The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has traded on both sides of breakeven today, but was last seen higher on a bigger-than-anticipated rise in July retail sales and better-than-expected earnings from Walmart (WMT). Traders are also eyeing a 2.3% increase in second-quarter productivity. However, disappointing earnings from Cisco Systems (CSCO) are keeping the Dow's gains in check, and dragging the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) into the red. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is modestly higher, despite news that whistleblower Harry Markopolos accused General Electric (GE) of fraud. The stock has dipped nearly 10% as a result.

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

• Why J.P. Morgan Securities is buying this e-Pay stock's latest dip. 
• The retail stock hitting new lows ahead of earnings.
• Plus, the weed stock attracting options traders; SINT stock surges on a Nasdaq nod; and the oil stock at all-time lows. 

Cannabis concern Aurora Cannabis Inc (NYSE:ACB) is lower on sector headwinds. The company also announced today that it would be upsizing its credit facility to roughly $280 million. So far, about 7,200 puts and 26,000 calls have crossed the tape, two times what's typically seen at this point. The December 7 call is most active, with buyers expecting ACB to rebound above the $7 level by December expiration. The stock, which hit a new seven-month low earlier, is trading down 3.6% at $5.86. 

One of the best stocks today is biomaterial concern SINTX Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:SINT), which is up 73.4% at $3.07, after the firm regained compliance with the Nasdaq's listing requirements. The company also reported stronger-than-expected earnings. This surge comes just one day after hitting an all-time low of $1.40. Now, SINT stock is trading back near its mid-July highs, and is threatening to close atop its 50-day moving average for the first time since May. 

Natural gas firm Just Energy Group Inc (NYSE:JE) is one of the worst performers on Wall Street today, after reporting a surprise quarterly loss. The stock is down 28.7% to trade at $2.21, and just hit an all-time low of $2.04 earlier today.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading well above fair value, as the blue-chip index looks to end a volatile week on a bright note and build on yesterday's positive momentum. Bouncing Treasury yields are easing concerns about a global recession for now, with the 10-year Treasury yield last seen at 1.56%. On the trade front, President Donald Trump confirmed to reporters that talks with China were ongoing ahead of an early September meeting between the two countries. And as far as economic data, Wall Street is so far shaking off a third straight drop in housing starts in July.

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

• 3 stocks to watch after analyst upgrades.
• This car stock has plenty left in the tank.
• M&A reports have BHC stock near a bullish trendline.
• Plus, Deere reports earnings miss; a bull note for Merck; and Nvidia roars on blowout quarterly report.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 974,585 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 953,303 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio climbed up to 0.98, the highest since Dec. 21, while the 21-day moving average rose to 0.70.
2. Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) stock is down 0.6% in electronic trading, after the machinery company reported fiscal third-quarter earnings that fell short of expectations. The company also trimmed its full-year outlook, citing U.S.-China trade-war uncertainties. Bearish sentiment on DE had been building; as of yesterday's close at $143.71, the stock had shed 16% from its July 29 annual high of $171.22.
3. Merck & Co, Inc. (NYSE:MRK) stock is up 1.3% ahead of the bell, after Leerink initiated coverage on the drug name with an "outperform" rating. The analyst in coverage glowed about the company's Keytruda drug, saying investors underestimate its potential. Merck stock sports a modest 9.2% year-to-date lead, and nabbed a 19-year high of $87.07 back on July 3. 
4. The shares of Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) are up 6.3% in electronic trading, after the chip company reported second-quarter earnings and revenue that exceeded analyst expectations. So far, Craig-Hallum and BMO have upped their price targets to $170 and $145, respectively, while Mizuho and J.P. Morgan Securities trimmed theirs to $185 and $200. The options market had been pricing in a much larger-than-usual post-earnings swing for the chip stock today.

5. Data on consumer sentiment will be released.

Chip Stocks Lead European Markets Higher

Asian markets finished mostly higher today, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng outperforming with its 0.9% gain. Elsewhere, China's Shanghai Composite rose 0.3% on a strong gain for media name DuZhe Publishing & Media, and Japan's Nikkei settled up 0.06%. On the flip side, South Korea's Kospi returned from holiday with a 0.6% drop.

