U.S. stock futures are trading near fair value this morning, signaling a flat start to the day for equities as earnings season gets underway with reports from the big banks. Most notably, Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) component JPMorgan Chase (JPM) is set to gain thanks to record annual profits, while sector peer Wells Fargo (WFC) is moving in the other direction after its quarterly report. Against this backdrop, futures on the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) are also signaling a tepid open.

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

• Why puts popped on EXACT Sciences.
• A signal saying Signet Jewelers could shine.
• Plus, Beyond Meat keeps soaring; weed stock slips; and JPMorgan's big morning.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.59 million call contracts traded on Monday compared to 753,352 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved down to 0.47 while the 21-day moving average was 0.52.
2. Beyond Meat Inc (NASDAQ:BYND) is set to add to yesterday's Snoop Dogg-induced upside, rising 10.2% before the open. Another win would be a fourth straight for BYND, with the stock yesterday topping its 100-day moving average for the first time since Oct. 1. BYND, which closed at $114.34 yesterday, was trading below $74 as recently as Jan. 6.
3. Another name making moves this morning is Aphria Inc (NYSE:APHA), down 8.1% following the company's quarterly results. APHA has essentially been in a relentless downtrend for the past year, but received a "top pick" designation at the start of 2020.
4. JPM shares are set for a 0.9% at the open, as earnings per share of $2.57 easily topped estimates thanks to more strength from the company's trading business. Call traders were hammering JPM before earnings, with the 10-day call/put volume ratio of 2.67 at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) ranking in the 90th annual percentile.
5. The NFIB small business optimism index and core consumer price index (CPI) both due out. Another double dose of Fed speeches are on the schedule, one from New York Fed President John Williams, and the other from Kansas Fed President Esther George. On the earnings docket is Citigroup (C), Delta Air Lines (DAL), and IHS Markit (INFO).

Global Markets Mixed

Asian markets were a mixed bag today. China’s yuan-denominated imports rose in December, but it wasn't enough to push Chinese markets higher, with the Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong's Hang Seng both closing with losses of 0.3% and 0.2% respectively.  Elsewhere in the region, Japan's Nikkei added 0.7% with tech giant Softbank leading the charge, while South Korea's Kospi tacked on 0.4%.

Over in Europe, stocks are struggling for direction at midday. London's FTSE 100 is 0.03% higher, with bank stock Old Mutual a notable winner after a favorable court ruling. The French CAC 40 and German DAX are both 0.1% lower, with the latter weighed down by chemicals company Evonik.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has explored both sides of breakeven, before eventually climbing higher midday, as Wall Street's attention remains glued to a spate of earnings reports out of the finance sector, including JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Wells Fargo (WFC). Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) have erased this morning's tepid gains, sliding slightly lower at the halfway point. Oil for February delivery, on the other hand, is on track to snap its bearish five-day streak, up 0.3% at $58.24 per barrel as investors keep a close on this week's upcoming "phase one" trade deal signing. 

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

• The video game stock Stephens it dropping, and which one it's picking up. 
• Why Goldman Sachs is rooting for Netflix stock. 
• Plus, bulls bombard surging PINS stock; TRXC clears key trendline on FDA approval; and STML stock sinks on drug sales. 

Pinterest Inc (NYSE:PINS) is seeing an unusual amount of options activity today, with 56,000 calls and 5,392 puts across the tape so far -- 12 times what's typically seen at this point. The January 2020 21-strike and 20.50-strike calls are seeing the most activity, with potential buy-to-open action occurring at the latter. PINS is up 7.2% at $21.04, at last glance, and is eyeing its highest close since October. 

Transenterix Inc (NYSE:TRXC) is one of the best performers on the New York Stock Exchange today, up 52% to trade at $2.24 after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared its Intelligent Surgical Unit device, which allows machine vision capabilities during robotic surgeries. Now, TRXC is set to take out its 30-day moving average for the first time since August. 

Stemline Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:STML) is one of the worst stocks on the Nasdaq today, following a sales announcement for its rare blood disease treatment, Elzonris, which netted a revenue of $43.2 million, missing analysts' estimates. The stock has shed 32.4% to trade at $6.38, on track for its lowest close in three years. 

