The Dow finished roughly 150 points higher today, extending yesterday's gains on a statement from President Donald Trump that he would meet with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He on Friday, strengthening optimism over an eventual trade deal. This sentiment was buoyed by a report that the Trump administration may be prepared to loosen some of its restrictions on tech giant Huawei. Against this backdrop, the Nasdaq and the S&P were both higher at the close, too. 

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

• Options players blast 3 weed stocks as the sector crumbles. 
• 2 healthcare stocks with buy signals flashing. 
• New PG&E drama has options bulls hitting the bricks. 
• Plus, a bull signal for DOCU stock; Bed Bath & Beyond's new CEO; and RADA stock's red-hot rally. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,496.67) added 150.7 points, or 0.6%. Trade-sensitive Caterpillar (CAT) led the 22 gainers, up 2.7%, while Cisco Systems (CSCO) suffered the biggest drop on a 1.5% loss. Visa (V) finished flat. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,938.13) settled 18.7 points, or 0.6%, higher, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,950.78) tacked on 47 points, or 0.6%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 17.57) fell 1.1 point, or 5.7%, today.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. More than two dozen people have now died from vaping-related lung diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adding that 219 probable cases have been diagnosed in 49 states since last week. Most of these cases were from vaping THC, while a smaller percentage used exclusively nicotine. (CNBC)
2. Fidelity Investments announced that it will be cutting trade commissions, jumping on the recent trend of major brokerage firms reducing or eliminating brokerage fees in an effort to compete with online platforms, such as Robinhood. (MarketWatch)
3. 3 reasons to buy calls on DocuSign stock. 
4. The retail vet taking the reins as Bed Bath & Beyond's new CEO. 
5. Why outperforming defense stock RADA popped again today.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Hits One-Week High Amid U.S.-China News

Oil ended at a one-week as investors kept a close eye on the latest trade news between the U.S. and China. November-dated crude futures gained $0.96, or 1.8%, to settle at $53.55 a barrel. 

Gold reversed course today, landing at its lowest close in over a week as investors turned their attention to riskier assets. Gold futures for December delivery shed $11.90, or 0.8%, to end at $1,500.90 per ounce.  

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are rallying before the opening bell, trading almost 300 points above fair value. Traders appear to be expecting good news on the trade front, with the U.S and China set to wrap up a week's worth of negotiations with a meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He. Media reports have been suggesting a "partial deal," as the China Daily newspaper described it, could be reached, and the buzz has tech heavyweights trading higher pre-market -- including Apple (AAPL), which is nearing record highs. As such, the Dow and S&P 500 Index (SPX) look poised to trim their weekly losses.

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

• How options traders dismissed the Bed Bath & Beyond rally.
• Why DocuSign call options look attractive.
• Bulls are betting on this Wall Street freshman.
• Plus, estimating the cost of the GM strike; another GoPro update; and a weed stock named a winner.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 906,148 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 562,087 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved up to 0.62, while the 21-day moving average was 0.69.
2. Credit Suisse analysts weighed in on the UAW-General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) strike, a topic in this week's Schaeffer's Stock Market Podcast. The brokerage firm released a note estimating the worker strike could cost GM roughly $1.5 billion, assuming a deal is made by Oct. 21. The automaker released an update on the negotiations this morning, explaining its latest offer to the union group.
3. GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO) just released another update for investors, saying it's already shipping the Hero8 camera -- days ahead of the Oct. 15 deadline the company previously laid out. This comes after GPRO stock hit an all-time low of $3.25 yesterday.GoPro shares are up 2% ahead of the bell.
4. Jefferies just released a note on the beaten-down weed sector, essentially saying the smallest companies will likely struggle, with some potentially resorting to bankruptcy. However, the firm suggested Aphria Inc (NYSE:APHA) offers a much more attractive valuation than its marijuana-producing peers. After losing more than 14% in Thursday's trading, APHA is pointed 3.3% higher in pre-market action.
5. Import and export prices, plus the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index, come out today. The earnings schedule features Infosys (INFY). Next week, third-quarter earnings season kicks off with the big banks.

