The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) extended its lead throughout the day, recovering from last week's dismal finish. Weakness in the dollar acted as a boon for stocks -- and sent gold to a new annual high -- helping traders shake off worries over sinking oil prices. Crude oil continued its drop on concerns of growing global output, ending below $45 per barrel for the first time in a week. Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (COMP) snapped a seven-day losing streak, even as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) wrapped up its worst stretch since the dot-com era.

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

• The 4 stages of sentiment and how to identify extremes, courtesy of founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer.
• How Warren Buffett and Bill Ackman went toe-to-toe on Valeant Pharmaceuticals Intl Inc (NYSE:VRX).
• Why CNBC pundit Jim Cramer likes Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL).
• Plus ... the ECB spots a leak, Starbucks could get iced in court, and Ferrari hit a wall.
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,891.16) added 117.5 points, or 0.7%, with Home Depot Inc (NYSE:HD) leading 25 of the blue chips higher on a 1.6% gain. Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) led the laggards, giving up 0.6%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,081.43) climbed 16.1 points, or 0.8%, while the Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,817.59) ended 42.2 points, or 0.9%, higher.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 14.68) shed 1 point, or 6.5%, for the day.

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. A study from the European Central Bank (ECB) -- still in the "working" stage -- argued that U.S. economic data may have been leaked ahead of key reports. The report says that in seven out of 21 cases studied, there was evidence of informed trading before potentially market-moving announcements were made public. (MarketWatch)
2. Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) is facing a federal lawsuit claiming that the company misleads customers on the actual sizes of their cold drinks by filling cups with a substantial volume of ice. Starbucks believes the lawsuit to lack merit, arguing that customers understand "that ice is an essential component of any 'iced' beverage." (CNBC)
3. Option bears aren't buying into GNC Holdings Inc's (NYSE:GNC) big bounce.
4. Ferrari N.V. (NYSE:RACE) earnings point to full speed ahead -- but the shares keep hitting a wall.
5. How a passive stake sent this drugmaker soaring.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

June crude oil landed at $44.78 per barrel, down 2.5%, or $1.14. This decline came after reports of near-record production by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), though a weaker dollar somewhat padded the drop-off. 

Gold continued to rally, enjoying a boost from the weakening dollar. June-dated gold finished at $1,295.80 an ounce, up $5.30, or 0.4% -- a 15-month high. Earlier in the session, the malleable metal peeked above $1,300 an ounce.

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) spent most of the day in positive territory before turning lower in the afternoon, as caution set in ahead of tomorrow's key nonfarm payrolls report. Stocks also reacted to speeches from San Francisco Fed President John Williams and St. Louis Fed President James Bullard  -- both of which struck slightly more hawkish tones in regard to raising interest rates.  And while disappointing jobs data also weighed on stocks, the Dow -- unlike its index peers -- managed to eke out a win and avoid a third consecutive loss.

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

• "The most incredible company being built today in the world."
• Is it time to ice these 3 solar stocks?
• Yahoo! Inc's (NASDAQ:YHOO) big breakup.
• Plus ... Unrest at Yahoo News, more on those Fed speeches, and another big win for Oprah.
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,660.71) finished 9.5 points, or 0.1%, higher, with International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) leading half of the Dow's 30 components higher on a 1.5% gain. Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) led the 14 decliners -- shedding nearly 2% -- while Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) finished flat.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,050.63) fell 0.5 point, or 0.02%, while the Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,717.09) gave up 8.6 points, or 0.2%. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 15.91) dropped 0.1 point, or 0.9%, for the day.

