Stocks are trading at record highs today, as Wall Street reacts to reports the U.S. and China have agreed to roll back planned tariffs as part of broader trade negotiations. At last check, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is up more than 225 points, while the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are boasting big gains, too. Oil prices are rising on the upbeat trade headlines, as well, with December-dated crude futures up 2% to trade at $57.48 per barrel.

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

• Analyst: Sell this social media stock now.
• The pot stock higher on a rapper partnership.
• Plus, Teva pop sparks heavy options trading; SEO woes sink Expedia; and iQIYI gives Baidu a big boost.

One name seeing unusual options activity today is Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE:TEVA), with almost 32,000 calls and 144,000 puts traded so far -- seven times the average intraday pace, and on track for an annual high. New positions are being added at the March 9 and 10 puts, possibly as part of a spread. TEVA shares are up 11.8% to trade at $9.05, as traders celebrate the drugmaker's upwardly revised 2019 profit forecast.

Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE) is the worst stock on the S&P 500 Index (SPX) today -- down 24.6% at $102.01, fresh off a 21-month low of $99.78. The online travel firm reported a third-quarter earnings miss, citing rising marketing costs and search engine optimization (SEO) headwinds. A round of bearish brokerage notes is only adding pressure, though EXPE stock is finding familiar support at the century mark, which has served as a floor since early 2016.

Chinese internet search provider Baidu Inc (NASDAQ:BIDU), on the other hand, is having a big day -- up 12.7% at $121. The company's third-quarter earnings and revenue came in above consensus estimates, with BIDU pointing to growing demand for its video streaming platform, iQIYI (IQ). Several price-target hikes have come through, too, putting Baidu stock on track to close above its 140-day moving average for the first time since April.

Stock futures are pointing to a mixed open, with the S&P set to cool its heels following yet another record close after a Reuters report noted some hesitancy within the Trump administration over the mutual U.S.-China tariff repeals discussed earlier this week. Sources suggest there's an internal divide among White House officials over whether these rollbacks might hand over too much U.S leverage as trade negotiations continue beyond phase one. On the other hand, Dow futures are pointed higher, led by big pre-market gains for Disney stock following a well-received fiscal fourth-quarter earnings report.

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

• Behind one bull's big pre-earnings bet on ARLO stock. 
• Long-term signal says buy this biotech stock before earnings.
• Plus, BKNG stock swarmed with bull notes after earnings; Gap CEO resigns; and BABA launches Hong Kong IPO. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.41 million call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 753,545 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved down to 0.54, while the 21-day moving average came in at 0.62.
2. Priceline parent Booking Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:BKNG) is up 5.3% ahead of hte bell after posting third-quarter earnings of $45.36 per diluted share, beating analysts' estimates, and overshadowing a slight revenue and fourth-quarter forecast miss. The results have brought out plenty of price-target hikes from the brokerage bunch, including Cowen and Company, which lifted its target price all the way to $2,400 -- about 30% north of last night's close. 
3. Clothing retailer Gap Inc (NYSE:GPS) is spiraling this morning, following news that CEO Art Peck will be resigning effective immediately. Robert Fisher, the son of Gap's founders, will be stepping into the role on an interim basis until a replacement is found. Additionally, GPS slashed its full-year earnings forecast. The embattled retail stock is down 7.1% in electronic trading as a result. 
4. The shares of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA) are inching higher after Reuters reported the e-commerce company could launch a Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO) by the end of this month, with a goal of raising up to $15 billion. The U.S.-traded shares of BABA -- a recent favorite of options traders -- are up 0.8% in pre-market trading. 

5. Today, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index will be released. Duke Energy (DUK), Revlon (REV), and U.S. Concrete (USCR) make up the earnings schedule.

Asian, European Markets Sink on Tariff Reports

Markets in Asia ended the week lower across the board, after reports threw cold water on tariff optimism. The Shanghai Composite finished down 0.5%, after the People's Bank of China (PBoC) set the midpoint for the yuan at its highest level since early August. Chinese trade data for October beat expectations, though, with exports down 0.9% year-over-year, and imports off 6.4%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng paced the decline with a 0.7% drop, while South Korea's Kospi and Japan's Nikkei both shed 0.3%.