Asian Markets Gain on Trade Chatter

Stocks in Asia moved higher today, as traders priced in optimism over U.S.-China trade progress following a tweet from Trump, saying he will be meeting with Premier Liu He today. Japan’s Nikkei saw a 1.2% lift after well-received earnings from retail giant Fast, while the Kospi in South Korea moved 0.8% higher. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index surged 2.3%, while China’s Shanghai Composite rose just shy of 0.9%.

As Brexit continues to be at the forefront of Britain’s news, European stocks are moving notably higher in afternoon trading. Specifically, U.K. Brexit secretary Stephen Barclay is in discussions today with European Union (EU) chief negotiator Michel Barnier, sending London’s FTSE 100 0.4% higher, even as the pound extends Thursday's gains. Meanwhile, Germany’s DAX has climbed 2.2%, while France’s CAC 40 is sporting a 1.2% lead, with SAP and Renault both gaining ground on executive shake-ups.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is cruising toward its third straight win in style today, up over 450 points as Wall Street cheers encouraging U.S.-China trade talk developments. The blue-chip index is gunning for its best single-session gain since June 4, after President Donald Trump -- who will meet with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He this afternoon -- tweeted that "good things are happening" on the trade front, and this week's talks have "warmer feelings than in recent past." The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are also heading toward their third straight win, while the Dow and S&P are set to snap a three-week losing streak.

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

• Goldman: Dump this cybersecurity stock now.
  
• Slack Technologies stock is rallying today after upbeat metrics.
• Plus, calls pop amid MTCH/IAC split news; Newmont Goldcorp sitting out today's rally; and a chip stock rallying on trade tailwinds.

One name seeing heightened options volume today is Match Group Inc (NASDAQ:MTCH), with 18,000 calls crossing the tape so far -- 10 times the average intraday amount, and volume pacing for the 100th percentile of its annual range. Leading the charge are the November 85 and 75 calls, where new spread positions are being opened. The dating services stock is down 1.8% to trade at $74.67 today, as IAC/InterActiveCorp (IAC) proposes spinning off its ownership stake in Match. 

One stock sitting out today's rally is Newmont Goldcorp Corp (NYSE:NEM), down 2.6% to trade at $37.98, as gold prices pull back amid lessened demand for "safe haven" assets. Newmont Goldcorp stock has spent October consolidating below the $39 level, but today's drop has found support at its 100-day moving average.

Thanks to the China trade optimism, tech stocks are rising today, including chip name Xilinx, Inc. (NASDAQ:XLNX), up 4.4% to trade at $96.87. XLNX has spent the past three months chopping lower -- down 19% in that timeframe -- due to high exposure to U.S.-China trade headlines. Should today's price action hold, though, Xilinx stock will have toppled its 20-day moving average for the first time on a closing basis in over three weeks.

The Dow continued to slide today, ending more than 300 points lower after the U.S. expanded its trade blacklist to include 28 additional Chinese tech companies alongside Huawei, citing human rights violations -- a move that soured investor sentiment ahead of Thursday's high-level U.S.-China trade talks. The tech-rich Nasdaq was lower too, as the update crushed semiconductor stocks.

Elsewhere, Fed Chair Jerome Powell announced the imminent expansion of the central bank's balance sheet in response to recent volatility in overnight lending markets, but clarified, "This is not [quantitative easing]. In no sense is this QE." Against this backdrop, it was a negative finish across the board for the major equity indexes.