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. Katie Couric is reportedly considering leaving her post as global anchor for Yahoo News, a position she has held for more than two years. Insiders say that, while Couric and other contributors are unhappy with how the site is managed, she would wait to find out which firm plans to purchase Yahoo! Inc. before finalizing her decision t. (MarketWatch)
2. San Francisco Federal Reserve President John Williams said today that two to three interest rate hikes this year are a "reasonable" possibility, while Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart said he's "on the fence" about a June rate hike. Elsewhere, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard said he is waiting for economic data to gauge whether or not he will support a June interest-rate hike, but that he's "still open." (CNBC; MarketWatch)
3. Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) couldn't sustain its initial post-earnings momentum, shedding 5% by the close.
4. Oprah may have be cheered Weight Watchers International, Inc.'s (NYSE:WTW) post-earnings pop, but option bears did not.
5. David Einhorn set his sights on Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) and General Motors Company (NYSE:GM).

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

Crude oil climbed for a second straight session in a row, with June futures ending at $44.32 per barrel, up 54 cents, or 1.2%. Continuing wildfires in Alberta, Canada, and escalating violence in Libya have slowed oil production in the respective areas.

Gold declined for the third session in a row, thanks to a stronger dollar. The June-dated gold contract ended at $1,274.30 per ounce, down 0.2%, or $2.10.

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Dow Jones Industrial Average ​​(DJIA) futures have slid well below fair value in electronic trading, after the Labor Department's highly anticipated nonfarm payrolls report fell short of estimates. Specifically, the U.S. added 160,000 jobs in April -- the fewest in seven months, and below expectations for 202,000 new jobs -- while unemployment remained at 5%. Also applying pressure to stocks is a fall in oil prices, with June-dated crude futures last seen 1.4% lower at $43.70 per barrel.

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

• Another massive meltdown for SolarCity Corp (NASDAQ:SCTY).
• A post-earnings pop had options traders hankering after Oprah's favorite stock.
• 2 stocks that have caught David Einhorn's attention -- including one that hasn't "yet hit bottom."
• Plus... Oil pounds global stocks, Facebook on trial, and 2 stocks set to move on earnings.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are nearly 73 points below fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. A drop in crude oil and potential bond defaults weighed on Chinese markets, but gold stocks are bouncing back in Europe.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 708,177 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 566,734 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio held at 0.80, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.70.
3. A federal court in California turned down Facebook Inc's (NASDAQ:FB) motion to dismiss a lawsuit from users who alleged the social network "unlawfully" collected and stored their biometric data. This follows a recent lawsuit over FB's planned change to its share structure.
4. Yelp Inc (NYSE:YELP) is poised to soar 12.5% out of the gate, after the business review site posted a surprise quarterly profit and lifted its full-year guidance. This is sure to make at least one activist investor happy.
5. On the flip side, GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO) is getting ready to tank 7.6% out of the gate and into single-digit territory, after the wearable camera firm fell short of the Street's consensus earnings estimate and delayed its drone launch.

Earnings and Economic Data

There are no additional economic reports of note today. CIGNA (CI) and Gogo (GOGO) will report earnings. To see what is coming up on next week's schedule, click here. 

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A disappointing jobs report from the Labor Department put pressure on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) from the start of trading. In fact, not even rising oil prices -- June-dated crude futures are up 0.4% at $44.48 per barrel, as wildfires in Canada spread -- can save stocks, with the Dow on pace to notch a second straight week of losses. Elsewhere, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is trying to hold its year-to-date lead, while the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) has slipped back into correction territory.

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

• 2 crumbling biotech stocks.
• The retailer taking drastic cost-cutting measures.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and stocks on the move at midday.

 

Among the stocks with unusual option volume today is Yelp Inc (NYSE:YELP), with total volume running at 26 times the average intraday pace. Shares of YELP are up 20.1% at $25.72 -- following the online review site's stellar earnings and subsequent round of price-target hikes -- prompting one options bull to roll her long May 25 calls up to the 26.50 strike. YELP has been a long-term laggard, though, and hasn't seen the north side of $26.50 since Jan. 6.

 

Square Inc (NYSE:SQ) is one of the biggest losers on the NYSE. The stock is off 20% at $10.48 after the payments processor turned in a dismal earnings report -- similar to fellow Jack Dorsey firm Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) -- and was hit with a downgrade to "underperform" and price-target cut to $9 from $11 at Wedbush.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down 0.1 point, or 0.8%, at 15.78.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.49, as puts outpace calls. The SPY is down 0.3 point, or 0.1%, at $204.69. 