U.S. stock futures are sitting below fair value this morning, as Wall Street awaits the official signing of a "phase one" trade deal between the U.S. and China. Ahead of the 11:30 a.m. ET signing, there remains some tension between the countries, especially after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said this morning that tariffs between the two countries will remain until a "phase two" agreement. Elsewhere, investors are unpacking the latest round of corporate earnings, with a mixed bag of reports out of Bank of America (BAC), Goldman Sachs (GS), and Dow name United Health (UNH).

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

• Founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer discussed the chart support for Walmart worth watching.
• Why bulls were cheering on this retailer's rally.
• Plus, BlackRock scores an earnings beat; Target whiffs on holiday sales; NKTR pulls opioid drug.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.5 million call contracts traded on Tuesday compared to 705,510 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio stayed at 0.47, and the 21-day moving average remained at 0.52.
2. BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) stock is up 0.7% in electronic trading, after the asset management firm reported fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that topped analyst expectations. BLK was red-hot before the event, fresh off an 52-week high of $525 just yesterday.
3. Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) stock is down 6.8% ahead of the bell, after the retailer's holiday sales only rose 1.4%, sharply lower than the 5.7% rise last year. TGT is up 83.6% year-over-year heading into today, and scored a record high of $130.24 on Dec. 20.
4. The shares of Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NKTR) are down 14.7% before the bell, after the drugmaker withdrew its Food and Drug Administration (FDA) application for an opioid painkiller. An FDA panel had already unanimously voted against the drug. NKTR was up almost 30% in 2020 going into today after its collaboration agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY).
5. Today will bring data from the producer price index (PPI), the Empire State manufacturing index, and the Fed's Beige book. Yet another pair of Fed speeches are due, this time from Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker and Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan. Signature Bank (SBNY), U.S. Bancorp (USB), and Alcoa (AA) will report earnings.

Ugly German GDP Data Weighs on Europe

It was a lower finish in Asia, as caution set in ahead of today's signing of an interim trade deal between the U.S. and China. The Shanghai Composite surrendered 0.5%, while Japan's Nikkei also gave back 0.5% on a strengthening yen. Elsewhere in the region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng and South Korea's Kospi each fell 0.4%.

Stocks in Europe are mostly lower at midday, with investors digesting a dismal reading on Germany's gross domestic product (GDP), which showed the country's economy grew at 0.6% last year -- its slowest pace since 2013. At last check, the Frankfurt DAX is down 0.2%, while the French CAC 40 is also flirting with a 0.2% loss. London's FTSE 100, on the other hand, is up 0.2%, as weaker-than-expected inflation data sparks buzz of a potential rate cut from the Bank of England (BoE) in late January.

The Dow finished marginally higher today and hit fresh record highs, as Wall Street weighed bank earnings with the latest U.S.-China trade headlines. The "phase one" trade deal to be signed tomorrow reportedly involves China buying over $200 billion worth of U.S. goods in the next two years, and ensures the U.S. won't implement any new tariffs on China. However, the blue-chip index pivoted sharply from its record highs after a Bloomberg report indicated existing tariffs on China will remain in place until after the 2020 presidential election. This sent the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both lower for the day, despite also nabbing fresh record highs in the morning. 

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

• Etsy stock is painting a bleak technical picture right now.
• Traders eye BLK stock ahead of earnings tomorrow.
• Plus, a bullish signal for Waste Management; a bad day for Wells Fargo; and Walmart trendlines to watch.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 28,939.67) gained 32.6 points, or 0.1%. JPMorgan Chase (JPM) led the 20 winners with a 1.9% win, while Exxon Mobil (XOM) paced the 10 laggards with a 0.8% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,283.15) gave back 5 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 9,251.33) finished 22.6 points, or 0.2%, lower.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.39) gained 0.1 point, or 0.6%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Democrats in the House of Representatives will vote tomorrow to send impeachment articles against President Donald Trump to the Senate. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also said she would name the lead “managers” who will lead the prosecution, setting up a showdown that could start as soon as this week. (Reuters)
2. The core consumer price index (CPI) grew last month by 0.2%, slimmer than the forecasted 0.3% advance. Overall consumer inflation for 2019 grew by 2.3%, its fastest rise since 2011. (MarketWatch)
3. There's reason to believe Waste Management stock can stay hot.
4. Wells Fargo stock took a big post-earnings hit today.
5. Keep an eye on these support levels for Walmart stock.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Snaps Skid

Oil snapped a five-day losing streak today. As U.S.-Iran tensions fade, there's still geopolitical risk with the U.S. and its tariffs on China. February-dated crude futures gained 15 cents, or 0.3%, to end at $58.23 per barrel.

