doubling puts, thanks to the roll of a colossal call spread. At last check, SPY was up 0.2 point, or 0.1%, at $218.06.

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After jumping more than 100 points at the open, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) pared its gains as the day went on, though the blue-chip index still managed its first win in three sessions. A round of upbeat housing data helped to get the bullish ball rolling, and stocks also reacted to a rally in crude oil futures, amid reports that Iran might participate in a crude production freeze. Elsewhere, the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite (COMP) managed yet another record high, but caution ahead of Fed Chair Janet Yellen's highly anticipated speech on Friday -- and lingering Fed talk -- brought stocks back down to earth.

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

• Why Best Buy Co Inc's (NYSE:BBY) blowout earnings report had options traders targeting Fitbit Inc (NYSE:FIT) and GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO). 
• Will this healthcare firm be the next biotech buyout? Why analysts say it's "becoming a more attractive acquisition candidate." 
• The latest drugmaker accused of price-gouging. 
• Plus... Tesla's big reveal, the soaring Chinese social media stock, and an upgrade for one of 2016's worst stocks. 
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 18,547.30) snapped a two-day losing streak by gaining 17.9 points, or 0.1%. Eighteen of the 30 Dow components closed higher, led by Nike Inc's (NYSE:NKE) 1.6% gain. The biggest loser was Boeing Co (NYSE:BA), falling 0.6%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,186.90) picked up 4.3 points, or 0.2%. After hitting a record high, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,260.08) closed with a 15.5-point, or 0.3%, lead. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 12.38) closed 0.1 point, or 0.9%, higher. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. CNN has reported that the FBI and other law enforcement agencies are investigating a series of cyber attacks on a number of high-profile U.S. journalists. The New York Times is mentioned by name as one of the publications affected by the breach, and it's believed Russian hackers are behind the attack. (CNN)
2. Using Twitter to hype up the event, Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Elon Musk just announced new versions of the company's Model S and Model X vehicles. Both cars will be priced at well over $100,000. (CNBC)
3. How this Chinese social media stock broke out to all-time highs. 
4. The latest twist in the Monsanto Company's (NYSE:MON) M&A saga. 
5. Why did UBS upgrade one of 2016's worst-performing stocks?

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

Reports that Iran may be willing to participate in a production freeze had crude oil futures higher today, sparking optimism ahead of next month's Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting. Crude dated for October delivery closed 69 cents, or $1.36, higher at $48.10 per barrel. 

Gold futures closed higher today, bolstered by a weaker dollar. By the close, December-dated gold futures rose $2.70, or 0.2%, to land at $1,346.10 an ounce. 

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) slumped today, as Wall Street's focus remains on Fed Chair Janet Yellen's Friday speech in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Sliding oil prices also sapped trader sentiment, after U.S. crude inventories unexpectedly rose last week. Disappointing existing home sales for July, as well as a broad healthcare sell-off, only added to the dreary backdrop. As such, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) and S&P 500 Index (SPX) followed the Dow's bearish lead, while the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) enjoyed its largest single-day percentage gain since June 24 -- otherwise known as "Brexit Friday." 

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

• The Icahn rumors that sent Herbalife Ltd (NYSE:HLF) reeling.
• The drugmaker that's more than doubled since March. 
• How pre-earnings traders are positioning themselves on this rallying GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO) supplier.
• Plus... The latest biotech in Clinton's crosshairs, the $16 million Zika news, and Fitbit's big legal win. 
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 18,481.49) fell 65.8 points, or 0.4%, spending nearly the entire session below breakeven. Just eight of the 30 Dow components closed with gains, led by Nike Inc's (NYSE:NKE) 1%jump.  UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) was the biggest loser, falling 1.5%, while The Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO) was flat.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,175.44) shed 11.5 points, or 0.5%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,217.70) fared the worst, losing 42.4 points, or 0.8%, as biotechs swooned. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX -13.45) jumped 1.1 point, or 8.6%, for its best close since July 12. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. For the second straight day, Mylan NV (NASDAQ:MYL) sold off amid drama surrounding the price of its popular EpiPen product. Adding fuel to the fire was Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, who said the company should lower its price, and released a statement saying, "It's wrong when drug companies put profits ahead of patients, raising prices without justifying the value behind them." This isn't the first time Clinton has taken aim at inflated drug prices. (CNBC)
2. Scientists have confirmed the existence of Earth-like planet Proxima b, which orbits Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our sun. The news is notable since Proxima b resides in a habitable distance from its sun, making it the closest planet outside our solar system that could potentially sustain life. (CNN)
3. The "unavoidable risks" for one solar energy company.
4. The $16.6 million news that lifted this Zika stock. 
5. A legal win for Fitbit Inc (NYSE:FIT).