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is down triple digits -- pulling back after yesterday's massive gains -- with Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) leading the way south on its first earnings miss in five years. More generally, retail stocks are getting killed on quarterly results and bleak forecasts, pressuring the broader S&P 500 Index (SPX). On the other hand, oil prices have bounced sharply higher after a surprise weekly decline in crude inventories, with June-dated oil futures last seen up 2.8% at $45.92 per barrel.

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

• 3 red-hot gold stocks.
• Why options traders are cheering the Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M) meltdown.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and stocks on the move at midday.

 

Among the stocks with unusual put volume today is luxury retailer Michael Kors Holdings Ltd (NYSE:KORS), dragged lower by M and this sector peer's earnings miss. At last look, KORS was down 12% at $43.90, and on the short-sale restricted (SSR) list -- sending intraday put volume to 10 times the usual rate.

 

On the other hand, Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:CSIQ) is one of the biggest gainers on the Nasdaq, fresh off upbeat earnings. At last check, CSIQ is 15% higher at $17.78.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.1 point, or 0.8%, at 13.74.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 0.80, with calls having a rare edge over puts. SPY is currently down 0.8 point, or 0.4%, at $207.63.

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Dow Jones Industrial Average ​​(DJIA) futures are below fair value following Tuesday's huge win, dragged lower by a rare earnings miss from blue-chip stock Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS). Traders are also watching oil prices. Crude futures were choppy in overnight action, but June crude oil was last seen back in the black, up 0.4% at $44.85 per barrel, on reports of a disruption to a key pipeline in Nigeria.

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

• The election-year signal you don't want to miss, courtesy of Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White.
• Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is at a technical crossroads.
• Why call buying exploded on this battered cybersecurity stock.
• Plus... Weak data sinks Europe, a major merger gets shut down, and Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M) misses.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are 40 points below fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. Disappointing earnings and manufacturing data are weighing on stocks in Europe.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 663,565 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 602,672 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.91, while the 21-day moving average climbed to 0.73.
3. Despite recent success at the box office, a disappointing show in the earnings confessional has Walt Disney Co (DIS) down 5.5% in electronic trading. Still, while ESPN has been a concern for the company, Disney said the sports network's performance improved "due to the benefit of lower programming costs and higher affiliate revenues."
4. The Federal Trade Commission's request for an injunction preventing the $6.3 billion merger of Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLS) and Office Depot Inc (NASDAQ:ODP) has been granted by a U.S. district court judge. Office Depot CEO Roland Smith said the companies will not appeal the decision. At last check, SPLS is sitting 16% lower, while ODP was off 35% ahead of the opening bell.
5. Options bears may be cheering this morning, as Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M) is headed 7.3% lower at the open. The company reported quarterly earnings just above analyst estimates, but revenue disappointed, and Macy's lowered its full-year outlook.

Earnings and Economic Data

The weekly crude inventories update and the Treasury budget will hit the Street. Canadian Solar (CSIQ), M, and Wendy's (WEN) will tell all in the earnings confessional. To see what else is coming up on this week's schedule, click here. 

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Following an initial negative reaction to this morning's payrolls report, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) climbed higher throughout the afternoon. Specifically, the disappointing jobs data -- which New York Fed President William Dudley called "a touch softer ... than what people were expecting" -- fueled speculation that the Federal Reserve will maintain its gradual pace toward raising interest rates. Additionally, stocks reacted as crude oil swung back into positive territory. Despite late gains, however, the Dow marked a second consecutive weekly loss.