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

• What the small-cap death cross means for IWM going forward. 
• Behind Domino's Pizza stock's wild post-earnings trading. 
• Why investors should scoop up CBOE calls now. 
• Plus, one TGT bull's big bet; 2 healthcare stocks getting bull notes; and NIO stock's great day. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,164.04) shed 313.9 points, or 1.2%. Walmart (WMT) was the only gainer of the 30 blue chips, up 0.3%, while Dow Inc (DOW) brought up the rear with a 2.9% loss.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,893.06) settled 45.7 points, or 1.6%, lower, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,823.78) lost 132.5 points, or 1.7%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 20.28) added 2.4 points, or 13.6%, today, and closed back above the 20 level for the first time since Oct. 2.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. The Supreme Court is in a heated debate surrounding Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act, which protects individuals from workplace discrimination based on "sex," with three cases challenging this provision after being fired for their sexual orientations and identities. Debates over the matter went on for two hours and concluded at noon, with some justices suggesting they may defer to Congress on the matter. (CNBC)
2. According to a poll from Washington Post-Shar School, 58% of respondents support the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, compared to 45% in a separate poll released days earlier. The poll covered a random national sample of 1,007 adults and was taken via phone between Oct. 1 and 6. (Reuters)
3. Behind this Target bull's well-timed bet. 
4. Analysts predict big things for these 2 heathcare sector newcomers. 
5. The deliveries update that helped lift electric auto stock NIO. 

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil, Gold Slide as Investors Await Thursday Trade Meeting

Oil prices clocked another loss as trade turmoil continues to bubble. November-dated crude futures fell $0.12, or 0.2%, to settle at $52.63 a barrel. 

Gold also pulled back, notching its third straight session in the red as the U.S. dollar strengthened. Gold futures for December delivery lost $0.50, or 0.03%, to end at $1,503.90 per ounce.  

Stocks soared today, with the Dow closing over 300 points higher after a report from Bloomberg News said the U.S. and China came to a partial trade deal earlier today. Bullish momentum accelerated into the close after President Donald Trump confirmed, speaking alongside Chinese Vice Premier Liu He in the Oval Office, that the two countries have reached a "very substantial phase one deal," with phase two to follow "almost immediately." As a result, the major equity benchmarks bounced out of negative week-to-date territory to close firmly higher. 

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

• Why traders should keep an eye on these 3 Brexit stocks. 
• The FAANG stock that hit a new high during today's rally. 
• Plus, CrowdStrike puts pop; ROKU gets a bull note; and one analyst's JNJ forecast. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,816.59) added 319.9 points, or 1.2%, and gained 0.9% for the week. Dow (DOW) led the 26 gainers, up 4.9%, while McDonald's (MCD) suffered the biggest drop, down 1.3%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,970.27) settled 32.1 points, or 1.1%, higher, with a 0.6% lead for the week. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,057.04) tacked on 106.3 points, or 1.3%, and was up 0.9% for the week. 

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 15.58) fell 2 points, or 11.3%, today, with an 8.6% loss for the week.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Google (GOOGL) is expanding the plans for its proposed second headquarters in San Jose. The multipurpose HQ2 will cover 80 acres and feature over 7 million square feet of office space. (CNBC)
2. A U.S. federal judge just blocked the Trump administration's proposed rule denying visas and green cards to immigrants based on financial status. (Reuters)
3. The sour Goldman note that had options bears flocking to CrowdStrike today. 
4. Netflix rival ROKU made moves on an upgrade from RBC. 
5. Why one analyst turned bullish on JNJ's latest litigation outlook. 

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Hits One-Month Low

Oil kept climbing today as anxieties over energy demand eased amid trade optimism. November-dated crude futures gained $1.15, or 2.2%, to settle at $54.70 a barrel, and ended the week 3.6% higher. 

Gold slid once again, bottoming out at its lowest close in a month as optimism over trade had investors turning back to stocks. Gold futures for December delivery shed $12.20, or 0.8%, to end at $1,488.70 per ounce. The commodity lost 1.6% for the week, marking its biggest weekly loss in seven months. 

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading below fair value this morning. Stocks look set to cool from last week's trade-induced rally, with Bloomberg reporting that China may want more talks later this month with the U.S. before it formally commits to any type of deal. Aside from trade buzz, there's little else on the schedule today that could cause an outsized move in stocks, as many investors likely prepare for the start of third-quarter earnings season tomorrow.

