Stock futures are inching higher this morning, with the Dow signaling a roughly 19-point gain at the open after a new Wall Street Journal report suggested that China invited U.S. officials to its capital to continue trade negotiations during a phone call last week. This follows yesterday's reports that the phase one trade deal may not be reached until next year. Meanwhile, investors are poring over U.S. weekly jobless claims, which were unchanged for the week at a five-month high. Wall Street is also anticipating existing home sales data, which will pop up later today. 

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

• Options bulls just called the bottom on this sinking pot stock.  
• This brokerage stock's recent rally may be over, says signal. 
• Plus, Macy's tanks after earnings; Canopy stock soars on weed legalization hopes; Charles Schwab makes bid for TD Ameritrade. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.13 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 721,353 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved up to 0.64, while the 21-day moving average came in at 0.59.
2. Macy's Inc (NYSE:M) has fallen 4.1% in electronic trading after the retailer reported earnings that exceeded analysts' estimates, but worse-than-expected same-store sales. The firm also slashed its full-year sales and profit outlook, citing less traffic at malls, and the warmer weather this year. 
3. Canopy Growth Corp (NYSE:CGC), along with the rest of the pot sector, is getting a pre-market boost today after the House Judiciary Committee approved a bill aimed at federal marijuana legalization. Fresh off its post-earnings slide, CGC stock is set to open 9.9% higher. 
4. Reports that Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) is poised to buy rival TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:AMTD) has both discount brokerage stocks soaring this morning. According to a report from CNBC, the deal would create a company with $5 trillion in combined assets. SCHW is up 12.3% ahead of the bell, while AMTD is up 24.5%. 
5. The Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey and existing home sales will be in focus today. BJ's Wholesale Club (BJ), Gap (GPS), Intuit (INTU), Nordstrom (JWN), Pure Storage (PSTG), Ross Stores (ROST), Seadrill (SDRL), and Splunk (SPLK) will unveil earnings.

Tariff Tensions Knock Asian, European Markets Lower 

Asian markets ended lower across the board today, with reports indicating that the U.S. and China remain at odds over the tariff rollbacks that have become central to a phase one trade agreement. Tensions ramped up after both chambers of U.S. Congress on Wednesday passed, with near-unanimous support, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act -- a piece of pro-human rights legislation that has already been condemned by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. By the close, Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 1.6%, South Korea's Kospi lost 1.4%, Japan's Nikkei gave up 0.5% as the yen garnered a safe-haven bid, and China's Shanghai Composite backpedaled 0.3%.

As geopolitical tensions take the spotlight, stocks in Europe are following Asia lower at midday. Earnings are also in focus, including big post-report sell-offs for British courier service Royal Mail and German industrial giant Thyssenkrupp. At last look, London's FTSE 100 is off 0.7%, the French CAC 40 is 0.2% lower, and the German DAX is down 0.1%.

The U.S. stock market is lower at midday, as traders digest a new round of retail earnings, with Macy's (M) and BJs Wholesale Club (BJ) the latest to turn in disappointing results. Wall Street is also waiting on fresh U.S.-China trade updates --  with the latest reports indicating Beijing invited American negotiators to hold face-to-face talks -- and eyeing a larger-than-expected rise in weekly jobless claims. Against this backdrop, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) and S&P 500 Index (SPX) are pacing for a third straight loss, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) is poised for back-to-back drops.

• The tech stock slapped with a new "sell" rating.
• Analysts rush to catch up with surging Target stock.
• Plus, Medtronic puts pop; L Brands sees a strong holiday season; and Seadrill slumps as chairman exits.

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) is seeing unusual options volume today, after Deutsche Bank lifted its price target to $123 from $118. Options players are picking up puts, with 3,300 contracts across the tape so far -- roughly double the average intraday amount -- compared to 2,200 calls. The weekly 12/6 111-strike put is popular, and it looks these contracts being bought to open. MDT shares are down 1.9% at $110.42,  testing their footing back atop the 10-day moving average.

Victoria's Secret parent L Brands Inc (NYSE:LB) is near the top of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, thanks to strong comparable sales at Bath & Body works in the third quarter, as well as an upbeat forecast for the holiday shopping season. At last check, LB stock is up 78% at $16.80, but remains 34% lower in 2019, under pressure from its 50-day moving average.

