U.S. stocks are continuing their steady grind higher, overcoming impeachment headwinds thanks to a strong day from a number of big-name tech stocks -- including Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) component Cisco Systems (CSCO). Like the Dow, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) have tagged new highs, with Netflix (NFLX) again standing as a major winner thanks to bullish analyst attention. Oil prices keep going higher, too, with January-dated crude futures last seen up 0.7% at $61.38 per barrel.

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

• Education stock lands top pick honors.
• Why an analyst thinks JNJ stock is at a discount.
• Plus, Twitter stock rejected; Match's break-up going fine; and Carvana keeps driving higher.

One name seeing unusual options trading is Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR), as the social media stock keeps its hot week going. The shares rose 3.2% in yesterday's trading, and today they're edging higher again, last seen at $31.75 -- though the 50-day moving average is still applying pressure overhead. Calls are trading at three times the expected pace, and the weekly 12/27 32-strike call could be seeing buy-to-open activity, suggesting traders could be betting on more upside in the coming week.

One of the best stocks today is Match Group Inc (NASDAQ:MTCH), following this morning's M&A news. The shares of the online dating service provider are near session highs, up 7.2% at $76.25, putting their 12-month gain at 87%. Options traders are active too, with call volume at more than eight times the daily average.

Another winner today is Carvana Co (NYSE:CVNA), 5.8% at $98.83 thanks to a price-target hike to $120 from $95 at Citigroup. The car-buying experience specialist has seen its shares rise more than 200% in the past year, today touching a fresh record high of $99.19 earlier today.

The Dow notched a triple-digit gain today, managing even more record highs, as Wall Street mostly looked past impeachment headlines out of Capitol Hill. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq and S&P 500 enjoyed modest upside, grabbing fresh all-time highs along the way, with the former index stretching its daily win streak to seven, its longest since February. The bullish backdrop spread to the commodity space, as well, where oil futures rose to their highest settlement in weeks.

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

• Behind the frantic call activity on Dropbox stock today.
• Why Barclays sees this blue chip rallying into 2020. 
• Plus, MTCH and IAC call it quits; the fertilizer stock that's wilting; and Boeing stock gets a bear note. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 28,376.96) tacked on 137.7 points, or 0.5%. Twenty-three of the 30 index members ended higher, with Cisco Systems (CSCO) coming in as the top performer on a 2.7% win. Caterpillar (CAT) on the other hand slipped to the bottom of the index on a 1.4% drop. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,205.37) settled 14.2 points, or 0.5%, higher, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,887.22) tacked on 59.4 points, or 0.7%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.50) lost 0.08 point, or 0.6%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. A new spending bill was just approved by the senate in order to avoid a government shutdown, with another in the works, as well, The bills, which will increase domestic and defense spending, do away with a number of Obamacare taxes, and introduce some changes to retirement savings accounts, have been approved by the House. (CNBC)
2. Starbucks (SBUX) just settled a multi-year probe by agreeing to pay $176,000 to the New York City employees affected by its illegal rule requiring workers to find a replacement when they were on sick leave. The coffee company has since changed its sick day policy. (Reuters)
3. How Match and InterActiveCorp's big breakup went down. 
4. The fertilizer stock wilting on production cuts. 
5. The latest drama that put Boeing back in the headlines. 

Oil Hits Three-Month High On Inventories Data 

Oil surged to its highest settlement since mid-September today, on a decline in U.S. crude inventories. January-dated crude futures tacked on 29 cents or 0.5%, to settle at $61.22 per barrel.

Gold prices saw a sharp reversal today, grabbing a two-week, and erasing any losses for the week. February gold futures added $5.70, or 0.4%, to end at $1,484.40 an ounce.

Wall Street has spent most of the week nabbing record highs, and Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trending that way once more this morning. Investors are shaking off a mixed quarterly report from retail giant Nike (NKE) while considering the final third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) report, which was unrevised, showing 2.1% growth for the period. Futures on the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) are also drifting higher ahead of quadruple witching Friday. 

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

• Moody's is the latest to pile on Boeing. 
• Mosaic stock was weighed down by production cuts. 
• Plus, BlackBerry up on earnings beat; Biogen announces buyback; and U.S. Steel falls on dismal forecast.  