Stocks in Europe are higher near the end of a volatile trading week, with strength from the semiconductor sector creating tailwinds. At last check, the French CAC 40 is boasting a 1% gain, the German DAX has added 0.9%, and he U.K.'s FTSE 100 is up 0.5%, after a delayed opening due to a lengthy London Stock Exchange outage.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is keeping the positive momentum going at midday, looking to end a wild trading week with a daily win. Anxiety is easing over bond yields, and traders are cheering President Donald Trump's comments that the U.S. and China are "having very productive talks" by phone ahead of an expected September meeting. Looking elsewhere, the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) is tacking on gains following semiconductor concern Nvidia's (NVDA) big earnings win, while the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is following suit. However, all three indexes are on course for a third straight weekly loss.

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

• Options traders are expecting more upside for this China stock before earnings. 
• Why investors should get rid of this industrial stock now, according to Goldman Sachs. 
• Plus, calls pop on Dell; IMAC's revenue increases six-fold; and the SEC probe sinking SAEX stock. 

Dell Technologies Inc (NYSE:DELL) is seeing an influx of bullish activity in the options pits today, with 22,000 call contracts across the tape so far -- nine times the intraday norm -- compared to only 720 puts. It looks like the bulk of this trading is centered around the October 52.50 call and the December 50 call, with a trader likely rolling a bullish position out and down. The surge in activity comes just days after the announcement that Dell-controled Pivotal Software (PVTL) and VMware (VMW) are in buyout talks. DELL stock is up 2.7% at $48.17. 

Healthcare issue IMAC Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:IMAC) is near the top of the Nasdaq today, after reporting second-quarter revenue that surged more than 500%, completely exceeding analysts' estimates. The stock is up 21.8% at $4.28, testing recent resistance at its newly formed 100-day moving average. 

A Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation of SAExploration Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:SAEX) accounting matters has the stock falling to the bottom of the Nasdaq. The company also said its CFO is stepping down, and delayed its quarterly filings to restate statements. The shares of the oil-and-gas provider are down $36.6% to trade at $2.05 -- pacing for their worst day in almost a year.

The Dow managed to gain today, recovering slightly from yesterday's massive sell-off. Walmart's (WMT) strong earnings report fueled the index's rise early on, and positive economic data -- including upbeat retail sales -- also piqued buyers' interest. At the same time, sharp losses from names like Cisco Systems (CSCO) and General Electric (GE) stocks capped the upside for the S&P 500 -- and kept the Nasdaq lower -- while trade tensions and a continued slide in Treasury yields also kept traders slightly on edge.

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

• The pot stock predicted to drop 90%.
• How SPY straddle traders racked up big gains.
• Wall Street bets on 2-year lows for this blue chip.
• Plus, a software stock gives up a key level; Netflix's hedge fund buzz; and an analyst says to buy Pinterest.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,578.98) added 99.6 points, or 0.4%, overcoming an earlier dip into negative territory. Of the Dow's 30 components, 19 finished higher, led by the 6.1% surge in Walmart shares. The biggest loser was Cisco Systems, down 8.6% at the close.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,847.60) managed to add 7 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,766.62) sat out today's gains, losing 7.3 points, or 0.1%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 21.18) gave back 0.9 point, or 4.2%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. New data from Canalys shows that the wearables market in North America topped $2 billion in the second quarter, growing 38% from a year before. The numbers reveal steady growth in the space, led by Apple (AAPL) and Samsung. (TechCrunch)
2. The European Central Bank (ECB) had to shut down one of its websites after a hacker gained access. Malicious software was planted on the site, though no market-sensitive information was compromised. (Reuters)
3. M&A reports sent tjos software stock through chart support.
4. The hedge fund news that put Netflix in focus. 
5. Why one analyst says to buy Pinterest.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Prices Hit Again

Oil prices were again under pressure due to global economic fears. By the close, September crude futures were down 76 cents, or 1.4%, at $54.47 per barrel.

Gold prices managed to rise today, though the renewed interest in equities capped the metal's upside. December gold futures finished up $3.40, or 0.2%, at $1,531.20 an ounce.

The Dow closed the book on a roller-coaster week with an emphatic 306-point gain. Rallying bond yields and cooling trade tensions with China fueled the blue-chip index's fourth triple-digit move of the week. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both finished with strong gains today as well, thanks to resurgent bank and tech sectors, respectively. However, it wasn't enough to prevent all three benchmarks from logging their third straight weekly loss.