Seadrill Ltd (NYSE:SDRL) is near the bottom of the Big Board, down 23.4% at $0.93, a record low. This comes after the oil rig operator said Chairman John Fredriksen -- who is also SDRL's top stakeholder -- is stepping down, effective immediately, as the company meets with lenders to discuss restructuring debt.

Stocks spent the majority of the day in the red, and though the Dow managed to pare most of its losses by the close, it finished lower for a third straight day. The S&P 500 also logged a third consecutive loss as tech weakness outweighed strength from the energy sector, while the Nasdaq fell, as well. Meanwhile, retail earnings and trade buzz were also in focus, as the major indexes head into Friday's session flirting with weekly losses.

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

• Twitter options popped during stock's rally.
• How the market is preparing for Foot Locker earnings.
• Plus, mining stock gets hit; retailer flashes bear signal; and analyst note puts pressure on Applied Materials.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 27,766.29) closed down 54.8 points, or 0.2%, with 15 of 30 Dow components closing in the black. Exxon Mobil (XOM) had the best day with a 2.4% gain, while Procter & Gamble (PG) was the biggest loser, closing down 1.6%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,103.54) dropped 4.9 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,506.21) fell 20.5 points, or 0.2%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 13.13) added 0.4 point, or 2.7%. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Politico reported today that the Trump administration is considering starting a new trade investigation into the European Union. President Trump earlier this month delayed increasing tariffs on auto imports from Europe. (Politico)
2. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, spanning three separate cases. Netanyahu said the charges, brought by the Attorney General, are an attempt at a coup. (CNN)
3. Why this mining stock slipped.
4. Bed Bath & Beyond's big bear signal.
5. The analyst note that put pressure on AMAT shares.

Oil Has Big Day

Oil prices got a major boost today on hopes that major producers will extend supply cuts. January-dated crude closed up $1.57, or 2.8%, at $58.58 per barrel, marking its highest close in roughly two months.

Gold prices moved lower today. Gold dated for December delivery gave back $10.60, or 0.7%, to end at $1,463.60 an ounce.

Stock futures are pointing higher today, with the Dow looking to snap its three-day losing streak. Trade optimism is back on the rise after Chinese President Xi Jinping told a visiting U.S. business delegation that Beijing has a "positive attitude" toward the ongoing negotiations, and President Donald Trump said on Fox and Friends that a phase one pact is "potentially very close." Meanwhile, Wall Street is combing over earnings from several retailers today, while anticipating manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) data due out later this morning. 

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

• Options bulls targeted 3 pot stocks on federal marijuana legalization buzz. 
• Calls popped on commodity stock FCX, despite the stock's drop.
• Plus, TSLA unveils its Cybertruck, while Nordstrom and Ross Stores post third-quarter earnings beats. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 998,396 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 584,334 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved down to 0.59, while the 21-day moving average came in at 0.59.
2. The shares of electronic car maker Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) are off 4% pre-market following the firm's unveiling of its electric pick-up truck, the Cybertruck. Most analysts weighing in so far think competitors Ford (F) and General Motors (GM) face no real threat from the futuristic truck model, and Deutsche Bank added, "The shattering of the truck’s unbreakable glass windows during the live demonstration was not a good start."
3. Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE:JWN) stock has tacked on 8.5% ahead of the bell, after the retailer posted third-quarter earnings and revenue that topped analysts' estimates. The department store name also hiked the lower end of its 2020 profit forecast, and brushed off the possibility of material tariff impacts. 
4. Another retailer rising on a positive quarterly report this morning is Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST), up 0.9% in electronic trading after posting better-than-expected third-quarter profits and revenue. The company's fourth-quarter sales forecast also topped expectations. 
5. The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment survey will be unveiled today. Buckle (BKE), Hibbett Sports (HIBB), and J M Smucker (SJM) will step into the earnings spotlight.

Trade Murkiness Leaves Asian Markets Mixed

Asian markets stumbled to a mixed finish today, as investors entered the weekend with no further clarity on a potential phase one U.S.-China trade deal. China's Shanghai Composite fell 0.6% to underperform its regional counterparts, with most other equity benchmarks settling modestly higher. Hong Kong's Hang Seng advanced 0.5%, while Japan's Nikkei and South Korea's Kospi each rose 0.3%.