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.5 million call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 796,768 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.54, while the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.59.
2. BlackBerry Ltd (NYSE:BB) stock is up 5.2% ahead of the bell, after the tech issue reported third quarter earnings and revenue that topped analyst forecasts. Prior to today, BlackBerry stock has tacked on 20.8% off its Oct. 9 multi-year low of $4.86. Today, the shares are set to test their 100-day moving average. 
3. Biogen Inc (NASDAQ:BIIB) stock is up 1.5% in electronic trading, after the company announced a $5 billion stock buyback program. Jefferies also upped its price target to $325 from $310. BIIB gapped higher in October thanks to upbeat results from its Alzheimer's treatment, and is set to reclaim its year-to-date breakeven level today.
4. The shares of United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) are down 5.2% before the open, as the company's fourth-quarter forecast fell short of expectations. The steel name also announced it would be cutting its dividend, terminating stock buybacks, and laying off more than 1,500 workers. X was down 26.7% year-to-date heading into today, with its overhead 200-day moving average serving as a stiff ceiling.

5. Personal income and spending data, and the University of Michigan consumer sentiment reading are scheduled today. CarMax (KMX) will share quarterly results.

Asian Markets Mixed After Lending Data; Europe Rides Trade Buzz

Markets in Asia closed mixed after China said it would be holding its lending benchmark steady, as expected. The Shanghai composite, in response, dropped 4%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 0.3%, and South Korea’s Kospi tacked on 0.4%. Meanwhile, the Nikkei in Japan lost 0.2%, as auto stocks -- including Toyota and Nissan -- dropped on the back of North America’s new trade deal, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which will require 75% of car parts to be manufactured in North America. 

Over in Europe, stocks are higher as the major bourses continue to buzz on U.S.-China trade optimism. Germany’s DAX and the French CAC 40 are both 0.6% higher midday, while London’s FTSE 100 is up 0.2%, following a year-over-year surge in gross domestic product (GDP) in the U.K. Also driving the benchmark is the appointment of Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Chief Executive Andrew Bailey’s appointment as the new governor of the Bank of England (BoE). 

It's more of the same for U.S. stock markets today, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), S&P 500 Index (SPX), and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) have each hit fresh highs -- while the latter index is staring down an eighth straight win. Semiconductor stocks are again leading the way, extending recent trade-inspired upside. Consumer staple and healthcare shares are also on the rise, with this morning's GDP update in focus as well. And while the Dow has given up a portion of its intraday gains due to the weakness in Boeing (BA) and Nike (NKE) shares, all three major indexes are pacing for impressive weekly wins.

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

• Why this penny stock could keep sinking.
• Apple in focus after latest bull note.
• Plus, calls pop on retailer; RV stock makes huge move; and sizing up the CarMax pullback.

One name seeing unusual options trading is L Brands Inc (NYSE:LB), as calls run hot on the retail name. Traders are taking heavy interest in the weekly 1/10 19-strike call, where new positions are being opened. Those buying the weeklies are betting on LB shares pushing above $19 in the coming weeks. The stock is up 1.5% today at $18.69, on pace for its first close atop the 100-day moving average since July.

One of the best stocks today is Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO), as the shares of the RV maker camp out near two-year highs. WGO stock was last seen up 9.6% at $52.76, peaking at $53.54 earlier, bringing its 52-week gain close to 130%. This is part of broader strength seen from the sector, since peer Thor Industries (THO) also sports an impressive year-to-date lead.

One stock moving lower today is CarMax, Inc (NYSE:KMX), though the downside may be limited. While the shares of the car retailer are down 5.6% at $93.29 after earnings, they're holding just above the 80-day moving average, a trendline that captured that last pullback in in the fall. KMX is also sitting near the +50% year-to-date level, another potential magnet for the security.

Stocks spent most of the day modestly higher, with the Dow coming to rest on a 31-point gain, and the S&P notching yet another record high as investors continue to coast on optimism over last week's phase one trade deal. Individual names that captured Wall Street's attention today were FAANG stock Netflix (NFLX), which surged on well-received international subscriber growth numbers, and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), which scaled the Dow on a bull note from Morgan Stanley. Apple (AAPL) also grabbed another fresh high, thanks to a big price-target hike from Cowen and Company.