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

• An analyst went bullish on Johnson & Johnson's litigation troubles.
• 2 reasons options traders jumped on this fast food stock.
• Plus, housing stock downgraded; CrowdStrike hit by another bear note; and expectations cut on pot stock.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.56 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 790,926 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved down to 0.51, while the 21-day moving average was 0.69.
2. The housing sector has outperformed in 2019, recently getting a boost from Lennar's (LEN) strong earnings. However, Susquehanna this morning downgraded Toll Brothers Inc (NYSE:TOL) to "neutral" from "positive," as the shares test the $39-$40 area that previously served as resistance earlier this year.
3. Another analyst is saying to sell CrowdStrike Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:CRWD), with Citigroup starting coverage with a "sell" rating and $43 price target. Goldman Sachs on Friday also said to sell the cybersecurity stock. Down 7.2% pre-market, CRWD could test record lows today.
4. Aurora Cannabis Inc (NYSE:ACB) received a bear note from MKM Partners, which wrote that pricing has softened in the pot industry, and the gap between legal and illegal weed is growing. The brokerage firm expects the marijuana company's fiscal first-quarter results to come in weaker than expected. 
5. The economic schedule is bare today, but the earnings schedule ramps up tomorrow.

Asian Markets Rise on Trade Hopes

Asian markets closed higher, as investors cheered signs of progress on the U.S.-China trade front. China's Shanghai Composite outpaced its regional peers, adding 1.2% after weaker-than-anticipated import and export data for September. Meanwhile, surging chip stocks created tailwinds in South Korea, with the Kospi climbing 1.1%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.8%. Japan's Nikkei was closed for holiday.

Stocks in Europe have turned lower at midday, as speculators fret about a lack of details in both the partial trade deal between Washington and Beijing, as well as the Brexit plans put forth by U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson. At last check, London's FTSE 100 is down 0.4%, the German DAX is off 0.6%, and the French CAC 40 is 0.7% lower.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is cautiously higher to start the new week, as the U.S.-China trade optimism from Friday is replaced with skepticism. A Bloomberg report indicated China is hesitant to sign off on an official "phase one" deal, and labeled the Friday developments as "substantial progress," instead of the "greatest and biggest trade deal ever made" for U.S. farmers, as touted by President Donald Trump on Twitter.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are sitting just above breakeven, too, as investors exercise caution. Elsewhere, oil prices are sharply lower, with November-dated crude futures down 2.8% at $53.15 per barrel, at last check.

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

• Analyst: This fitness chain could be "best in class."
  
• The bank stock upgraded to "buy" before earnings.
• Plus, calls pop on Procter & Gamble stock; Western Digital stock upgraded; and EOG sinks with oil.

One name seeing heightened options volume today is Procter & Gamble Co (NYSE:PG), with 53,000 calls crossing the tape so far -- 14 times the average intraday amount, and 15 times the number of puts traded. It looks like most of the action has transpired at the November 100 and March 115 calls, with a trader possibly rolling up a large position. The surging Dow stock was last seen down 1% to trade at $119.94, despite J.P. Morgan Securities naming P&G a top pick for earnings season.

Western Digital Corp (NASDAQ:WDC) is one of the better stocks on the SPX today, up 1.9% to trade at $58.93. This comes after Loop Capital upgraded the semiconductor stock to "buy" from "hold," while hiking its price target to $75 from $50. The analyst in coverage is bullish on the company's valuation and potential revenue growth for 2020. WDC is heading toward its fourth straight win, after bouncing from its 80-day moving average last week.

With oil prices falling, EOG Resources Inc (NYSE:EOG) is struggling today, down 3.8% to trade at $66.68, and earlier nabbing a three-year low of $66.01. Also weighing on the oil name is a price-target cut to $105 from $110 at Susquehanna. EOG is down 23% year-to-date, and has found stiff resistance at the $88 level and $50 billion market cap.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading above fair value this morning, pointing to a strong start to earnings season. It's been a good morning for blue chips on that front, with Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), and UnitedHealth (UNH) all set to rise after their quarterly reports. While trade buzz is still lingering in the background, the positive earnings updates have futures on the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) higher, as well.