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

• This oil stock just had its best day ever.
• Another down day for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).
• While this biotech rallied on a big cancer breakthrough, its sector peers slumped amid broader headwinds.
• Plus ... More on Dudley, Trump gets offered an olive branch, and Bill Ackman's bad day.
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,740.63) added 79.9 points, or 0.5%. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) was the biggest gainer, leading 24 of the Dow's 30 components higher on a 1.6% climb, while Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) led the laggards with a 0.9% drop. For the week, the DJIA shed 0.2%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,057.14) climbed 6.5 points, or 0.3% -- after briefly dipping into negative year-to-date territory in intraday action -- but gave up 0.4% on a weekly basis. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,736.16), meanwhile, climbed back out of correction territory by day's end, settling up 19.1 points, or 0.4%. For the week, though, the COMP closed with a loss of 0.8%. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 14.72) dropped 1.2 points, or 7.5% for the session, and gave back 6.2% for the week.

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. New York Fed President William Dudley said today that the he is not putting too much store into this morning's soft jobs report. Dudley echoed one of his fellow central bankers, saying two interest-rate hikes this year is still a "reasonable expectation." (MarketWatch)
2. Despite saying on Thursday that he was "not ready" to give his support to presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, House Speaker Paul Ryan has invited the candidate to meet with the party's leaders in the House of Representatives next week. Ryan also plans to meet privately with Trump and Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee. (Reuters)
3. How this gold ETF knocked options traders on their feet.
4. Jack Dorsey's portfolio took a big hit after Square Inc's (NYSE:SQ) reported earnings.
5. Bill Ackman might be sweating after Herbalife Ltd.'s (NYSE:HLF) latest earnings reaction.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

June crude oil climbed to $44.66 per barrel, up 34 cents, or 0.8%. This marks the third straight session of gains for oil, which benefited from a decrease in active rigs (as reported by Baker Hughes), a softening dollar, and supply disruptions in Canada and Nigeria. For the week, however, black gold gave up 2.7%, snapping its four-week run higher.

Gold clawed its way back after three straight sessions of declines, with the June-dated contract ending at $1,294.00 per ounce, up 1.7%, or $21.70. A dreary jobs report dimmed expectations for a June rate hike from the Fed, and subsequently lifted gold. For the week, the malleable metal gained 0.3%.

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) plunged out of the gate, giving back all of yesterday's big gains by the time the closing bell mercifully rang. Pressuring the Dow to a 217-point loss was an unusual earnings miss from blue-chip Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS), as well as a sector-related slump for retail stock Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT). What's more, a series of negative earnings reactions from the retail sector -- as well as a big-time merger breakup -- caused the S&P 500 Index (SPX) to snap its three-day winning streak. In fact, not even rallying crude futures could save stocks, while another big day for Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) failed to boost the Nasdaq Composite (COMP).

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

• The SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) could be poised for another wild day after these 3 retailers unveil earnings.
• Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) shrugged off today's Model 3 drama. 
• What had these 2 small-cap stocks making big moves?
• Plus ... Wal-Mart brings the hammer down on Visa, another bombing retailer, and Wall Street waxes optimistic on gold. 
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,711.12) ended near its session low, giving back 217.2 points, or 1.2%. The only Dow component in the green at the end of the day was Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), which eked out a 0.06% win. DIS paced the 29 losers with its 4% post-earnings slide. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,064.46) joined the losers table with a 19.9-point, or 1%, loss. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,760.69) closed the day down 49.2 points, or 1%. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 14.69) added 1.1 points, or 7.8%. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. The U.S. government posted a $106 billion surplus in its April budget, according to the Treasury Department. However, this was below expectations -- and a 32% decrease from April 2015. Additionally, receipts last month declined by 7% year-over-year. (Reuters)
2. Wal-Mart is suing fellow Dow component Visa Inc (NYSE:V) over the proper check-out protocol for customers using credit and debit cards. WMT wants customers to enter a pin when using a new chip debit card --- a less expensive option than the signature verification V has been allowing. Both stocks finished in the red today. (USA Today)
3. How these 3 biotech stocks caught Wall Street's eye. 
4. Tiffany & Co. (NYSE:TIF) couldn't avoid the retail swoon. 
5. The gold stocks getting upgraded across the Street. 