London-listed stocks are leading the charge over in Europe, with the FTSE 100 rallying 1.4% as weak manufacturing and services data applies pressure to the pound. Elsewhere, the French CAC 40 is up 0.4%, and the German DAX has tacked on 0.2% after final gross domestic product (GDP) data showed the eurozone's economic powerhouse dodging an official recession in the third quarter.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has explored both sides of breakeven today, as traders digest mixed messages on the U.S.-China trade front. While both President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping waxed optimistic about a "phase one" trade deal, the latter also said that Beijing would "fight back," if necessary, to ensure an "agreement on the basis of mutual respect and equality." At last check, the Dow and the S&P 500 Index (SPX) were holding modestly higher, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) was in the red -- with all three indexes putting their weekly win streaks at risk.

• Why this drug stock is near the top of the Nasdaq today.
• Zoom Video stock targeted for 25% upside.
• Plus, a massive bullish bet on BAC; the best and worst stocks on the S&P today.

Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) is seeing unusual options volume today, with roughly 45,000 calls on the tape -- 1.2 times what's typically seen at this point. Trade-Alert highlights a 6,100-contract block of March 33 calls that was likely bought to open for an initial cash outlay of $1.08 million (number of contracts * $1.77 premium paid * 100 shares per contract). If this is the case, breakeven for the call buyer is $34.77 (strike plus premium paid). BAC stock was last seen trading up 1% at $33.16, bringing its year-to-date advance to 34.5%.

Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE:JWN) is the best stock on the S&P 500 this afternoon, after the department store chain's beat-and-raise was met with a round of bullish brokerage notes. JWN is up 9% at $37.42, bouncing sharply off its 80-day moving average, and reclaiming its 40-day trendline.

Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) is at the bottom of the SPX, as the financial software firm's lower-than-expected current-quarter profit guidance offset a fiscal first-quarter beat. INTU stock is down 4.1% at $259.93, set to close back below its 40-week moving average.

The Dow turned in a triple-digit loss today, dragged lower by reignited U.S.-China trade tensions. A Reuters report indicated a "phase one" trade deal may not be reached until next year. On top of that, Chinese officials are unhappy after the U.S. Senate passed measures supporting Hong Kong protesters. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq also closed in the red, with trade-sensitive and tech stocks incurring the biggest losses. Elsewhere, Wall Street's "fear gauge," the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) earlier rose to its highest point in over a month.

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

• This sinking Chinese stock saw heightened options activity today.
• Nordstrom options popped ahead of earnings tomorrow.
• Plus, an E*TRADE bear signal; Tilray options traders call a bottom; and behind Urban Outfitter's bad day. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 27,821.09) closed down 112.9 points, or 0.4%. Boeing (BA) led the nine winners with a 1.1% advance, and Home Depot (HD) paced the 21 losers with a 2.2% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,108.46) dropped 11.7 points, or 0.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,526.73) turned in a 43.9-point, or 0.5%, loss.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.78) shed 0.1 point, or 0.6%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. U.S. diplomat Gordon Sondland delivered a bombshell of a testimony today at President Donald Trump's impeachment inquiry. Sondland asserted Trump and many members of the administration explicitly ordered him to work with Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani in order to pressure Ukraine into political investigations. (Reuters)
2. Automaker General Motors (GM) is suing Fiat Chrysler (FCAU) for allegedly undermining its negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. GM accused Fiat of bribing UAW workers to receive better terms in negotiations. (CNBC)
3. E*TRADE stock rally may have run out of steam.
4. Tilray options traders appear to be calling a bottom.
5. See why analysts and options bears alike piled on Urban Outfitters stock today.

Oil Rallies on Surprise Drop in Crude Supplies

Oil prices gained ground today, after U.S. crude supplies rose by less than expected. December crude futures added $1.90, or 3.2%, to close at $57.11 per barrel. The new front-month January contract added $1.66, or 3%, to close at $57.01 per barrel.

Gold prices finished slightly lower, with December gold futures shedding 10 cents to close at $1,474.20 an ounce. The most-active contract continued to edge down in electronic trading, after the Fed minutes showed the central bank is upbeat about the U.S. economy.

After a slow first half of the day, stocks came alive in afternoon trading, with the Dow notching a triple-digit win. But while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also both ended in the black, the major indexes all closed the week in the red, snapping their respective weekly winning streaks. The retail sector remained in focus due to Nordstrom's blowout earnings reaction, and there was also lingering chatter on the U.S.-China trade dispute.