Over in Europe, stocks are also down, as trade-sensitive mining stocks pace the losers. London's FTSE 100 is off 0.4% at last check, despite a big day from insurance giant Beazley. The French CAC 40 and German DAX are 0.3% and 0.4% lower, respectively.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) started the day trading in positive territory thanks to a big earnings win for Disney (DIS). However, the blue-chip index has since swung lower after President Donald Trump told reporters he has not yet agreed to roll back tariffs on Chinese goods, after word of the potential agreement sent the U.S. stock market to new record highs on Thursday. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) is also in the red, at last check, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) is clinging to a modest gain.

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

• Susquehanna is betting on a big Foot Locker breakout.
• Goldman Sachs is going all in on this construction stock.
• Plus, Gap puts in high demand; Axon Enterprise reports record revenue; and the drug stock hitting new record lows.

Put traders are blasting Gap Inc (NYSE:GPS), as the stock sinks on news of CEO Art Peck's immediate departure. Nearly 46,000 GPS calls have changed hands today -- 41 times what's typically seen, and volume nearing a new annual high. The December 15 call is most active, and it looks like one trader may have sold to open a 23,652-contract block. If this is the case, they expect GPS to hold above $15 through December options expiration. At last check, Gap stock was down 8.4% at $16.54.

Axon Enterprise Inc (NASDAQ:AAXN) is near the top of the Nasdaq, after the Taser maker reported record revenue in its third-quarter, and upwardly revised its full-year revenue forecast. An upgrade to "buy" from Needham and price-target hike to $83 at J.P. Morgan Securities are fueling the fire, with AAXN stock up 26.8% at $66.46, set to close above its 20-week moving average for the first time since early August.

AnaptysBio Inc (NASDAQ:ANAB) is the worst stock on the Nasdaq, after the firm said its eczema drug, etokimab, failed in a mid-stage study, and announced plans to postpone a Phase 11 study for its asthma drug. What's more, both Wedbush and Guggenheim downgraded ANAB stock to the equivalent of a "hold." Most recently, the shares are down 69.5% to trade at $11.04, earlier tagging a record low of $10.

The Dow surged higher today, on news the U.S. and China plan to begin rolling back tariffs to increase the chances of a trade deal. The blue-chip index recorded another all-time high, as did the S&P 500 Index and Nasdaq. Two of the best sectors were tech and financials, while investors also watched the 10-year Treasury yield rise the most since the last presidential election.

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

• 2 travel stocks that got hammered.
• Why GE bulls are in overdrive.
• One biotech to bet on.
• Plus, 2 reasons to worry about GOOS; automation stock sees big bets; and the bear note on Twitter.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 27,674.80) finished up 182.2 points, or 0.7%. Twenty-three of 30 Dow components closed in the black, led by Dow's (DOW) 2.8% rise. The seven losers were paced by Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), which was down 1.4% by the close.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,085.18) gained 8.4 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,434.52) added 23.9 points, or 0.3%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.73) tacked on 0.1 point, or 0.9%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Nike (NKE) was in focus today after an op-ed in The New York Times by former Nike runner Mary Cain, who accused the company of emotional and physical abuse "by a system designed by Alberto [Salazar] and endorsed by Nike. A number of other women have already spoken out this year about the company. NKE stock, though, moved higher today, holding near record highs. (CNBC)
2. Many have speculated that much of the stock market's gains in recent years are from corporate buybacks, and a Goldman Sachs report said that was true for 2019. The firm said the buyback trend was fading, however, pointing to a potential headwind for equities. (MarketWatch)
3. 2 reasons an analyst is worried about Canada Goose stock.
4. Option bull bets heavily on automation stock.
5. Another look a today's big bear note on Twitter.

Oil Rises Again

Oil had another strong session today, rising with equities again. December crude futures finished up 80 cents, or 1.4%, to settle at $57.15 per barrel.

Gold was under pressure during the risk-on session for stocks. December gold fell $26.70, 1.8%, to $1,466.40 an ounce -- the lowest close since August.

U.S. stocks ended the week with a quiet session that saw the major indexes close near breakeven. Traders responded to news that President Donald Trump hasn't agreed to roll back tariffs on China, wiping away early morning gains. The Dow ended up with a small win, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also edged out gains. All three indexes closed the week in positive territory, with the latter notching its sixth straight weekly win.