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

• The biotech stock that more than doubled today.
• This Citron favorite just flashed a "buy" signal.
• Plus, IQ calls pick up before earnings; a big day from Nvidia; and an industrial stock to avoid.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,886.01) added 306.6 points, or 1.2%. Of the Dow's 30 components, everyone finished higher, led by the 3% surge from 3M (MMM). The slimmest winner was Chevron (CVX), which was marginally higher at the close. For the week, the blue-chip index shed 1.5%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,888.68) gained 41.1 points, or 1.4%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,895.99) tacked on 129.4 points, or 1.7%. The S&P 500 lost 1% on the week, while the Nasdaq gave back 0.8%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 18.47) lost 2.7 points, or 12.8%. It finished with a 3.2% weekly win.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. The University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index for August fell to 92.1 -- well short short of estimates and the lowest since January -- amid concerns about the U.S. economy and global trade. The losses spanned across all index components. (CNBC)
2. Bitcoin was not exempt from the bloodbath this week, falling 15% for its worst week of 2019. The drop this week contradicts the notion that cryptocurrencies can be utilized as a safe-haven asset. (Bloomberg)
3. IQ calls were popular, despite an "underweight" rating ahead of earnings.
4. Breaking down Nvidia's big post-earnings surge.
5. Analyst: Sell this industrial stock.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil, Gold Log Weekly Wins

Oil prices bounced back today too, despite a trimmed demand forecast from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). By the close, September crude futures added 40 cents, or 0.7%, to end at $54.87 per barrel. For the week, black gold finished up 0.7%. 

Gold prices pulled back today, taking a breather from its recent frenetic gain as a safe-haven asset. December gold futures finished down $7.60, or 0.5%, at $1,523.60 an ounce. For the week, gold gained 1% for its third straight weekly win.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are signaling a strong start to the week, pointing to a 293-point burst out of the gate for the blue-chip index. The 10-year Treasury yield -- which helped fuel a late-week rally on Friday -- continues to bounce back, climbing to 1.61%, at last check. But the big driver this morning is news that the U.S. agreed to extend a grace period to Huawei, which will allow the Chinese tech giant to buy supplies from U.S. companies for the next 90 days. This follows comments from President Donald Trump and his top economic adviser Larry Kudlow, who on Sunday insisted they don't see a recession on the horizon. 

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

• Goldman: This drone stock could soar 44%.
• Options bulls have piled on Baidu stock ahead of earnings.
• This Chinese streaming stock just picked up a pre-earnings downgrade.
• Plus, MasterCard eyes crypto foray; Deckers upgraded; and Microsoft taps Nvidia for Minecraft tech.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.18 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 800,064 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio pulled back to 0.67, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.70.
2. Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) stock is up 1.4% in electronic trading, after a New York Post report indicated the credit card company was forming a cryptocurrency team. Mastercard already is involved with Facebook's Libra cryptocurrency. MA scored a record high of $283.33 on July 29, and is up 45% year-to-date through Friday's close at $274.36.
3. Deckers Outdoor Corp (NYSE:DECK) stock is up 1% ahead of the bell, after Pivotal Research upgraded the footwear retailer to "buy" from "hold." The analyst in coverage favors the company's valuation and upcoming weather trends in the fall/winter. DECK has shed 26% since its July 1 all-time high of $180.65, and is clinging to its year-to-date breakeven point, based on Friday's close at $134.29.. 
4. Fresh off an impressive quarterly report, the shares of Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) are up 2.8% in electronic trading. In addition to sector tailwinds stemming from the Huawei news, Microsoft (MSFT) agreed to use Nvidia's "ray tracing" technology for its "Minecraft" video game. Despite all the recent buzz, NVDA is still down 38% year-over-year through last week's close at $159.59..

5. Data on e-commerce retail sales is on the docket for today, along with earnings from Estee Lauder (EL) and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (RRGB).

Asian Stocks, European Markets Get PBOC Boost

It was a positive finish in Asia today, after the People's Bank of China (PBOC) announced key interest rate reform over the weekend in order to lower borrowing costs. Trump's upbeat comments on U.S.-China trade talks also boosted investor sentiment. By the close, China's Shanghai Composite was up 2.1%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 2.2%, while Japan's Nikkei and South Korea's Kospi each added 0.7%.