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

• Schaeffer's Senior V.P. of Research Todd Salamone breaks down the VIX levels to watch this week.
• 2 Wall Street rookies expected to pop.
• Puts pick up with Turkey ETF facing worst month in a year.
• Plus, JPMorgan's earnings details; analyst sees big upside for healthcare stock; and hemp farming in Hawaii. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 753,716 million call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 463,698 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved to 0.62, while the 21-day moving average was 0.69.
2. Looking closer at JPM's earnings results, the company's third-quarter earnings per share came in at $2.68, trouncing expectations of $2.45, while revenue of $30.1 billion for the period was the most ever. This has the shares of the banking giant up 1.9% before the open, putting them on pace to test their record highs near the $120 level.
3. Outside of earnings, eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ:EHTH) just received a big bull note from Raymond James, which began coverage with an "outperform" rating and $90 price target. This comes after EHTH stock yesterday notched its lowest close since January, with the shares falling from a July peak of $112.22 to $53.12 yesterday.
4. Arcadia Biosciences Inc (NASDAQ:RKDA) stock had a big day on Monday, jumping 24.8%. The shares of RKDA are set to add another 4% today, rising on news the company is expanding its hemp farming operations in Hawaii.
5. The Empire State manufacturing index comes out, and there will be speeches from St. Louis Fed President James Bullard, Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, and San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly. For corporate earnings, BlackRock (BLK), Citigroup (C), J.B. Hunt (JBHT), Wells Fargo (WFC), and United Airlines (UAL) will report. 

Mixed Trading in Overseas Markets

Markets in Asia were a mixed bag today, as investors remain cautious about the specifics of a U.S.-China trade deal.  Chinese markets are monitoring a 69.3% surge in pork prices last month, stemming from an outbreak of African swine fever. This sent the consumer price index up to a six-year high of 3%, exceeding consensus expectations.

Overall, China's Shanghai Composite shed 0.6%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng gave back 0.07% in the final hours of trading. South Korea's Kospi finished fractionally higher, while Japan's Nikkei led the region with a 1.9% gain.

Over in Europe, London's FTSE 100 is nursing a 0.3% loss, after U.K.'s unemployment rate rose to 3.9% this past summer as Brexit fears hit the labor market. But elsewhere, stocks are mostly higher after European Union (EU) negotiator Michel Barnier expressed optimism that a Brexit deal was still possible at a summit later this week. At last check, the French CAC 40 was up 0.4%, while the German DAX has a 0.3% lead.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is up over 260 points at midday -- and was up more than 330 points at its session highs -- as investors take a break from U.S.-China trade headlines and cheer a promising start to third-quarter earnings season. JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), and UnitedHealth (UNH) are propping up the blue-chip index with their quarterly reports, but Wall Street is also digesting New York’s Empire State manufacturing index, which unexpectedly rose this month. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are confidently in the black as well, while Wall Street's "fear gauge," the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), heads toward its fifth straight loss and lowest close since late July.

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

• Nvidia stock eyes a key level after a big bull note.
  
• The red-hot pharma stock hitting record highs today.
• Plus, options traders target SmallCap newcomer; Aphria rallies after revenue beat; and Netflix takes a breather ahead of earnings.

One name seeing heightened options volume today is Glu Mobile Inc (NASDAQ:GLUU), with 4,600 calls crossing the tape so far -- 17 times the average intraday amount, and almost 28 times the number of puts traded. Most of the action has transpired at the December 7 call, where new positions are being opened. GLUU is up 11.7% to trade at $6.14 on news the software stock is joining the S&P SmallCap 600 Index.

Aphria Inc (NYSE:APHA) is near the top of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, up 22% to trade at $5.32. This comes after the Canadian pot company reported fiscal first-quarter earnings and revenue that topped analyst expectations. APHA is pacing for its best day since Aug. 2, but is still staring up at its year-to-date breakeven level, an area that coincides with its 30-day moving average.