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

An unexpected drop in domestic crude inventories helped lift June-dated crude futures $1.57, or 3.5%, to $46.23 per barrel. This was the best close for a front-month crude contract since early November. 

Gold futures also rose today, as the dollar took a rare step back. Gold dated for June delivery added $10.70, or 0.9%, to land at $1,275.50 per ounce. 

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) started higher out of the gate, but has since faded into the red -- led lower by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), which just hit a new annual low. Stocks are also reacting to a dismal update on weekly jobless claims and a tough session for crude futures, with June-dated oil last seen 0.8% lower at $45.87 per barrel. Meanwhile, Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester said the recent batch of inflation data is "encouraging," while also noting that economic uncertainty "shouldn't paralyze" the central bank. Elsewhere, biotech stocks are underperforming, dragging the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) sharply lower.

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

• The latest retailer to bite the dust.
• The buyout buzz setting this tech stock ablaze.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and stocks on the move at midday.

 

Among the stocks with unusual call volume today is GMO guru Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON), with the contracts running at 14 times the usual intraday rate. According to Trade-Alert, one speculator sold to open a 10,000-contract block of October 85 puts to offset the cost of 10,000 October 105-130 long call spreads. At last check, MON is 9.1% higher at $98.56, amid renewed buyout rumors.

 

Chain restaurant Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ:JACK) is one of the top performers on the Nasdaq, surging 14.6% to trade at $74.62. Boosting the stock is a better-than-forecast quarterly earnings report, as the company benefited from higher traffic at its Qdoba restaurants, as well as "healthy margins and cost controls."

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.3 point, or 2.3%, at 15.02.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.71, with puts outstripping calls. At last check, SPY has shed 0.7 point, or 0.3%, at $205.79.

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Dow Jones Industrial Average ​​(DJIA) futures are signaling a disappointing finish to the week, sitting well below fair value. Global stocks are pulling back as the U.S. dollar strengthens and oil prices fall. June crude oil is down 1% at $46.23 per barrel this morning, after three straight days of gains. Meanwhile, retail remains in focus, after the Commerce Department reported a 1.3% jump in April retail sales -- the biggest gain in a year. However, department-store sales declined over the past 12 months, echoed by today's round of disappointing retailer earnings.

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

• 25 stocks to fear on Friday the 13th​.
• Did Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) just breach a critical level of support?
• Why skepticism is on the rise ahead of this retailer's earnings.
• Plus... Asian stocks end the week lower, 2 retailers set to plunge, and NVIDIA heads for a new high.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are 65 points below fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. Japan snaps a winning streak, while China marks a fourth weekly loss.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 688,668 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 550,935 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio stayed flat at 0.80, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.74.
3. Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE:JWN) reported weak first-quarter earnings and lowered its full-year outlook, citing the need to offer larger discounts to clear inventory. The shares fell 17% in electronic trading, putting the stock on track to tap a new four-year low at the open. 
4. Echoing the disappointing trend among retailers, J C Penney Company Inc (NYSE:JCP) is off more than 10% ahead of the bell, after the company's sales also missed estimates, and were accompanied by lower 2016 guidance. One option bull in particular could be sweating as the shares fall today.
5. On the other end of the spectrum, computing specialist NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) is on pace to open at an eight-year high, up 8% in pre-market trading. The company reported strong earnings, thanks to strength in its gaming and automotive sectors, and lifted its current-quarter sales guidance. 

Earnings and Economic Data

Along with retail sales, the producer price index (PPI), business inventories, and the preliminary Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey for May are all set for release. San Francisco Fed President John Williams will speak after today's close. To see what's coming up on next week's schedule, click here. 