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

• The deep out-of-the-money Tesla calls that were popular today.
• Wedbush thinks this software stock could slide.
• Plus, Shopify could rally; 2 drug stocks that made massive moves; and a big earnings winner.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 27,681.24) finished with a 6.4-point, or 0.02%, win, settling at an all-time-high close. Of the Dow's 30 components, 19 closed higher, led by Walt Disney's (DIS) 3.8% earnings win. Verizon (VZ) had the worst day, down 2% by the close. The Dow added 1.2% for the week.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,093.08) gained 7.9 points, or 0.3%, for another record close and a fifth straight weekly win, adding 0.8%. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,475.31) added 40.8 points, or 0.5%, also grabbing a record close, and bringing its weekly advance to 1%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.07) dipped 0.7 point, or 5.2%, settling down 1.9% on the week.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Coca-Cola (KO) next year is coming out with a new brand of sparkling water, Aha. Sugarless drinks were a major point of strength in KO's last two quarters. (MarketWatch)
2. Google's self-driving car division Waymo is closing its operations in Austin, Texas. Analysts have become skeptical of the business as it's struggled to find commercial footing.
3. Why bulls should watch Shopify.
4. 2 drug stocks that made massive moves.
5. Inside one of today's biggest earnings winners.

Gold Has Worst Week Since '17

Oil managed a win today despite the weakness in equities. December crude futures finished up 9 cents, or 0.2%, at $57.24 per barrel. Oil added 1.9% on the week.

Gold ended an ugly week with another loss. December-dated gold lost $3.50, or 0.2%, to end at $1,462.90 an ounce. For the week, the metal lost 3.2%, marking its worst week since 2017.

Stock futures are set to retreat from last week's record wins, as growing concerns over U.S.-China trade plague Wall Street. This souring sentiment comes after President Donald Trump on Friday tempered expectations for a mutual tariff rollback. An upsurge of violence in Hong Kong protests over the weekend is also weighing on investor sentiment. Dow futures are trading more than 134 points below fair value, with news that American Airlines (AAL) and Southwest Airlines (LUV) have both removed the Boeing 737 MAX from their flight schedules until early March sending blue-chip BA stock down 0.7% ahead of the bell.

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

• Behind big moves for these 2 drug stocks. 
• Why SHOP stock could surge in the next few months. 
• Plus, an AMZN senior vice president resigns; CHWY stock get a bull note; and AAPL stock slips on algorithm allegations. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.23 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 732,145 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved up to 0.59, while the 21-day moving average came in at 0.62.
2. FAANG stock Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is inching lower ahead of the bell after a senior vice president of 20 years, Steve Kessel, announced his resignation. The stock has dropped 0.2% in electronic trading. 
3. Credit Suisse initiated coverage on online pet retailer Chewy Inc (NYSE:CHWY) with an "outperform" rating and a $29 price target, noting that the company is "well positioned amid a robust pet care industry." The security is up 2% in pre-market trades. 
4. Tech giant Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is losing steam after last week's all-time-highs, off 0.7% in electronic trading after co-founder Steve Wozniak joined other online critics in asserting that the company's algorithm for its new Apple Card appears to be doling out higher credit limits to men than women. Apple's partner Goldman Sachs (GS), in a statement, said the algorithm does not factor in gender when determining credit limits. 

5. The economic calendar is bare today, but earnings from Amicus Therapeutics (FOLD), Flotek Industries (FTK), and Tidewater (TDW) are due.

Heightened Hong Kong Tensions Sink Asian Markets

It was a rough start to the week for Asian markets, with heightened tensions in Hong Kong impacting the entire region. The Hang Seng shed 2.6%, when protesters were injured after police opened fire amid mass demonstrations. China's Shanghai Composite gave back 1.8%, after data showed sharp declines in the consumer and producer price indexes last month. South Korea's Kospi fell 0.6%, and Japan's Nikkei gave back early gains to end down 0.3%.

Over in Europe, stocks are also lower as investors await the latest U.S.-China trade headlines. London's FTSE 100 is down 1.1%, despite upbeat third-quarter gross domestic product and hiring plans numbers. Rounding out the region, the French CAC 40 is down 0.1% at last check, while the German DAX is off 0.4%.