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

• Analyst: This surging drug stock could double.
• The key levels of support to watch on this industrial ETF, according to founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer. 
• Plus, 2 stocks options traders were hot for; HON stock set to pop; and ROKU still in sell-off mode. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 28,267.16) added 31.3 points, or 0.1%. Fourteen of the 30 index members ended higher, while Coca-Cola (KO) and Boeing (BA) finished flat. Goldman Sachs (GS) led the charge on a 1.4% pop, while Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) fell to the bottom, shedding 1.2%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,192.52) settled 1.1 points, or 0.03% higher, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,823.36) tacked on 9.1 points, or 0.1%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.29) added 0.2 point, or 1.2%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Apple (AAPL) has sold out of its AirPods Pro headphones online, and at many major retailers including Target (TGT) and Walmart (WMT) just ahead of Christmas. For those still looking for a pair of what Wedbush analyst Dan Ives called the "clear star of Black Friday and the holiday season" many third-party sellers, including eBay (EBAY) may still have them available. (CNBC)
2. General Motors (GM) is under scrutiny today, after the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced it would be upping its ongoing probe into 1.7 million vehicles for faulty windshield wipers. The original investigation started a little over a year ago, and involved a 2016 recall of the automaker's 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs. (Reuters)
3. The options pits were red-hot for these 2 stocks today. 
4. How surging Honeywell stock could gain even more momentum. 
5. ROKU stock can't catch a break this month.

Oil Extends Win Streak

Oil extended its daily win streak to four, as U.S.-China trade optimism lingered ahead of tomorrow's weekly inventories update. January-dated crude futures added 73 cents, or 1.2%, to settle at $60.94 per barrel. 

Gold finished with a tentative gain today, as anxiety built ahead of tomorrow's House of Representatives' vote to potentially impeach President Donald Trump. February gold futures added 10 cents to end at $1,480.60 an ounce.

Optimism continued to lead the way on Wall Street, after U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted that he had a "very good talk with President Xi of China concerning our giant Trade Deal." Strong consumer spending data for the third quarter likely also gave markets a boost, along with an unrevised reading for third-quarter GDP. The Dow grabbed a 78-point gain, while the S&P 500 snatched up its fourth straight weekly win. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq notched its running win streak -- eight days -- since February, thanks to strength in the semiconductor space, as all three indexes hit new highs once again.

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

• The buyout news blowing up 5F Networks' options pits. 
• How this pharma stock just notched its sixth straight weekly win. 
• Plus, Apple stock nabs another all-time high; BIIB stock gets boost on buyback news; and GM gets a bull note. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 28,455.09) added 78.1 points, or 0.3%. Twenty-four of the 30 components ended higher. Verizon (VZ) took the lead on a 2.2% win, while Boeing (BA) sunk to the bottom after shedding 1.5%. For the week, the blue chip index added 1.1%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,221.22) settled 15.9 points, or 0.5%, higher, with a 1.7% weekly gain, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,924.96) climbed 37.7 points, or 0.4% higher, and added tacked on 2.2% for the week.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.51) added 0.01 point, or 0.08%, with a near 1% weekly drop.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Google parent Alphabet (GOOGL) announced that its new CEO Sundar Pichai will receive an annual salary of $2 million, no less than $120 million in time-based stock grants, and $90 million in performance-based stock grants. Pichai has served as Alphabet's CEO for nearly a month, after co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin resigned. (CNBC)
2. Heavily scrutinized Boeing (BA) is once again in headlines after its new unmanned Starliner test capsule was unable to reach the International Space Station's orbit, according to NASA. The failed mission cut short the company's efforts to send humans to the station. (Reuters)
3. Apple stock's impressive rally took it to new highs. 
4. 2 reasons Biogen stock surged today. 
5. The auto stock that RBC is betting on for 2020.  

Oil, Gold Slip Ahead of Holiday Week

Oil slid today, but held its weekly gains and the $60 level. A huge increase in active U.S. drilling rigs for the week also shook the commodity. February-dated crude futures lost 74 cents, or 1.2%, to settle at $60.44 per barrel. For the week, oil rose 0.5%. 

Gold prices also fell, as investors eyed stocks with optimism, turning their backs on the safe haven. February gold futures were down $3.50, or 0.2%, to end at $1,480.90 an ounce, but added 0.8% for the year. 

Fresh off a record-setting week, Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trending higher yet again. Fueling this morning's risk-on approach are trade tailwinds out of China, after the country's finance ministry announced it will reduce import tariffs on a number of goods starting in January. This comes after President Donald Trump said on Friday that he had "a very good talk" with Chinese President Xi Jinping, putting the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) on pace for positive opens, as well. Meanwhile, blue chip Boeing (BA) will remain in focus today, as news just hit that its CEO Dennis Muilenburg has resigned.

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

• This pharmacy stock just took out a key trendline.
• One analyst has big plans for General Motors stock in 2020.
• Plus, Sarepta links up with Roche; Aurora Cannabis announces restructuring; and former UBER CEO selling stake.  