Sitting out today's rally is Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:NFLX), down 0.6% to trade at $284.68, after Roku (ROKU) said it's adding Apple's (AAPL) Apple TV to its platform. NFLX is on track to snap a three-day winning streak, a rally that was swiftly rejected by its 50-day moving average. The streaming icon will report third-quarter earnings after the close tomorrow, Oct. 16. 

Stocks finished a relatively quiet session lower today, after trading on both sides of breakeven amid waning optimism over Friday's partial trade deal between Beijing and Washington. Reports emerged that China wishes to continue trade talks before finalizing the "phase one" deal, which would require China to purchase up to $50 billion in agricultural goods from the U.S., among other stipulations. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said another round of tariffs on Chinese goods will go into effect in December, if a deal hasn't been reached.

A fast-approaching earnings season was also on investors' minds today, with a round of bank names set to report tomorrow. Against this backdrop, the Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq finished marginally lower.  

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

• Why Needham is over these 2 laser stocks. 
• How one blue chip stock might fare after tomorrow's earnings. 
• Reading the tea leaves on the S&P's wild start to October. 
• Plus, VNET calls run hot; 2 Wall Street newcomers analysts like; and FITB stock gets a bull note before earnings. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,787.36) fell 29.2 points, or 0.1%. 3M Company (MMM) was the best of the 10 gainers on a 1.5% pop, while Cisco Systems (CSCO) fell to the bottom of the index on a 1.1% loss. Coca-Cola (KO) ended flat.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,966.15) settled 4.1 points, or 0.1%, lower, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,048.65) lost 8.4 points, or 0.1%. 

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 14.57) fell 1 point, or 6.5%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Uber (UBER) announced today that it will be cutting about 350 positions in its Uber Eats and self-driving divisions, among others, per an email from the company's CEO. This will be the third round of layoffs since August. (CNBC)
2. Authentic Brands is reportedly in talks to buy Barneys New York for $270 million. The buyout would include licensing the bankrupt company's name to Saks Fifth Avenue, which would open some Barney's stores in some of its own stores, and take over the website. (MarketWatch)
3. Options bulls swarmed VNET stock on BABA deal.  
4. Analysts bet on big upside for these 2 Wall Street rookies.
5. Fifth Third stock getting a boost on a pre-earnings bull note. 

There are no earnings of note today.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Pops, Oil Drops on Trade Doubts

Oil turned lower today, as U.S.-China trade anxieties resurfaced. November-dated crude futures lost $1.11, or 2%, to settle at $53.59 a barrel. 

Gold recovered today as investors turned back to the safe haven amid skepticism regarding a partial U.S.-China trade deal. Gold futures for December delivery tacked on $8.90, or 0.6%, to end at $1,497.60 per ounce.

The Dow clocked a 237-point win today, boosted by a few major wins early in the earnings season. Bank stocks, specifically, took center stage, as JPMorgan Chase (JPM) got a boost on its record-breaking revenue. Fellow blue chip UnitedHealth (UNH) posted numbers that sent the insurance stock gapping higher, while Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) also closed firmly higher post-earnings. Elsewhere, optimism over a potential Brexit deal helped improve investor sentiment, as well.  

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

• 3 FAANG stocks making big moves today.  
• A notorious short seller expects one pharma stock to nearly double.
• Options traders went wild for Abbott Labs stock ahead of earnings. 
• Plus, OLLI stock gets a bull note; the tech stock call buyers should watch; and NVDA nabs a big price target. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 27,024.80) added 237.4 points, or 0.9%. UnitedHealth (UNH) topped the 25 winners with an 8.2% gain, while Procter & Gamble (PG) fell to the bottom of the index on a 2.4% drop. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,995.68) settled 29.5 points, or 1%, higher, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,148.71) gained 100.1 points, or 1.2%. 