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

The unexpected increase in weekly crude inventories pressured oil prices lower. At the close, October-dated crude futures were off $1.33, or 2.8%, to settle at $46.77 per barrel. 

Gold futures slipped amid Fed uncertainty, with the December-dated contract falling $16.40, or 1.2%, to close at $1,329.70 an ounce -- the contract's lowest close in almost one month. 

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Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures are signaling a higher open, as stocks react to the August payrolls report, which is diminishing expectations for a Fed rate hike later this month. The U.S. added a 151,000 nonfarm jobs last month, while the unemployment rate stayed at 4.9%, falling short of expectations for 180,000 jobs and 4.8% unemployment.

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

• Call buyers continue to chase FireEye Inc (NASDAQ:FEYE).
• 3 stocks feeling the analyst love.
• This Wall Street freshman is up over 250%, but will its hot streak continue?
• Plus... Asian markets rise on crude, VeriFone is paying for its weak quarter, and Lululemon looks downward (dog).

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are about 50 points above fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. Asian markets finished mostly higher as crude futures rose and traders looked ahead to the release of the U.S. nonfarm payrolls report.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 776,773 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 542,775 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio remained at 0.70, while the 21-day moving average rose to 0.63.
3. VeriFone Systems Inc (NYSE:PAY) is looking at another post-earnings bloodbath, down 16.1% in pre-market trading, after unveiling weaker-than-expected sales and slashing its full-year forecast. The electronic payment system stock saw downgrades to "neutral" from Wedbush and Piper Jaffray, and no fewer than six price target cuts, including a drop to $15 from $19 by Deutsche Bank.
4. Lululemon Athletica inc. (NASDAQ:LULU) is set to open down 8.5%, after announcing earnings last night, much to the delight of its option bears. The athletic apparel retailer reported lackluster sales growth, although per-share earnings were in line with expectations.
5. Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is up 1% in electronic trading, following yesterday's tumble. TSLA fell to two-month-low territory after news broke of some M&A math mistakes regarding its buyout of SolarCity Corp (NASDAQ:SCTY). 

Earnings and Economic Data

Factory orders are due, and Richmond Fed President Jeffrey Lacker is slated to deliver a speech at 1 p.m. ET. There are no notable earnings scheduled. To see what is coming up on next week's schedule, click here. 

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) started this morning strong, adding more than 100 points at its session peak, after today's nonfarm payrolls report showed fewer jobs than expected added in August -- suggesting lower odds of an interest rate hike when the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets later this month. Also boosting stocks today is a rebound in oil prices after four days of declines. A weaker dollar and production freeze comments out of Russia have helped crude oil for October add 3% to $44.45 per barrel.

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

• 2 gold stocks popping on today's jobs report.
• This blue chip has been one of the best bank stocks to own in September.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

After last night announcing the resignation of its chief technology officer, Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:MRVL) is among the stocks with unusual options volume at midday. The shares are flat at $12.87 after snagging a new annual high of $13.06 this morning, bringing their year-to-date gains to nearly 46% ahead of the company’s quarterly earnings report, due next Tuesday. At last check MRVL puts are trading at a whopping 16 times the average intraday rate, taking a rare lead over calls. With more than 4,500 contracts on the tape, put volume is currently running in the 99th percentile of its 12-month range. Most active so far are the September 12.50 and October 13 puts, where it looks like traders may be purchasing new positions, betting the shares will slide through the options' respective expiration dates.

Among the biggest gainers on the Nasdaq today is Activision Blizzard, Inc.(NASDAQ:ATVI), up 2.1% at $42.04, after hitting a new record high of $43.10 earlier, as the "Call of Duty XP" fan event kicks off today in Los Angeles. The shares have been on a tear since February, with the 80-day moving average limiting minor pullbacks as ATVI rockets higher.