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.75 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 803,179 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.46, while the 21-day moving average fell to 0.58.
2. Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:SRPT) stock is up 8.1% in electronic trading, after the drugmaker inked a $1.15 billion licensing deal with Swiss drugmaker Roche. The deal will focus on Sarepta's gene therapy treatment for Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy outside of the U.S. SRPT is up 67% this quarter.
3. Aurora Cannabis Inc (NYSE:ACB) stock is down 2.2% ahead of the bell, after the Canadian pot company announced steps to reduce debt and boost liquidity. This comes ahead of the company's announcement of its "Cannabis 2.0" products. ACB is down 70% in the last six months, and fell to a record low of $2.14 on Nov. 19. 
4. The shares of Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE:UBER) are only up 0.2% before the open, but still in focus after former CEO Travis Kalanick sold more than 90% of his stake in the ride-sharing app recent weeks, according to SEC filings. UBER is staring up at resistance at its 100-day moving average.

5. New home sales and the Chicago Fed National Activity index will be featured. The earnings slate will host the only company on the schedule for the week, Neogen. 

Tariff Tailwinds Boost Overseas Markets

Asian markets settled on both sides of the breakeven today as investors focused on U.S. President Donald Trump’s optimistic comments over the trade talks between the U.S. and China last Friday, and news that China plans to lower tariffs on roughly 850 imported items. Despite this, The Shanghai Composite in China settled 1.4% lower, joined by the Kospi in South Korea, which dropped 0.02%. On the other hand, the Nikkei in Japan closed 0.02% higher, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 0.1%. 

European stocks were mostly higher amid the aforementioned easing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. The FTSE 100 in London is 0.5% higher, climbing alongside NMC Health after the company launched an independent self-review to reassure investors it has control over its finances, in response to following short seller Muddy Waters’ concerning outlook. Meanwhile, the German DAX is down 0.1%, while the French CAC 40 has added 0.09%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) have hit fresh highs again today, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) was also sporting a solid lead at last check, as stocks stay strong ahead of this week's Christmas break. More trade buzz has helped keep the rally alive, while a number of M&A-related headlines have also kept traders busy. This sets up the Nasdaq for another win, which would mark a ninth straight.

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

• IPO buzz has JD.com at new highs.
• The drug stock that's doubling today.
• Plus, bulls bet on Altria; Tesla shares still smoking; and FB reverses lower.

One name seeing unusual options trading is Altria Group Inc (NYSE:MO), where calls are trading at four times the rate expected. This is due to the heavy action at the weekly 12/27 52-strike calls, where new positions are being opened, likely showing enthusiasm for upside in MO in the coming days. The cigarette stock was last seen at $51.45.

One stock making headlines again is Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), as the shares add to their blistering rally today. The electric automaker was last seen up 3.3% at $418.89, and earlier it rose above the $420 level, roughly 16 months after CEO Elon Musk said there was a deal to take Tesla private at $420 per share. This also marks record-high territory for TSLA, which is up more than 87% in the past six months. Options activity is accelerated on the day, as well.

One stock move to watch today is coming from Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ:FB), as the shares turned lower after hitting fresh highs earlier. FB shares were last seen down 0.1% at $206.14, as the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) holds near overbought territory, coming into today at 65 -- similar to the setup of the broader equities markets.

The holiday-shortened week started with another record close, and Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are set to add more gains this morning. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) are also on pace for positive opens today, although the news slate is bare and trading volume is likely to be low, with markets closing at 1 p.m. ET for Christmas Eve.

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

• Breaking down some interesting Lyft options trading.
• Options bulls are targeting PepsiCo stock ahead of the holidays.
• Plus, a lofty price-target hike for AMD; Boeing suspends 737 supplier shipments; and Spirit orders more Airbus.  

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.18 million call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 640,391 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio stayed at 0.54, while the 21-day moving average fell to 0.58.
2. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) stock is up 1% in electronic trading, after RBC upped its price target to $53 from $50, citing the chipmaker's gaming and data center businesses. AMD is fresh off an 18-year high of $45.62 yesterday, and has more than doubled in 2019. 
3. After a big day yesterday, Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) is in the news once more, this time after the company reportedly contacted suppliers about suspending parts shipments for one month starting in January for its grounded 737 MAX airliner. BA remains above its year-to-date breakeven point. 
4. The shares of Spirit Airlines Incorporated (NYSE:SAVE) are up ahead of the bell, after the airliner placed an order for 100 Airbus jets through 2027. Spirit stock is up 13% this quarter, but has run headfirst into resistance at its 160-day moving average. 