Gold extended its pullback today, as upbeat bank earnings and inflation data keep a lid on safe-haven demand for the time being. February gold futures gave back $6, or 0.4%, to end at $1,544.60 an ounce, breaching the $1,550 level.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) initially slipped out of the gate on concerning comments from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The blue-chip index has since bounced back to hit a record high, with the trade deal signing currently underway. Comments from National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow that U.S. President Donald Trump could unveil another round of potential tax cuts later this year also helped boost stocks, with the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) nabbing new highs, as well. Elsewhere, focus remains on earnings, with Goldman Sachs (GS) and UnitedHealth (UNH) getting a boost on well-received reports. Meanwhile, Target (TGT) stock is sinking on disappointing holiday sales data. 

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

• Volatile Beyond Meat stock is making another big move. 
• The red-hot drug stock that's jumping again. 
• Plus, calls pop on surging Shake Shack; CETX stock doubles; NKTR stock drops on opioid ruling. 

Shake Shack Inc (NYSE:SHAK) is seeing an unusual amount of options activity today, with 70,000 calls and 7,700 puts across the tape so far -- 14 times what's typically seen at this point, and a new 52-week high. The January 2020 70-strike call is most popular, followed by the 71-strike call from the same series. It appears as if positions are being bought to open at both. The stock is pacing for its biggest one-day percentage pop since August, up 9.2% at $69.97 at last check. 

Electronics manufacturer Cemtrex Inc (NASDAQ:CETX) is one of the top performers on the Nasdaq today following an announcement that the company received $700,000 in orders for new video surveillance systems in municipal buildings. The stock is up 96.8% to trade at $2.31, clearing its 200-day moving average for the first time in nearly two years, and pacing for its highest close since late June.

One of the worst stocks on the Nasdaq today is biopharmaceutical concern Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NKTR), which is down 15.1% at $23.74, after withdrawing its U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval application for its opioid painkiller NKTR-181, following a panel vote. Despite this, Jefferies lifted its price target to $24 from $21.

The Dow locked up a solid win -- and fresh record intraday high -- after the U.S. and China made the "phase one" trade deal official. It was the blue-chip index's third straight win, with UnitedHealth (UNH) a big earnings winner today. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both hit new record highs, as well. Although the text of the trade deal is yet to be released, Chinese purchases of U.S products will increase, and U.S. tariffs will remain in place until the November 2020 presidential election. Elsewhere, Wall Street got a boost after White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow hinted at more tax cuts later in 2020. 

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

• Options traders piled on Shake Shack's big breakout.
• This bank stock wasn't able to take advantage of some overdue bull notes.
• Plus, another win for PINS; why Target stock fell; and a big FDA nod for CLVS.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 29,030.22) gained 90.6 points, or 0.3%. UNH led the 17 winners with a 2.8% win, while JPMorgan Chase (JPM) paced the 13 laggards with a 1.5% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,289.29) added 6.1 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 9,258.70) finished 7.4 points, or 0.1%, higher.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.42) lost 0.3 point, or 0.2%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. As part of the "phase one" trade agreement with the U.S. and China, there are provisions that include protecting intellectual property and forced technology transfer. Both parties agreed that neither will support their domestic countries acquiring tech that would "create distortion" in corresponding sectors and industries. (CNBC)
2. The producer price index (PPI) rose by 0.1% in December, falling short of the expected 0.2% increase. Overall, the data underscores how inflation has tapered off since the summer, and shows little signs of acceleration. (MarketWatch)
3. Upbeat user data had Pinterest rising for a second straight day.
4. Target stock took a hit today after dismal holiday sales.
5. An FDA nod sent Clovis Oncology stock soaring.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil, Gold Move in Opposite Directions

Oil finished lower today, as domestic gasoline stockpiles surged. Black gold shook off an unexpected weekly decline in U.S. crude supplies. February-dated crude futures shed 42 cents, or 0.7%, to end at $57.81 per barrel.