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

• Inside the massive call trading around GM.
• Dissecting Slack's bearish chart. 
  
• Plus, Alibaba's bull note; 2 earnings winners; and options trading picks up on Uber.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 27,875.62) added 109.3 points, or 0.4%, with 20 of 30 of its components settling higher. Pfizer (PFE) had the best day, picking up 1.6%. Intel (INTC) was the biggest loser, down 1%. With this week's 0.5% loss, the Dow's weekly win streak ends at four.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,110.29) rose 6.8 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,519.89) closed up 13.7 points, or 0.2%. The S&P ended its six-week win streak with a 0.3% loss, and the Nasdaq's seven-week streak is done after it shed 0.3%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.34) dipped 0.8 point, or 6%, but closed the week 2.4% higher for its first weekly win since September.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today voted 5-0 to designate Chinese technology providers Huawei and ZTE as national security threats. The companies have 30 days to challenge the ruling, which could require U.S. telecom companies to replace all existing technology from the Chinese firms in their networks. Meanwhile, the European Union also just announced rules that could be bad for Huawei. (Reuters)
2. Michael Bloomberg is spending millions on ads as he seemingly gears up for a 2020 presidential run. Data from Advertising Analytics shows the former New York mayor buying ads in more than 25 markets, and the campaign told CNBC it's spent roughly $23 million on the ad buys. (CNBC)
3. Behind this Alibaba bull note.
4. 2 huge earnings winners.
5. What sparked options trading on Uber.

Oil, Gold Close the Week Lower

Oil prices dipped today, with January crude futures finishing down 81 cents, or 1.4%, to end at $57.77 per barrel. This put the weekly loss for oil at roughly 0.1%.

December gold futures finished flat today at $1,463.60, as upbeat economic data hurt demand for gold. Gold closed the week down 0.3%.

Stock futures are signaling another rally today, following Friday's last minute turnaround. Dow futures are roughly 81 points above fair value after comments on Saturday from U.S. national security advisor Robert O'Brien suggested a "phase one" trade deal between the U.S. and China could be in effect by the end of this year, even as he cautioned that President Donald Trump was "concerned" about the protests in Hong Kong. In corporate news, it seems the rumors are true; Charles Schwab (SCHW) said it would acquire TD Ameritrade (AMTD) in an all-stock deal worth $26 billion, which will create a combined company with $5 trillion in assets under management. 

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

• Why one analyst thinks this big-cap China stock is a good bet. 
• 2 stocks that soared after impressive quarterly reports. 
• Plus, LVMH bids for Tiffany; Tesla stock bounces back; NVDA stock gets an upgrade. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.13 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 659,956 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved down to 0.58, while the 21-day moving average came in at 0.58.
2. The shares of jewelry issue Tiffany & Co. (NYSE:TIF) are up 5.8% in electronic trading after the company said it would be acquired by Louis Vuitton parent LVMH in a deal worth $16.2 billion, or $135 per share -- up from the initial bid of $120 per share. TIF is set to open around $132.81.
3. Despite last Friday's awkward Cybertruck debut, the shares of Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) are up 4% in electronic trading after tweets from CEO Elon Musk indicated that nearly 200,000 pre-orders for its newest electric pickup truck have already been placed. The Cybertruck pre-order involves a fully refundable $100 fee.
4. Chip stock Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) is rising this morning after Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock to "overweight" from "equal weight," and lifted its price target to $259 from $217. In a note to clients, the brokerage predicted a return to growth in the gaming and data center markets for 2020. NVDA is up 2.7% in pre-market action, on track to open around $216.48.
5. Today's economic calendar features the Dallas Fed manufacturing survey. Agilent Technologies (A), Ambarella (AMBA), Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Nutanix (NTNX), and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) will report earnings.

Pro-Democracy Victory for Hong Kong Gives Asian Stocks a Boost 

Hong Kong-listed stocks led the charge to a positive finish for Asian markets today, after Sunday's polls yielded a landslide victory for pro-democracy candidates on record voter turnout. The Hang Seng settled 1.5% higher on an election-related break from months of unrest, while South Korea's Kospi was close behind with a 1% gain. Elsewhere in the region, China's Shanghai Composite climbed 0.7%, and Japan's Nikkei advanced 0.8%.