Stocks are starting the week on a negative note, as Wall Street weighs mixed messages on U.S.-China trade relations coming from President Donald Trump. Following last Friday's reports that he had not agreed to roll back U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, Trump told reporters over the weekend that the "level of tariff lift is incorrect," and suggested he won't make a trade deal with Beijing unless it's a "great" one. At last check, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is down triple digits, while the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are sharply lower, as well.

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

• Analyst: 5G woes could sink Qualcomm stock.
• The solar stock soaring on spin-off news.
• Plus, pre-earnings put volume ramps up on Advance Auto Parts; Carbonite pops on buyout buzz; and Scientific Games slumps after downgrade.

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE:AAP) is seeing unusual options volume today, with roughly 4,500 puts on the tape so far -- 37 times what's typically seen, and five times the number of calls traded. The November 145 and 160 puts are most active, and it looks like the front-month options were used to initiate a long put spread ahead of AAP's earnings, which are due before the market opens tomorrow, Nov. 12. The stock is trading down up 0.7% today at $168.55.

Carbonite Inc (NASDAQ:CARB) is near the top of the Nasdaq on news the cloud security firm will be bought out by Canada's Open Text in an all-cash deal worth $800 million, or $23 per CARB share. CARB stock was last seen trading up 24.5% at $22.90.

Scientific Games Corp (NASDAQ:SGMS) is one of the worst stocks on the Nasdaq today, after Susquehanna downgraded the stock to "neutral" from "positive." The brokerage firm did raise its SGMS price target to $32 from $25, though this is a slight premium to last Friday's close. Today, the shares are trading down 10% at $28.42.

Stock futures are tentatively higher ahead of President Donald Trump's speech later today at the Economic Club of New York, which Wall Street will undoubtedly be dissecting for any indicator on the status of trade between the U.S. and China. This comes after yesterday's Boeing rally offset Trump's earlier pessimism about China tariffs. Elsewhere, the Disney+ streaming service launches today, sending blue-chip DIS stock up about 1% in pre-market trading. 

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

• A few ways to play a potential bullish pullback, according to Schaeffer's Senior Market Strategist Matthew Timpane. 
• Buyout rumors had options players swarming this Dow stock. 
• Plus, Allegro Merger Company acquires TGIF; Chipotle extends carne asada's run; and AMRX stock gets downgraded. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 968,989 call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 590,476 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved up to 0.61, while the 21-day moving average came in at 0.62.
2. The shares of blank check company Allegro Merger Corp (NASDAQ:ALGR) are up 4.4% ahead of the bell after announcing its plans to buy privately held chain restaurant operator TGIF Holdings in a cash-and-stock deal worth $30 million, plus the assumption of $350 million in debt. The deal, expected to close in the first quarter of 2020, includes plans to take the TGI Friday's parent public. 
3. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) just announced it would be extending its limited edition carne asada option into the first quarter of 2020, after noting the extremely popular protein option is helping to drive customer growth. The stock is up 1.7% in pre-market action.
4. A J.P. Morgan Securities downgrade to "underweight" from "neutral" has drugmaker Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc (NYSE:AMRX) down 3% ahead of the open. The analyst cited "several quarters of disappointing results and guidance cuts." 

5. Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari are slated to speak today. Advance Auto Parts (AAP), CBS Corp (CBS), D. R. Horton (DHI), Luckin Coffee (LK), Overstock.com (OSTK), Tyson Foods (TSN), Skyworks Solutions (SWKS), SmileDirectClub (SDC), Tilray (TLRY), and YY (YY) will report earnings.

Delayed Auto Tariffs Send European Stocks Higher 

Stocks in Asia finished higher today. China's Shanghai Composite finished up 0.2%, as investors awaited more updates on the U.S.-China trade spat. Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.5% thanks to a big day from Tencent, but civil unrest amid escalating protests is still holding back equities. Rounding out the region, South Korea's Kospi tacked on 0.8%, and Japan's Nikkei also gained 0.8%.

Over in Europe, markets are also higher, after reports indicate President Trump may delay a decision on European Union (EU) auto tariffs by six months. The French CAC 40 is up 0.2%, while the German DAX is up 0.5%, thanks in part to upbeat economic sentiment data. Elsewhere, London's FTSE 100 is up 0.3%, after U.K. unemployment dropped to a lower-than-expected 3.8% in September. Plus, Brexit party leader Nigel Farage called for dozens of his party's candidates to stand down against Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservatives in the upcoming general elections, partnering with Tories in a controversial effort to prevent "remainer parties" from gaining control of parliament. 