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 13.54) fell 1 point, or 7.1%, marking its fifth straight loss. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. NASA unveiled its new spacesuit designs today. The two new suits were designed specifically for a moon landing and exploration mission projected for 2024. A live stream of the event was released at 2 P.M. Eastern on CNBC. (CNBC)
2. AMC is the next company to jump on the streaming service bandwagon, with a new feature which will allow members of its loyalty program to buy and rent films from the comfort of their own homes. The service launches today, and includes roughly 2,000 films, with plans to add more content later this year. (MarketWatch)
3. Discount retail stock Ollie's scored a bull note from RBC. 
4. The tech stock call buyers should target right now. 
5. Why one analyst thinks NVDA stock could see a massive surge. 

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Bleak IMF Forecast Pressures Crude Futures

Concerns over flagging energy demand were revived today, after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted its slowest pace of global growth since the financial crisis. November-dated crude futures lost $0.78, or 1.5%, to settle at $52.81 a barrel. 

Gold dipped to two-week lows as equities rallied on a strong start to earnings season. Gold futures for December delivery lost $14.10, or 10.9%, to end at $1,483.50 per ounce.

U.S. stocks look set to cool after a strong start to earnings season on Tuesday. While the quarterly reports are continuing to roll in -- including Netflix's (NFLX) post-close release -- investors are also considering a Wall Street Journal report questioning China's commitment to buy more U.S. agricultural products as part of a trade deal, along with a surprising drop in retail sales for September. As such, futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) are trading modestly below fair value.

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

• Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White breaks down the data on how to trade stock IPOs.
• 2 retail stocks raising red flags.
• Why Keysight Technologies could be a target for bulls.
• Plus, ABT reports earnings; analysts trim views on software stock; and biotech could have huge upside.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.17 million call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 716,697 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio came in at 0.61, while the 21-day moving average was 0.68.
2. One notable earnings reaction this morning is coming from Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT), as the shares dip 3% in pre-market action due to a quarterly sales miss and a lowered profit outlook.  ABT stock closed last night at $81.98, and could find support today at its key 200-day trendline.
3. Another stock falling before the open is Workday Inc (NASDAQ:WDAY), set to open down 6.6%. WDAY received price-target cuts to $180 and $212 from Stifel and RBC, respectively. Most analysts still have bullish ratings on the equity, which is up 42.5% year-over-year through last night's close at $180.96.
4. SVB Leerink sees major upside ahead for autoimmune disease specialist Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:AUPH). The brokerage firm believes data set to be released later this year on a late-stage trial for voclosporin could impress investors, and the shares could potentially rise up to 250%. AUPH stock finished Tuesday at $4.67.
5. For economic data today, business inventories, the housing market index, the Fed's Beige Book, and Treasury International Capital data are due. Chicago Fed President Charles Evans will speak. The earnings schedule features IBM (IBM), Alcoa (AA), Ally Financial (ALLY), Bank of America (BAC), Bank of New York Mellon (BK), CSX (CSX), NFLX, PNC (PNC), Steel Dynamics (STLD), and United Rentals (URI).

Asian Shares Rise with U.S. Counterparts

Most Asian markets closed higher today, as investors cheered upbeat earnings from U.S. banks. Japan's Nikkei outpaced its regional peers, adding 1.2% as a cooling yen boosted exporters. Elsewhere, South Korea's Kospi gained 0.7% after the Bank of Korea cut its key interest rate for the second time this year, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng tacked on 0.6% as property stocks jumped on government plans to boost housing projects. China's Shanghai Composite, meanwhile, shed 0.4% as optimism over U.S.-China trade negotiations waned.

European stocks are holding near the flatline at midday, as traders hesitate to make any big moves ahead of tomorrow's European Union (EU) summit, where Brexit negotiations will be front and center. Corporate earnings are also in focus, with shares of Netherlands-based chipmaker ASML lower after earnings. At last check, London's FTSE 100 is off 0.1%, the French CAC 40 is down 0.09%, and the German DAX is flirting with a 0.3% lead.