Gold rallied today, snapping a two-day losing streak, with investors still monitoring President Donald Trump's looming impeachment trial in the Senate. February gold futures gave back $9.40, or 0.6%, to end at $1,554 an ounce.

U.S. stock futures are pointing to a big day, set to build off Wednesday's bullish session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is eyeing a more than 200-point pop at the open, and the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) are set for strong opens, as well, with all three major indexes again set for record highs. Investors continue to respond to the signing of the "phase one" trade deal between the U.S. and China, while earnings and economic reports are also in focus. For the latter, traders are monitoring this morning's weekly jobless claims update, which fell unexpectedly, along with a rise in retail sales for December.

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

• The social media stock options players are flocking to.  
• Behind Target stock's massive holiday sales flop. 
• Plus, Signet shares soar; XPO's update could mean fresh highs; and iRobot gets an upgrade.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.48 million call contracts traded on Wednesday compared to 653,908 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio was 0.44, and the 21-day moving average was 0.51.
2. Signet Jewelers Ltd. (NYSE:SIG) is one stock on the rise this morning, rising 28.6% on the company's upbeat holiday sales, which prompted it to raise its outlook for the quarter. SIG stock was already looking strong from a technical sense, and is pacing for its highest open since April.
3. XPO Logistics Inc (NYSE:XPO) is also making a major move to the upside thanks to news the company is exploring selling or spinning off some of its businesses. XPO shares are up 19.3% in pre-market action, which would have them in fresh 52-week-high territory.
4. The shares of iRobot Corporation (NASDAQ:IRBT) are gaining before the open thanks to a bullish analyst note. Raymond James upgraded the shares to "market perform" from "underperform," putting IRBT on pace for a third straight daily win. The stock is up 4.1% before the open, after recently taking out the 80-day moving average.
5. A barrage of economic data will come out today including import prices, business inventories, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) housing market index. Earnings reports from Bank of New York Mellon (BK), Charles Schwab (SCHW), and CSX (CSX) are all on tap. 

Asian Shares Mostly Rise

The “phase one” trade agreement signing left Asian markets mostly higher, with the exception of China’s Shanghai Composite, which shed 0.5%. The South Korean Kospi led the pack on an 0.8% pop on strength from Hyundai Motor and Samsung Electronics, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng trailed behind with a 0.4% gain. Meanwhile, the Nikkei in Japan managed to eke out a roughly 0.1% win.

European stocks are lower at the halfway point, as traders express caution over unresolved issues left by the U.S.-China trade agreement. London’s FTSE 100 is down 0.4%, brushing off big gains from crude concern Tullow Oil, while the German DAX and French CAC 40 have dropped 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has continued its steady rise higher at midday, touching another record high, as Wall Street looked towards promising economic data, namely upbeat retail sales and jobless claims. A post-earnings pop from bank name Morgan Stanley (MS) and a finalized "phase one" trade deal has also helped boost stocks, with the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) grabbing more fresh intraday peaks. 

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

• Behind Ben & Jerry's new Netflix-themed flavor. 
• The C-suite shakeup rattling Outdoor Brands stock. 
• Plus, options bulls snap up TUP stock; SIG stock keeps climbing on holiday sales report; OPRA hits fresh low on short-seller note.

Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE:TUP) is seeing an unusual amount of bullish activity in the options pits today. So far, 11,000 calls have crossed the tape -- seven times the intraday average -- compared to just 180 puts. The February 10 call is the most popular, followed by the January 2020 10-strike call, with positions being purchased at both. TUP is up 3.5% to trade at $9.47 at last check. 

One of the best performers on the New York Stock Exchange is Signet Jewelers Ltd. (NYSE:SIG), which has added 36.8% to trade at $29.51, thanks to upbeat holiday sales data. The jeweler also upped its 2020 full-year forecast, citing new products and online sales investments. The stock is on pace for its fifth straight win, and just cleared its 320-day moving average for the first time since November 2018. 

One of the worst stocks on the Nasdaq today is Norway-based software company Opera Ltd (NASDAQ:OPRA), which has shed nearly 13% to trade at $7.83 after the short-seller Hindenburg Research forecast 70% downside to last night's close. OPRA just hit a nine-month low, and is headed for its biggest one-day percentage drop since August 2018. 