U.S. stocks spent the first half of the day trading in the red on President Donald Trump's pessimistic comments about a trade deal with China, but the major indexes were able to pare most of these losses by the close. A sudden rally from Boeing (BA) on news the company expects its 737 MAX to return to commercial service in January sparked a major reversal from the Dow, eventually guiding it to a record close. While the price action for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq was similar, both indexes settled slightly lower on the day.

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

• A put seller placed a big bet on rallying Humana.
• Why this entertainment stock could keep struggling.
• Analyst expects major moves from one China stock.
• Plus, an analyst's Qualcomm concerns; a must-see Garmin signal; and blue-chip buyout buzz.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 27,691.49) finished with a 10.3-point, or 0.04%, lead, despite being down more than 160 points earlier in the day. BA's 4.5% gain wasn't even the best of the Dow's nine winners, as Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) rose 5.1%. As for the 21 blue-chip losers, 3M (MMM) had the worst day, falling 1.8%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,087.01) recovered most of its intraday losses, but still ended down 6.1 points, or 0.2%. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,464.28) dropped 11 points, or 0.1%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.69) added 0.6 point, or 5.1%, briefly taking out its 20-day moving average for the first time since Oct. 11.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Alibaba's (BABA) Singles Day brought in more than $38 billion by the end of the event, up roughly 25% from last year. That growth is actually slightly lower than what the Chinese e-commerce giant experienced last year, potentially due to a weakened economy in China. (CNN Business)
2. A report from The Information said that Apple (AAPL) is planning to release an augmented reality (AR) headset in 2022, with AR glasses planned for 2023. Part of the story claimed Apple managers had suggested the glasses could replace the need for an iPhone in about a decade. (Engadget)
3. Morgan Stanley's fears around Qualcomm.
4. The signal saying Garmin's heading north.
5. A blue chip caught up in buyout buzz.

Oil Prices Dip

Oil prices fell today on the uneasiness around trade relations. December crude futures finished off 38 cents, or 0.7%, at $56.86 per barrel.

Gold prices also slumped today, with the December-dated contract falling $5.80, or 0.4%, to $1,457.10 an ounce -- marking another nearly three-month closing low.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is up modestly at midday, getting a lift from Walt Disney (DIS) stock, which is higher amid the launch of the Disney+ streaming service. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are cautiously higher, too -- tagging new record highs earlier -- as traders look toward today's speech from President Donald Trump, set to get underway at the Economic Club of New York any minute now, watching for any additional comments he may have on U.S.-China trade negotiations.

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

• The key moving average Kroger bulls should be watching.
• The drug stock down 70% today.
• Plus, Uber bull strikes; Rockwell stock hits new post-earnings peak; and bears win big after Advance Auto Parts earnings.

Ride-sharing service Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE:UBER) is seeing unusual options trading today, with Trade-Alert highlighting a 2,136-contract block of weekly 11/22 29-strike calls that was likely bought to open for $64,080 (number of contracts * $0.30 premium paid * 100 shares per contract). This makes breakeven for the call buyer $29.30 (strike plus premium), which sits 7.8% above UBER stock's current perch at $27.18, up 0.1% so far today -- just above its Nov. 6 record low of $25.58.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK) is one of the best stocks on the S&P 500 today, up 13.3% at $203.05, fresh off a 22-month high of $207.11. This comes after the industrial automation equipment maker reported better-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter adjusted earnings, and gave upbeat full-year profit guidance.

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE:AAP) is at the bottom of the SPX this afternoon, after the auto parts retailer unveiled lower-than-anticipated third-quarter gross profit margin, and slashed its full-year same-store sales growth forecast. This is overshadowing a quarterly profit beat, while revenue for the three-month period matched the consensus estimate. In reaction, AAP stock is down 7.6% to trade at $155.99 -- a move options bears were ready for.

Dow futures are trading nearly 88 points below fair value this morning as investors look ahead to Fed Chair Jerome Powell's testimony later today before the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, just weeks after the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) once again cut interest rates in October. Wall Street is also continuing to keep an eye on U.S.-China trade relations, after a Wall Street Journal report said the two sides have come to a standstill, as they decide on whether preexisting tariffs or only upcoming duties should be cancelled. Elsewhere, the Nasdaq and S&P are both pointing to opening losses as well, retreating from yesterday's record highs.