European markets are getting a lift from PBOC's interest rate announcement, as well, as stimulus chatter from German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, who said the country has the ability to "counter [an economic] crisis with full force." At last check, the German DAX is up 1.5%, the French CAC 40 is 1.3% higher, and London's FTSE 100 is boasting a 1.2% lead.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has tacked on nearly 265 points at midday, amid news that the U.S. will offer a 90-day reprieve to Huawei, allowing the Chinese company to buy from American suppliers. Today's gain is led by Apple (AAPL), which is surging after a discussion between President Donald Trump and CEO Tim Cook, in which Trump said Cook made a "good case" against the imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese goods. Elsewhere, traders are cheering a rebound in Treasury yields, and China's key interest rate reform to lower borrowing costs. Against this backdrop, the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) and the S&P 500 Index (SPX) are also in the black.

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

• The food service stock scaling the NYSE on activist interest. 
• 2 retail stocks raking in bullish analyst notes today. 
• Plus, option bulls hop on RIG stock; DPW quadruples; and PCG stock plummets on bankruptcy buzz. 

Energy stock Transocean Ltd (NASDAQ:RIG) is seeing an influx of bullish activity in the options pits today. So far, 18,000 calls have crossed the tape -- double the intraday average -- compared to fewer than 5,000 puts. The most popular is the September 5 call, followed by the weekly 9/6 4.50-strike call, with positions being bought to open at the latter. The stock is up 9.1% to trade at $4.58, though the catalyst for the surge in unclear. 

DPW Holdings Inc (NYSEAMERICAN:DPW) is a top stock on Wall Street today, with the shares more than quadrupling on a subsidiary's relaunch of its investment portal, Monthlyinterest.com. The shares are up 379.1% at $9.87, at last check, eyeing their first close atop the 100-day moving average in 18 months. 

One of the worst performers on Wall Street today is PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), which came under fire today after a federal judge's ruling that the company could retain sole rights to its bankruptcy claim. The judge also said the company mmust face a jury trial in California over the 2017 Tubbs fire. The stock is down 26.9% at $10.43, and pacing for its biggest one-day percentage drop since January.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading cautiously above fair this morning, following a volatile stretch for the blue-chip index that saw six triple-digit closes in the last eight days. Yesterday's U.S.-China trade optimism has dimmed, and instead investors are digesting a mixed quarterly report from trade-sensitive Home Depot (HD). While second-quarter earnings beat expectations, revenue fell just short of the consensus estimate. Plus, the company lowered its full-year sales guidance on uncertainty of the potential impact surrounding proposed tariffs on Chinese goods. HD stock is up 2.3% ahead of the bell.

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

• What this sector standout says about recession risk, courtesy of Senior Market Strategist Matthew Timpane.
• 2 semiconductor stocks Raymond James is buying.
• A bull note boosted options activity on this booming gene therapy stock.
• Plus, new Apple TV+ details; Beyond Meat gets a big upgrade; and Sarepta's DMD drug rejected.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.07 million call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 589,277 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio pulled back to 0.55, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.70.
2. Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) is in focus this morning, as reports swirl the company has committed $6 billion to content for its Apple TV+ service, higher than previous estimates of around $1 billion. Additionally, Bloomberg reported the streaming services will launch in November for $9.99 per month. AAPL is up 33% in 2019 at $210.35.
3. Beyond Meat Inc (NASDAQ:BYND) stock is up 6% ahead of the bell, after J.P. Morgan Securities upgraded the plant-based burger maker to "overweight" from "neutral" while raising its price target by $1 to $189. Analyst Ken Goldman called BYND "appealing once again" due to its potential for new food service customers. The stock is fresh off yesterday's record high of $170.77, and is up 30% in the last six months.
4. The shares of Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:SRPT) are down 17% in electronic trading, after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declined to approve the company's Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) drug, citing risk of infections. SRPT is set to open below $100 for the first time since late December, but even prior to today had shed 20% this quarter.

5. There's not much on the economic calendar today, but a flurry of retailers will throw their hat into the earnings ring, including Kohl's (KSS), TJX Companies (TJX), and Urban Outfitters (URBN), while homebuilder Toll Brothers (TOL) will also release its quarterly results. 

Semiconductors Lift South Korea; Europe Eyes Italian Election Drama     

It was a mixed finish in Asia today. Stocks in Seoul outperformed on semiconductor strength, with South Korea's Kospi gaining 1%. Japan's Nikkei also ended on the plus side, adding 0.6%. Meanwhile, China's Shanghai Composite eased back 0.1%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.2%.