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Dow Jones Industrial Average ​​(DJIA) futures are signaling a healthy start, trading comfortably above fair value and set to recover some of Wednesday's sell-off. Rising oil prices are boosting stocks this morning, with the June contract for crude oil last seen 1.3% higher at $46.82 per barrel -- and flirting with year-to-date highs -- thanks to a surprise fall in U.S. inventories. In addition, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicted a "dramatic reduction" in global oil supplies in the second half of the year. Meanwhile, traders are also eyeing an unexpected jump in weekly jobless claims, which surged to their loftiest level in 14 months.

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

• Is this outperforming gold ETF attracting bearish attention in the options pits?
• Despite yesterday's retail slump, bulls placed some big bets on Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT).
• The big-time endorsement that propelled Amazon.com, Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) to yet another record high.
• Plus... Dovish talks boost Japan, Monsanto pops on M&A chatter, and Google looks to echo Amazon.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are nearly 79 points above fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. Japan outperformed on a weaker yen and dovish central bank talk.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 597,379 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 476,924 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.80, while the 21-day moving average sat put at 0.73.
3. Agricultural concern Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON) is 17% higher in pre-market trading on reports that German chemical companies Bayer and BASF are still considering takeover bids for the company. Bloomberg reported earlier this year that MON was in talks with both companies, exploring a range of possible deals.
4. After reporting first-quarter earnings and revenue short of analysts' expectations, retailer Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS) is pointed 6.3% lower. The shares dropped to a seven-year low in Wednesday's session, and are on pace to tap a new low today.
5. Google parent Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is reportedly developing a device to compete against Amazon.com, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AMZN) Echo. The project is known internally as "Chirp," and sources estimate that it will likely launch some time later this year.

Earnings and Economic Data

Data due Thursday includes import and export prices. Nordstrom (JWN), NVIDIA (NVDA), Shake Shack (SHAK), and Sunrun (RUN) will step up to the earnings mic. To see what else is coming up on this week's schedule, click here. 

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) fell shortly after the open, as jobless claims hit a 14-month high, but stocks eventually regained steam to finish higher with crude oil prices. However, a record low for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and an ugly day for biotech stocks pushed the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) lower. Meanwhile, traders weighed the latest Fed speak, with Kansas City Fed President Esther George opining that U.S. interest rates are too low, and Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren saying the Street "remains too pessimistic about the fundamental strength of the U.S. economy."

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

• Are these 3 blue chips flashing a 'buy' signal?
• How a Bill Ackman letter and The New York Times sent one biotech to five-year lows. 
• This Internet firm and fellow China-based stock could be left at the altar, if recent reports are true. 
• Plus ... Obamacare takes a blow, GE tumbles, and another retail loser. 
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,720.50) traded on both sides of breakeven, but managed to pull out a 9.4-point, or 0.1%, win. Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) led the 14 Dow winners with a 1.7% advance. AAPL paced the losers, falling 2.3%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,064.11) wasn't as lucky, settling 0.4 point, or 0.02%, lower. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,737.33) also fell, giving back 23.4 points, or 0.5%. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 14.41) slid 0.3 point, or 1.9%. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. A federal judge sided with House Republicans by ruling the Obama administration's "Obamacare" financing methods are unconstitutional. Specifically, the judge said the executive branch is not authorized to reimburse insurance companies in the Obamacare marketplace without Congressional approval. (CNBC)
2. In other political news, House Speaker Paul Ryan today met with presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, in an effort to heal and unify the conservative party. However, Ryan still hasn't endorsed Trump as the party's nominee for November's election. (USA Today)
3. The analyst note that sent General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) reeling. 
4. Why Weight Watchers International, Inc. (NYSE:WTW) was buzzing yet again. 
5. The latest retail earnings blunder. 

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

June-dated crude oil futures managed their third straight win today, after the International Energy Agency (IEA) gave a promising full-year demand outlook, while noting a drop in output from some of the world's top oil producers. At the close, June-dated crude was up 47 cents, or 1%, at $46.70 per barrel. 

Gold futures declined as the dollar strengthened once again. Gold dated for June delivery ended the day down $4.30, or 0.3%, at $1,271.20 per ounce. 

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