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

• 3 surging stocks targeted by call traders. 
• How stock markets affect elections, according to Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White. 
• Plus, Luckin stock pops on lifted outlook; Nike to stop selling on Amazon; and APO buys TECD. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.16 million call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 688,530 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved down to 0.59, while the 21-day moving average came in at 0.62.
2. The shares of China-based Starbucks (SBUX) rival Luckin Coffee Inc (NASDAQ:LK) are popping this morning after the firm posted a smaller-than-expected loss for its third quarter, and forecast fourth-quarter revenue that beat analysts' estimates. The stock is up 14.4% in pre-market trading. 
3. Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) stock is inching lower, down 0.2% ahead of the bell, after Bloomberg reported the footwear name would no longer be selling via Amazon,com, Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN), and instead will focus its efforts on direct sales. Amazon is also inching lower, down 0.3% in electronic trading. 
4. Apollo Global Management Inc (NYSE:APO) is set to acquire Tech Data Corp (NADAQ:TECD) in a deal worth $130 per share in cash, or roughly $5.4 billion including debt -- confirming speculation that first broke last month. TECD has risen 3.7% ahead of the open to trade right around Apollo's offer price. 
5. Today brings the latest consumer price index (CPI), as well as a speech from Fed Chair Powell. Cisco Systems (CSCO), Beazer Homes (BZH), Energizer (ENR), Canada Goose (GOOS), Meritor (MTOR), NetApp (NTAP), Stratasys (SSYS), and Vipshop (VIPS) will report earnings.

Trump China Comments, Hong Kong Protests Bruise Asian Markets 

Markets in Asia dipped today, as investors reacted to President Trump’s China comments from Tuesday, when he said the country has cheated the U.S. on trade in the past. Hong Kong's Hang Seng paced the region with a 1.8% drop, as city leader Carrie Lam said the protesters were "paralyzing" the city. China's Shanghai Composite finished down 0.3%, while Japan's Nikkei gave back 0.9%, as investors digested subpar earnings from automaker Nissan. South Korea's Kospi shed 0.9%, as well.

European stocks are also lower, as investors unpack a wide range of economic data and corporate earnings. London's FTSE 100 is down 0.4%, after data showed U.K. inflation falling to three-year lows last month. Consumer prices rose at a lower-than-expected rate, while eurozone industrial production increased for the second straight month. The French CAC 40 is down 0.3%, and the German DAX is down 0.6%, weighed down by Deutsche Bank and lackluster earnings.

Stocks are sticking close to the flatline at midday, as Wall Street keeps a close eye on Capitol Hill. In addition to congressional testimony from Fed Chair Jerome Powell -- who said in prepared remarks that the "current stance of monetary policy is likely to remain appropriate" -- traders are watching the first day of public impeachment hearings against President Donald Trump. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is holding in positive territory at last check thanks to strength from Procter & Gamble (PG), as is the S&P 500 Index (SPX), while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) is easing back from Tuesday's record high.

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

• Analyst targets record highs for Walmart ahead of earnings.
• The booming airline stock with cheap options.
• Plus, options traders blast surging LK stock; and the best and worst S&P stocks so far today.

Luckin Coffee Inc (NASDAQ:LK) is seeing unusual options volume today, as shares of the China-based java giant surge 12.9% to trade at $21.57 post-earnings. Nearly 42,000 LK options have changed hands so far -- six times what's typically seen, and volume nearing a new record high. While some traders appear to be selling to close their November 22 calls, other seem to be purchasing new positions at the November 21 put.

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) is the best stock on the S&P 500 at midday -- up 3.4% at $37.95, fresh off a 13-year peak of $37.96. The shares have gained 35% since a mid-October bounce off their 180-day moving average, and are now pacing toward a seventh straight weekly win -- the longest for the chip stock since mid-2018.

Mosaic Co (NYSE:MOS) is the worst SPX stock today, after J.P. Morgan Securities downgraded the fertilizer name to "underweight" from "neutral," and lowered its price target by $2 to $18. At last check, MOS shares are down 5.1% to trade at $19.86.