Politics are also in focus over in Europe, where equity benchmarks are modestly higher at midday. Britain's Conservative party over the weekend launched its manifesto ahead of the Dec. 12 general election, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowing to "get Brexit done." On the data front, Germany's Ifo business climate index ticked higher in November, and among individual stocks, luxury conglomerate LVMH is up 1.4% in Paris after its bid to acquire upscale jeweler Tiffany. At last check, London's FTSE 100 is up 0.9%, the German DAX has gained 0.5%, and the French CAC 40 has edged 0.3% higher.

Stocks are soaring today, with the technology sector leading the way higher on reports Beijing is seeking greater protection for intellectual property rights -- a key hurdle in U.S.-China trade negotiations. Wall Street is also sifting through an onslaught of M&A headlines, including news Charles Schwab (SCHW) will buy fellow broker TD Ameritrade (ATMD), and French luxury retailer LVMH will purchase Tiffany & Co (TIF). At last check, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) was up triple digits, while the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) were holding near the record intraday highs they hit earlier.

• Founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer uncovers a potential bearish barrier in the options market.
• Analyst targets 20% upside for red-hot chip stock.
• Plus, Teva Pharmaceutical pop sparks heavy options trading; Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals climbs Nasdaq after upgrade; and a sinking penny stock.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE:TEVA) is seeing unusual options volume, with nearly 58,000 contracts traded so far -- more than two times what's typically seen at this point, and volume pacing in the 98th annual percentile. The March 11 and 12 puts are most active due to what could be a possible roll down, while nearer-term traders appear to be buying to open the weekly 11/29 11-strike calls. TEVA stock is up 7.2% at $10.97, after a Bloomberg report suggested generic drugmakers are working with U.S. regulators to end a price-fixing probe.

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:ARWR) is near the top of the Nasdaq, up 19.2% at $58.66, earlier hitting a 12-year peak of $59.72. This comes after Baird shifted gears on the stock, upgrading it to "outperform" from "neutral," and boosting its price target to $70 from $39, saying Novartis' buyout of Medicines Co (MDCO) could mark a period of consolidation among RNAi therapeutics' developers.

La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company (NASDAQ:LJPC) is one of the worst stocks on the Nasdaq, after the company ended a study for its iron overload treatment and announced the departure of CEO George Tidmarsh. LJPC stock has plunged 55.3% to trade at $2.49, earlier tagging a seven-year low of $2.41.

Stock futures are muted this morning, with the Dow signaling a tentative 17-point gain at the open just one day after the major U.S. equity indexes notched even more record highs. The quiet open comes as Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan tells CNBC that the central bank is predicting "weak" economic growth for the U.S. in the fourth quarter. It's a busy session for retail earnings, too; Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) and Dollar Tree (DLTR) are set to open lower after their respective quarterly results, while Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) is pacing for a bull gap. 

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

• What sparked monster moves for 3 pharma stocks. 
• The StubHub buzz making options players reach for EBAY. 
• Plus, BBY stock soars on holiday forecast; AIG sells a reinsurance stake to Carlyle; and HPE flops on revenue miss. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.01 million call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 636,310 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved up to 0.63, while the 21-day moving average came in at 0.58.
2. Best Buy Co Inc (NYSE:BBY) took its turn in the earnings confessional this morning, posting third-quarter same-store sales that exceeded analysts' estimates, and forecast strong profits for its upcoming holiday quarter. The stock is up 4.1% ahead of the bell. 
3. American International Group Inc (NYSE:AIG) this morning said it would be selling a 76.6% stake of its reinsurance business Fortitude Re to T&D Holdings and the Carlyle Group (NASDAQ:CG) for $1.8 billion. AIG is fractionally higher in electronic trading. 
4. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE) is down 4% in pre-market trading after reporting fourth-quarter revenue that missed analysts' expectations, citing shaky demand amid the simmering trade conflict between the U.S. and China. 
5. Today, Wall Street will get updates on international trade, the S&P CoreLogic/Case Shiller home price index, new home sales, and consumer confidence. Earnings from Autodesk (ADSK), Burlington Stores (BURL), PVH Corp (PVH), and VMware (VMW) are due.