It's a quiet day of trading in Europe. Investors are keeping a close eye on political turmoil in Italy, where Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini is once again pushing for a new election. At last check, the German DAX is 0.09% lower, the French CAC 40 is fractionally higher, and London's FTSE 100 is up 0.2% on as AstraZeneca pops on upbeat drug data.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has muscled atop breakeven today, erasing a triple-digit deficit, with Home Depot (HD) stock up more than 4% after earnings. However, Treasury yields have dipped as recession anxieties begin to bubble up again, sending bank stocks lower. Wall Street is also anticipating the Fed's meeting minutes for July, which are expected out tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) and the S&P 500 Index (SPX) are mixed at midday. 

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

• Why analysts are wary of these 2 stocks ahead of earnings. 
• The FDA rejection that has the brokerage bunch berating this biotech with bear notes. 
• Plus, BIDU's earnings report rocks the options pits; Cemtrex scales the Nasdaq; and the penny stock plunging on a halted trial. 

Chinese internet stock Baidu Inc (NASDAQ:BIDU) is seeing a surge in options volume today, following the firm's better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and revenue. So far, 69,000 calls and 52,000 puts have exchanged hands -- five times the intraday norm. Most popular is the September 165 put, followed by December 120 put, with contracts being opened at the latter -- possibly part of a bearish roll. The most popular call is the weekly 8/23 115-strike contract, with positions being bought to open. At last glance, BIDU is up 7.1% at $111.61. 

One of the top performers on the Nasdaq is Cemtrex Inc (NASDAQ:CETX), after posting a per-share loss of $1.59 for its fiscal third quarter, which was slimmer than last year's loss of $2.40, topping expectations. The electronics manufacturing stock is up 39.4% at $2.13, on course for its first close north of its 20-day moving average since June. 

NuCana PLC (NASDAQ:NCNA) is one of the worst performers on the Nasdaq today, following news that its late-stage metastatic pancreatic study was suspended, after futility analysis showed the primary efficacy objective was unlikely to be met. Trading was halted earlier today, but has since resumed, with NCNA down 35.1% at $4.75. The stock hit an all-time low of $4.01 today, too, and is on course for its biggest one-day drop on record. This, just one day after NuCana scored a major vote of confidence from analysts.

The Dow rallied today thanks to upbeat news around the U.S.-China relationship. The tech sector got a spark from news that the Trump administration is extending Huawei's license to do business with U.S. suppliers, and traders also cheered interest rate reform out of China. Rebounding Treasury yields also lifted sentiment on Wall Street. The winning session marks a third straight for the Dow and S&P, while the Nasdaq's win streak is still just at two -- though sentiment data suggests stocks could keep rebounding from last week's sell-off.

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

• 2 drug stocks analysts think can triple.
• The blue chip option bears are targeting before earnings.
• How traders are playing the Kohl's quarterly report.
• Plus, stock hit by bankruptcy news; electronics stock surges; and Aramark jumps on a new stake.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,135.79) added about 250 points, or 1%. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) and American Express (AXP) were the only Dow losers, losing 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively. Cisco Systems (CSCO) paced the 28 advancing blue chips, adding 3.3%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,923.65) gained about 35 points, or 1.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,002.81) tacked on 106.8 points, or 1.4%, to mark its first finish above 8,000 since Aug. 13.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 16.88) lost 1.6 points, or 8.6%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. More data shows that Americans are spending more eating out at restaurants. Industry sales are expected to top $863 billion in 2019, which would represent an all-time high and a 3.6% gain from a year earlier. (CNBC)
2. Social media companies Twitter (TWTR) and Facebook (FB) both said they found concerted efforts of fake accounts from China attempting to manipulate protesters in Hong Kong. Services for both companies are forbidden in mainland China. (The Verge)
3. Bankruptcy buzz hits PG&E again.
4. The electronics stock that rallied to fresh highs.
5. Aramark spiked thanks to a move from a high-profile investor.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Gains with Stocks

Oil prices rose today alongside equities, following a drone attack on an oil facility in Saudi Arabia. October-dated crude futures added $1.33, or 2.4%, to $56.14 per barrel.

Gold, meanwhile, moved lower today, as traders turned to riskier assets. December-dated gold futures fell $12, or 0.8%, to end at $1,511.60 an ounce. 

U.S. stocks took a breather today, ending the recent relief rally for the Dow and its index peers. For the Dow and S&P, today's pullback snapped a three-day win streak, while the Nasdaq's two-day rise is over, as well, with tech and financial stocks among the hardest hit during the session. The Dow's decline comes despite a strong earnings performance from blue chip Home Depot (HD), while recession fears again came into focus ahead of tomorrow's highly anticipated Fed meeting minutes.