Electronic payment specialist VeriFone Systems Inc (NYSE:PAY) is among the worst performers on the New York Stock Exchange, dropping 18.5% to $16.38 and tapping a three-year low of $16.07, after the company's disappointing full-year outlook was met with a slew of bearish brokerage attention. So far this looks like a repeat performance of PAY's last post-earnings session, and the stock has now given up nearly half of its value year-over-year.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down 1.1 points, or 7.8%, at 12.43.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.48, with puts comfortable outpacing calls. SPY was last seen up 1.1 points, or 0.5%, at $218.44.

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) traded comfortably higher throughout the day -- briefly trading up more than 125 points -- as an August payrolls miss tempered expectations for a September interest rate hike by the Fed. Specifically, the U.S. economy added 151,000 nonfarm jobs last month, compared to 181,000 expected. Rising oil prices also provided a lift for stocks, as crude oil futures snapped their recent losing streak. As such, the Dow grabbed its first weekly win in three weeks. 

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

• Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) just dipped below 2 critical levels. 
• The big-cap biotech stock that may be due to bounce. 
• These 3 tech stocks are on analysts' radars, but this lesser-known sector peer may be the one to watch during Labor Day week. 
• Plus... Hillary Clinton pressures a beleaguered drug stock, Hermine hits Florida, and the blue-chip bank stock to watch going forward. 
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 18,491.96) jumped 72.7 points, or 0.4%, for its second straight win. Of the 27 Dow components that closed higher, Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) had the best day, adding 1%. Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) paced the three losers with a 0.9% loss. The Dow ended the week 0.5% higher. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,179.98) also closed higher, picking up 9.1 points, or 0.4%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,249.90) wasn't left behind, adding 22.7 points, or 0.4%. The SPX closed the week with a 0.5% gain, while the Nasdaq added 0.6%. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 11.98) dipped 1.5 points, or 11.1%. For the week, the "fear gauge" dropped 12.2%. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. The FBI today released the report it compiled on Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during its investigation into how she handled emails during her time as secretary of state. The report states that Clinton told the FBI she could not recall receiving any training on how to handle classify information. (CNN)
2. Earlier today, Hurricane Hermine struck the northwest coast of Florida. The storm left some 250,000 people without electricity, and at least one person has died. (NBC News)
   
3. Is JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) on the brink of a breakout?
4. The huge L.A. event that sent this video game stock to record heights. 
5. How Hillary Clinton hit Mylan NV (NASDAQ:MYL) once again. 

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

Oil prices snapped a four-session losing streak thanks to a weaker dollar. October-dated crude futures added $1.28, or 3%, to close at $44.44 per barrel. However, oil still lost 6.7% for the week -- its worst weekly performance in nearly two months.

Gold futures also gained in the face of a softer U.S. currency. December-dated gold futures picked up $9.60, or 0.7%, to end at $1,326.70 an ounce. For the week, gold ended fractionally higher. 

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Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures are signaling a modestly higher open, as traders return to Wall Street from a long weekend. Stocks are reacting to a bevy of M&A headlines, and traders are keeping an eye on oil prices after Russia and Saudi Arabia on Monday agreed to help stabilize the global oil market. At last check, crude futures for December delivery were 0.3% lower at $44.29 per barrel. Stock investors will also be watching the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) non-manufacturing index for more clues about the next Fed rate hike, after Friday's jobs report.
 
Continue reading for more on today's market, including: 

• One analyst thinks Ted Cruz is no match for this cybersecurity stock.
• Is Home Depot (NYSE:HD) headed for record highs?
• The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) signal pointing to a volatility spike.
• Plus... Merger news out of Europe, Monsanto's sweetened bid, and Intel's startup purchase.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are about 16 points above fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. European markets are teetering on mixed M&A news.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 817,271 call contracts traded on Friday -- the most since Aug. 19 -- compared to 500,179 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.61, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.63.
3. Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON) is up 0.8% in pre-market trading, after German pharmaceutical firm Bayer AG bumped up its bid to $65 billion. This offer of $127.50 per share is higher than the previous two offers made by Bayer AG, which came out to $122 and $125 per share.
4. Resolute Energy Corp (NYSE:REN) is up 9.4% ahead of the open -- set to touch a new annual high -- as the oil-and-gas stock continues its massive tear upwards, up nearly 800% in the last 12 months. Bolstering the stock is a huge price-target boost to $35 from $12 at Northland.
5. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) is sitting 0.9% higher before the bell, after news that the tech company will acquire chipmaker startup Movidius. The amount of the sale and other details have yet to be disclosed. While recent option buyers have expressed pessimism toward INTC, Evercore ISI this morning upgraded the stock to "buy" and hiked its price target to $45.