Asian Markets Tumble Despite BABA's Huge Hong Kong IPO

Asian markets finished mixed today, unable to benefit from Chinese tech giant Alibaba's (BABA) big day. The e-commerce concern had its initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, marking the biggest IPO of 2019, and the shares climbed 6.6%. It wasn't enough to boost Hong Kong's Hang Seng, which shed 0.3%, while China's Shanghai Composite closed marginally higher. Rounding out the region, Japan's Nikkei closed up 0.4%, while South Korea's Kospi gave back 0.1%.

Over in Europe, stocks are struggling for direction at midday, as investors await the latest U.S.-China trade headlines, especially after reports that the two sides held phone discussions this morning in the hopes of "resolving core issues." London's FTSE 100 is up 0.1%, as polling suggests the Conservative Party's lead over the opposition Labour Party is narrowing. Elsewhere, the French CAC 40 is flat, while the German DAX is down 0.1%.

Stocks have muscled their way to new highs today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), S&P 500 Index (SPX), and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) each hitting fresh all-time peaks earlier. Retail stocks are some of the day's best performers so far, thanks to positive earnings reactions for several names, including Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS). Traders are also digesting a busy day of economic data, which includes an unexpected drop in October new home sales -- though September's numbers were upwardly revised -- as well as the Conference Board's consumer confidence index, which fell for a fourth straight month in November.

• The retail stock at new highs after earnings.
• Why Square's red-hot win streak could continue.
• Plus, bulls blast Mosaic; the cybersecurity stock near the bottom of the Big Board; and more on Dick's Sporting Goods earnings.

Fertilizer name Mosaic Co (NYSE:MOS) is seeing unusual options activity today, with more than 19,000 contracts traded -- 11 times the average intraday amount. The January 2020 19-strike call is most active, and it looks like new positions are being purchased, meaning traders are eyeing a breakout above $19 over the next two months. MOS stock was last seen up 0.3% at $18.69, but is still down 36% year-to-date.

Palo Alto Networks Inc (NYSE:PANW) is one of the biggest losers on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, as the cybersecurity firm's dismal current-quarter earnings forecast offsets a fiscal first-quarter profit beat. A round of price-target cuts is only increasing pressure, with PANW last seen down 10.9% at $223.01 -- a much wider move than the options market was anticipating.

Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. (NYSE:DKS) is one of the best stocks on the Big Board this afternoon, breaking through recent congestion in the $41 region to trade up 20.1% at $47.37. What's more, the shares topped out at a two-year high of $47.79 earlier. This bull gap was sparked by the sporting goods retailer's beat-and-raise, as well as a price-target hike to $50 from $40 at CFRA.

Stocks rallied today thanks to positive headlines around U.S.-China trade relations, with the latter country saying it will raise penalties for intellectual property theft. A flurry of corporate dealmaking also added to the bullish bias, as the tech sector -- and chip stocks in particular -- helped lead the market higher. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq roared to record highs as a result, and the Dow's big day has it knocking on the door of a fresh all-time peak, as well.

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

• Why one analyst says to ditch Netflix stock.
• Puts are starting to pop on retail ETF XRT.
  
• Plus, huge moves from pharma stocks; Disney stays hot; and e-commerce stock moves on M&A buzz.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 28,066.47) rose throughout the day, ending up 190.9 points, or 0.7%. Twenty-two of the 30 Dow components closed higher, with UnitedHealth's (UNH) 2.1% gain leading the way. Exxon Mobil (XOM) fell 0.7% to pace the losers.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,133.64) added 23.4 points, or 0.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,632.49) jumped 112.6 points, or 1.3%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 11.87) fell 0.5 point, or 3.8%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. RISC-V Foundation, a nonprofit that's developing semiconductor technology with help from the Pentagon, is moving to Switzerland due to trade disruptions in the U.S. The firm was started back in 2015, and more than 325 companies pay to be members. (Reuters)
2. The price of cryptocurrency bitcoin continues to fall, after China's central bank warned people about digital currencies on Friday. Bitcoin has lost roughly $3,000 in value in a month, and is at the lowest levels since May. (CNBC)
3. These pharma stocks made huge moves today.
4. Why Disney stock was hot again.
5. M&A news sent traders to this e-commerce stock.

Oil Prices Gain with Stocks

Oil prices moved higher today with equities. January crude futures finished up 24 cents, or 0.4%, at $58.01 per barrel.

Gold prices fell today during the risk-on trading. December gold futures gave back $6.70, or 0.5%, to end at $1,456.90 an ounce.