The Dow roared to a fourth straight win and new record high today, thanks to upbeat retail sales and jobs data. The blue-chip index's over 200-point win can also be attributed to the details of the newly signed "phase one" trade deal with China, where it was revealed China could purchase nearly $200 billion more in U.S. goods in the coming years.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both finished comfortably in the black after hitting record highs as well, as the former crossed the 3,300 level for the first time. Against this positive backdrop, Wall Street's "fear gauge," the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), logged another loss.

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

• Red-hot Tesla stock was just downgraded.
• Options traders blasted Fastenal stock ahead of earnings. 
• Plus, a steel stock to target; Campbell Soup's buy signal; and an upgrade for IRBT.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 29,297.64) gained 267.4 points, or 0.9%. Cisco Systems (CSCO) led the 26 winners with a 1.7% win, while Pfizer (PFE) paced the four laggards with a 0.7% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,316.81) added 27.5 points, or 0.8%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 9,357.13) finished 98.4 points, or 1.1%, higher.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.32) lost 0.1 point, or 0.8%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Hyundai and Kia are expanding their involvement with electric vehicles. Kia and Hyundai are both investing a total of 100 million euro in U.K. startup Arrival Ltd, a startup that makes battery-powered delivery vans. The vans will be sold at the start of 2021. (Reuters)
2. The Senate approved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement today, sending the trade pact to President Donald Trump's desk. The deal replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement, and new trading rules among the North American countries. (MarketWatch)
3. Buy the dip on this steel stock. 
4. Here's how a Campbell Soup call could double.
5. iRobot stock just picked up a big upgrade.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Extends Slide as Stocks Surge

Oil logged solid gains today, as U.S energy demand got a boot from the newly Senate-approved USMCA trade agreement. February-dated crude futures added 71 cents, or 1.2%, to end at $58.82 per barrel.

Gold prices took a hit today, as the demand for safe-haven assets softened amid surging U.S. equities. February gold futures gave back $3.50, or 0.2%, to end at $1,550.50 an ounce.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is setting its sights on a fifth straight win and another record high, as stock futures point to another up day to close out a big week on Wall Street. Stocks recently have been fueled by the signing of the "phase one" trade deal and positive economic data, including this morning's strong update on housing starts in December, while a number of earnings releases are also in focus. As such, the gains are spreading to the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX), which, like the Dow, are easily pacing for solid weekly wins.

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

• Why bulls should eat up Campbell Soup stock.
• This steel stock could reward options traders.
• Plus, Schlumberger rises post-earnings; Pinterest gains again; software stock stays hot.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.39 million call contracts traded on Thursday compared to 652,812 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio was 0.47, and the 21-day moving average was 0.51.
2. Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) is on the rise this morning, thanks to the company's stronger-than-anticipated quarterly results. The earnings beat was driven by the company's international drilling business, sending the shares up 2.9% before the open. SLB has gained more than 25% since bottoming near $31 in October.
3. In focus again this morning is Pinterest Inc (NYSE:PINS), thanks to a bullish analyst rating. Wells Fargo upgraded the e-commerce concern to "overweight" from "equal weight," pushing PINS up 4.2% before the open. The stock is already up 23% year-to-date.
4. Elsewhere on the earnings front, Progress Software Corp (NASDAQ:PRGS) is moving higher, up 10% in pre-market trading. The company's full-year outlook may be the primary driver for PRGS, which was already on a wild seven day win streak before today, adding 10% just this week.
5. Traders will digest data on building permits, industrial production, and job openings, as well as the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index. Fastenal (FAST), J.B. Hunt Transport (JBHT), Kansas City Southern (KSU), and State Street (STT) will all throw their hats into the earnings ring. Netflix earnings highlight next week's schedule.

Asian Shares Gain Again

Markets in Asia closed the week on a high note, boosted by encouraging economic developments. China's Shanghai Composite gained 0.05%, after the country reported a fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) of 6.1%, in line with expectations. This helped stabilize the China yuan, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.6%. Rounding out the region, Japan's Nikkei and South Korea's Kospi closed up 0.5% and 0.1% respectively, auto stocks lifting the former and steady interest rates propping up the latter. Both indexes also nabbed new annual highs.