 

Earnings and Economic Data

San Francisco Fed President John Williams will give a speech in the evening. Kicking off the week's earnings calendar will be Dave & Buster's (PLAY) and Marvell Technology Group (MRVL).To see what else is coming up on this week's schedule, click here. 

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After slipping into the red following another disappointing data point from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) has since turned higher. Specifically, the ISM's non-manufacturing index for August came in at its lowest level since February 2010, further tempering expectations for a September rate hike from the Fed. Meanwhile, oil prices are lower -- with October-dated crude futures down 0.1% at $44.41 per barrel -- as traders consider the latest chatter among top crude producers. Nevertheless, the Dow is in the green, thanks to a lift from telecommunication stocks. Specifically, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is leading the 30-stock index, up 1.6% at last check.

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

• Analysts are predicting 15-year highs for Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) amid the latest M&A buzz. 
• The importance of Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone 7, according to one brokerage firm.
• 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 unusual options volume at midday is automaker General Motors Company (NYSE:GM). Call options are trading at two times the typical intraday pace, with the October 32 strike most popular overall. It looks like one trader may have rolled her long September 31 calls up and out, betting on GM reclaiming the $32 level in the weeks ahead. At last check, the shares were down 0.7% at $31.95, following bearish analyst attention and a key courtroom decision. 

Among the biggest gainers on the Nasdaq is streaming giant Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX), as the stock's recent hot streak continues. Specifically, NFLX is up 2.2% to trade at $99.48, after Piper Jaffray suggested the security is trading at a roughly 25% discount. Since the end of July, NFLX has added 9%, even as hedge funds throw in the towel. 

Biotech stock Dynavax Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:DVAX) is another huge gainer on the Nasdaq, following upbeat news for its hepatitis B vaccine. The stock has added 26% to trade at $13.75, just a day after plummeting to three-year lows on Friday. Still, DVAX is down 43.1% in 2016. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.4 point, or 3%, at 12.34. 

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.75, as puts nearly double calls. SPY is up 0.3 point, or 0.2%, at $218.71. 

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Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures are signaling a triple-digit drop, as stocks react to a hawkish speech from Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren, who said delaying an interest rate hike poses risks to the U.S. economy. Traders are also waiting to hear from Federal Reserve Governor Daniel Tarullo and Dallas Fed President Rob Kaplan, both of whom will speak today. Meanwhile, oil prices are giving back some of yesterday's gains, with October-dated crude futures down 2.1% at $46.60 per barrel.

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

• Fitbit Inc (NYSE:FIT) is struggling to shape up after the Apple/Nike watch reveal.
• Upbeat drug news had this biotech flying high.
• The energy stock up over 400% since February.
• Plus... North Korea tests nukes, Kroger sinks after earnings, and the drugmaker aiming for new highs.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are about 103 points below fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. Stocks in South Korea were slammed, after North Korea tested another nuclear warhead and Samsung sank on concerns about exploding batteries.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 903,643 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 551,326 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose 0.61, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.63.
3. Kroger Co (NYSE:KR) is down 1% in electronic trading, after delivering its earnings report, and downwardly revising its 2016 outlook. The grocery giant missed on sales, but came in just above expectations for per-share earnings. KR is just the latest grocer to feel the effects of bearish sector headwinds.
4. Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK) is down 2.3% ahead of the open, even after an upgrade to "buy" from "hold" from Wunderlich Securities, which also raised its price target on the energy stock to $10 from $6. CHK hit a 2016 high yesterday, and is up over 60% in the last month, with help from surging oil prices.
5. Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:LXRX) is headed for a 13% gain out of the gate -- and could hit two-year highs -- after the company announced positive data on its diabetes treatment. Lexicon is just the latest biotech to report solid drug data this week.

Earnings and Economic Data

Wrapping up the week's lineup of earnings reports will be Hovnanian (HOV) and Mattress Firm Holding Corp (MFRM). To see what is coming up on next week's schedule, click here. 