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

• 3 reasons an analyst likes Beyond Meat shares. 
• The Abbvie upgrade that sparked weekly options trading.
• Options traders grow bullish on Apple.
• Plus, Kohl's falls after earnings; Cigna's M&A buzz; and 2 biopharmas move on FDA buzz.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,962.44) finished near session lows, dropping 173.4 points, or 0.7%. Home Depot paced the three Dow winners with a 4.4% rise, while Dow (DOW) was the worst of the 27 losers, giving back 5.4%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,900.51) lost 23.1 points, or 0.8%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,948.56) fell 54.3 points, or 0.7%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 17.50) rose 0.6 point, or 3.7%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. Companies in North America increased their spending by 19% on industrial robots in the second quarter, compared to a year earlier. Robot sales have grown in recent years as the unemployment rate has remained low, and the price of robots has been decreasing. (Reuters)
2. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC) voted to revise the Volcker Rule, asking regulators to make changes to restrictions around how banks trade securities with their own funds. More specifically, they're examining the definition for "proprietary trading," hoping to allow banks more flexibility in making short-term investments. (CNBC)
3. Inside the Kohl's earnings pullback.
4. The M&A rumors that led to increased Cigna options trading.
5. 2 biopharma stocks that moved on FDA news.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Bounces Back During Stock Slide

Oil prices hovered near breakeven today ahead of tomorrow's domestic crude inventory release. October crude futures, the most-trade series today, dipped 1 cent to end at $56.13 per barrel.

Gold edged higher today amid the weakness in equities. December-dated gold added $4.10, or 0.3%, and closed at $1,515.70 an ounce.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are pointing to triple-digit gains this morning, getting a shot in the arm from a round of upbeat retail earnings. After the blue-chip index snapped its three-day winning streak yesterday, investor fears of a faltering domestic economy are being temporarily assuaged by blowout quarterly reports from Target (TGT) and Lowe's (LOW). Both retailers reported second-quarter earnings and same-store sales numbers that topped expectations, while TGT also upped its full-year profit guidance. Later today, Wall Street will eye release of the latest Fed meeting minutes, looking for clues about future monetary policy.

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

• it's best to sell stocks after this yield-curve signal, according to Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White.
• Options bulls piled on 2 pharma stocks that earned FDA nods.
• This Shake Shack bull signal has never been wrong.
• Plus, URBN rises despite mixed earnings; more opioid-related trouble for Cardinal Health; and Walmart sues Tesla.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 845,798 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 587,627 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.69, while the 21-day moving average climbed to 0.71.
2. Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) stock is lower in electronic trading, after the retailer reported second-quarter revenue and same-store sales figures that missed their mark. No fewer than five price-target cuts have come through, the lowest coming from Wedbush to $20. URBN has shed 37% in 2019 and fell to a two-year low of $19.63 last Thursday, Aug. 15.
3. Cardinal Health Inc (NYSE:CAH) stock is down 1.3% ahead of the bell, after warning in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing that opioid-related lawsuits will hurt its business. The company has been named as a defendant in over 2,500 lawsuits. CAH bounced off its six-year low of $41.03 from Aug. 7, but remains below its year-to-date breakeven level.
4. The shares of Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) are down in electronic trading, after Walmart (WMT) filed a lawsuit against the car company, alleging negligence due to repeated fires in Tesla's solar energy systems that are installed in several Walmart stores. TSLA is up 2.7% week-to-date through Tuesday's close at $225.86.
5. Data on existing home sales and weekly crude inventories are due out. Earnings from L Brands (LB) and Nordstrom (JWN), are slated for release.

European Stocks Climb on Merger Optimism

It was a mostly higher finish in Asia today, as traders looked ahead to this afternoon's release of the U.S. Fed meeting minutes. Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.2% on a strong day for property developer China Resources Land. South Korea's Kospi also tacked on 0.2%, while China's Shanghai Composite eked out a fractional gain. Japan's Nikkei wasn't so resilient, shedding 0.3% on weakness in auto stocks.

European markets are boasting big gains at midday, as automakers pop on reports a Fiat Chrysler-Renault merger may be back on the table. Traders are also eyeing the resignation of Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and a German bond auction, where the country sold 30-year bonds at a negative yield for the first time ever. At last check, the French CAC 40 is up 1.5%, the German DAX is 1.2% higher, and London's FTSE 100 is flirting with a 1.1% lead.