In Europe, stocks are moving higher on China's GDP numbers. London's FTSE 100 is up 1%, as subpar retail sales data fuels the expectations of an interest rate cut from the Bank of England (BoE). The French CAC 40 is 0.9% higher, while the German DAX sports a 0.6% lead.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), S&P 500 Index (SPX), and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) have all hit new highs today, though a big drop in job openings in November has pulled the major indexes back near breakeven on the day.  In turn, the Dow's four-day win streak is in jeopardy -- though stocks' weekly gains appear firmly in place. Elsewhere, traders were also monitoring upbeat housing data, along with the latest headlines from the M&A and earnings fronts.

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

• 2 penny stocks on the move today.
• The retailer in focus on M&A buzz.
• Plus, gold ETF in focus again; M&A buzz boosts education stock; and Snap's new bull note.

One name seeing increased call activity today is SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), as the gold-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF) trades up 0.2% at $146.55. Calls are crossing at two times the expected pace, led by heavy trading at the March 153 call. The March 163 and 164 calls are also seeing heavy trading. GLD's 10-day call/put volume ratio is 1.66 at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), showing there's been steady demand for long calls lately.

One of the best performers on the Street today is 2U Inc (NASDAQ:TWOU), due to buzz that it could be exploring a sale. TWOU is up 7% at $23.30, putting the shares of the education concern back above the 50-day moving average. The stock has mostly been trending higher since its July lows near $12.

Another stock on the rise today is Snap Inc (NYSE:SNAP), with the social media stock rising 4.4% to $19.05, thanks to an upgrade to "buy" at UBS. The brokerage firm set a $24 price target for SNAP, which touched a new 52-week high of $19.29 earlier. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) could be set to snap its five-day winning streak today, as U.S. stock futures trade below fair value. Traders are monitoring the effects of the coronavirus outbreak in China, which is putting pressure on travel stocks this morning. Investors are also taking in headlines from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where President Donald Trump said the United States is "in the midst of an economic boom," and that the country's relationship with China "has never been better." Outside of all this, there's plenty to look forward to on the earnings front, with blue chip IBM (IBM) and tech giant Netflix (NFLX) set to report after the close today.

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

• The bear note that slammed Twitter stock.
• M&A speculation put this education stock in focus.
• Plus, weakness in travel stocks; Logitech pops post-earnings; and a healthcare stock to watch. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.96 million call contracts traded on Friday compared to 942,903 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio was 0.48, and the 21-day moving average was 0.51.
2. Among some of the travel names set to get hit by the China virus outbreak are Carnival Corp (NYSE:CCL) and Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS), along with their fellow cruise and hotel peers, and many airline stocks. CCL shares, for example, have shed 2.3% before the open, and LVS is pacing for a 6% decline at the open.
3. Computer hardware specialist Logitech International (NASDAQ:LOGI) is in focus this morning following the company's earnings release. LOGI stock is eyeing a 2.3% gain when the market opens thanks to a top- and bottom-line beat, which should help the shares recover after they've pulled back slightly from the Jan. 13 annual high of $47.99, closing Friday at $46.57.
4. One name to watch in healthcare today is Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:VRCA). The dermatology expert over the weekend revealed promising trial data for its molluscum treatment VP-102, sending the stock up 0.7% in pre-market trading. This will have VRCA shares testing the $17 level, a site of recent resistance.
5. Several big names will step into the earnings confessional, including IBM, Capital One Financial (COF), Haliburton (HAL), Netflix, TAL Education (TAL), TD Ameritrade (AMTD), and United Airlines (UAL).

Asian Shares Pull Back

Markets in Asia took a hit today, after Moody's downgraded the city of Hong Kong to Aa3 from Aa2 amid escalating government protests. Hong Kong's Hang Seng gave back 2.8% for the day, its biggest drop in over two months. China's Shanghai Composite lost 1.4%, with tech giant Tencent a notable loser after reports that its Chairman sold shares worth $2 billion Hong Kong dollars. Japan's Nikkei gave back 0.9%, although the Bank of Japan (BoJ) kept its policy rates steady and delivered an encouraging fiscal outlook. Rounding out the region, South Korea's Kospi shed 1%.

Over in Europe, stocks are modestly lower ahead of World Economic Forum (WEF) getting underway in Davos, Switzerland. London's FTSE 100 is off by 0.9%, while the French CAC 40 is down 0.8% at last check. The German DAX is only 0.1% lower, with retailer Hugo Boss propping the index up after a big earnings win.