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is falling fast at midday, giving back roughly 223 points, with not a single Dow component trading in the black. Pressuring stocks are hawkish comments from historically dovish Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren -- though Federal Reserve Governor Daniel Tarullo followed this by saying he needed to see more evidence before he'd recommend a rate hike this year. Nuclear tests in North Korea and sliding oil prices are adding to Wall Street's risk-off mentality, with October-dated crude futures giving back 2.5% to sit at $46.42 per barrel. As a result, the Dow is staring at its worst day since the "Brexit" aftermath, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is set to snap out of its quietest streak in years, while the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is booming, on pace to close above a critical level. 

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

• While a fraud scandal rocks Wells Fargo & Co (NYSE:WFC), rival JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is trying to shake off an analyst note. 
• The retirement news fueling this stock's red-hot rally. 
• Plus ... Checking in on the VIX, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with unusual options volume at midday is vaccine specialist Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ:NVAX), with the stock up 4.2% at $7.82. While put volume is also accelerated, calls are dominating the options pits, trading at 11 times the intraday norm. The October 9 call is the most popular overall, and buyers could be betting on a rally after the company unveils key vaccine data on Oct. 11. (Brokerage firm Guggenheim predicts even higher highs.) 
 
One of the top performers on the Nasdaq is biotech Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:LXRX), following positive drug news. The shares have added 22% to rest at $18.68, earlier touching a two-year high of $19.19. For the year, LXRX is now up over 40%. 

Among the worst performers on the Nasdaq is Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) supplier Skyworks Solutions Inc (NASDAQ:SWKS), with the semiconductor stock diving 4.8% to $68.03. While the exact catalyst is unclear, it's possibly connected to Apple's recent product launch. Still, SWKS hadn't been performing well even before today, giving back 10% since its August peak. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 2.6 points, or 20.7%, at 15.10 -- above the key 14.07 level, which is half its 2016 calendar-year high close.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.26, with puts outnumbering calls, and options running at twice the average intraday clip. The SPY is down 2.5 points, or 1.1%, at $216.04.
 
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Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures are poised to slip this morning, as traders digest new economic data and exercise caution ahead of Fed Chair Janet Yellen's Friday speech in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Specifically, jobless claims fell for the third week in a row, and durable goods orders rose by more than expected in July. Meanwhile, gold is extending its slide, after touching a one-month low yesterday, and oil continues to weigh on stocks, with October-dated crude futures down 0.3% at $46.64 per barrel.

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

• Is this the calm before the volatility storm, or will the quiet trading trend continue?
• One analyst said "a large opportunity remains open" for this social media stock.
• Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) option pits were buzzing after a legal win.
• Plus... Clinton comments ripple across Europe, Mylan makes concessions, and one apparel stock aims for its best day in a year.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are about 25 points below fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. European stocks are down, with comments from Hillary Clinton weighing on global healthcare stocks.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 751,994 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 509,852 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.68, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.61.
3. Guess?, Inc. (NYSE:GES) is trading 17.1% higher in pre-market -- set for its biggest intraday gain in more than a year -- after reporting stronger-than-expected second-quarter sales. The apparel concern also offered well-received fiscal 2017 guidance, and today's anticipated surge should be a boon to recent options buyers.
4. HP Inc (NYSE:HPQ) is down 6% ahead of the open, as a dreary current-quarter profit forecast overshadows a per-share earnings beat. Analysts have been quick to weigh in on the tech stock, and while many have lifted their price targets, Maxim downgraded the shares to "hold" from "buy" and cut its price target by $2 to $15.
5. Mylan NV (NASDAQ:MYL) is set to open up 3.7%, after the biotech announced it would be expanding access to its discount programs for uninsured and under-insured patients needing access to EpiPens, an allergic-reaction medication and delivery system. The biotech recently came under fire for alleged price gouging, and yesterday plummeted to a near two-month low after Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton weighed in.

Earnings and Economic Data

Major companies set to report earnings include Autodesk (ADSK), Dollar General (DG), Dollar Tree (DLTR), GameStop (GME), JinkoSolar (JKS), Medtronic (MDT), Signet Jewelers (SIG), Splunk (SPLK), Tiffany & Co. (TIF), and Ulta Salon (ULTA). To see what else is coming up on this week's schedule, click here. 

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