5. Only weekly crude inventories are expected today.

Overseas Markets Get Holiday Boost

Markets in Asia were mixed during a relatively quiet trading session. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng closed early for the Christmas holiday, with a 0.2% drop, while the Shanghai composite tacked on 0.7%. Meanwhile, a pop in Apple stock, following a price target hike from Wedbush, is rocking some big Asian tech names, including Japan-based Taiyo Yuden, which got a boost on the bull note, and Korea-based LG Display, which slipped. The respective markets responded, with the Nikkei adding 0.04%, and the Kospi losing 0.6%.

Markets in Europe have closed early for Christmas, with mostly positive results, as geopolitical tensions continue to ease. The London FTSE 100 grabbed a 0.1% win, brushing off a big drop from NMC health following its Monday surge, while the French CAC 40 inched 0.01% higher. The German DAX was the exception, shedding 0.1%.

Following a morning of solid gains, the Dow wound up reversing direction to close the shortened Christmas Eve session modestly lower. The S&P also slipped, with both indexes coming off yesterday's record highs. The Nasdaq, however, clocked a 10th consecutive win and hit fresh highs, despite rather muted price action all around. Looking ahead, markets will be closed tomorrow for the Christmas holiday.

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

• This red-hot chip stock could keep surging, according to one analyst. 
• The energy stock that could start 2020 with a bang. 
• Plus, MBOT stock keeps surging; the bear signal flashing for UBER; and the software stock for options bulls. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 28,515.45) lost 36.1 points, or 0.1%. Fourteen of the 30 components ended higher. Home Depot (HD) took the lead on a 0.6% win, while Boeing (BA) sunk to the bottom after shedding 1.3%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,223.38) settled 0.6 points, or 0.02%, lower, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,952.88) climbed 7.2 points, or 0.1%. 

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.67) rose 0.06 point, or 0.5%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. According to the Harvard Law School rollback tracker, President Donald Trump has made efforts to roll back at least 80 different environmental regulations, which has included easing regulations on methane emissions and the Endangered Species Act. This number marks a historically unprecedented amount, while the Trump administration sees these rollbacks as a way to boost major U.S. industries, including fossil fuel companies. (CNBC)
2. With protests still raging in Hong Kong, police have firrf tear gas into a crowd of protesters near a shopping and tourism district. One person was injured during the chaos, after falling from the second floor to the first floor of a shopping mall. (Reuters)
3. The surgical robotics breakthrough that pushed MBOT stock higher. 
4. UBER stock's rally could be short lived, is history is any indicator. 
5. The software stock options bulls might want to snap up before the new year. 

There are no earnings of note today.

Gold Nabs Seven-Week High During Christmas Eve Session

Oil traded higher after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia agreed to continue cooperating on supply cuts. February-dated crude futures were last seen up 8 cents, or 0.1%, at $60.52 per barrel.

Gold once again move higher, surging atop the $1,500 level, and hitting a seven-week high as investors eyed weaker equity markets, and yesterday's disappointing economic data in the U.S. February gold futures settled up $16.10, or 1.1%, to end at $1,504.08 an ounce. 

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are poised for modest gains this morning, with volume still light in the wake of the Christmas holiday. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) are also on pace for positive opens today, with the latter ready to take a crack at an 10th straight record close. U.S.-China trade tailwinds continue to blow, after the Chinese Commerce Ministry said the two sides remain in close contact about signing the trade pact. Elsewhere, weekly jobless claims rose to 220,000 last week. 

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

• Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White outlines the 20 stocks ripe for a short-covering rally in the new year.
• Uber stock flashed a bearish signal after a big court ruling.
• Plus, PayPal eyes 2020 takeovers; Amazon.com reports record holiday season; and Wedbush sees more Tesla gains.  

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 590,330 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 304,596 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio slipped to 0.52, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.58.
2. PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:PYPL) stock is up 0.4% in electronic trading, after Chief Financial Officer John Rainey told the Wall Street Journal the payments processor will be pursuing takeover targets in 2020. PYPL is up 29% in 2019, and has found support at its 320-day moving average.
3. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) stock is in focus this morning, after the e-commerce giant reported the holiday shopping season broke all prior records, with "billions of items" ordered worldwide, and millions of Amazon products sold. AMZN is up 19% year-to-date, but has been stymied by its 200-day moving average in the last three months.
4. The shares of Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) are ready to resume their hot streak -- up 0.5% ahead of the bell -- after Wedbush hiked its price target to $370 from $270. The analyst in coverage thinks Tesla will "comfortably" meet its fiscal-year delivery forecasts. Tesla spent Christmas Eve nabbing a new record high of $425.47. 

5. MBA mortgage applications fill out today's slate.

Asian Markets Rise; Europe Closed for Holiday

Markets in Asia a nice lift during a relatively quiet trading day, as Hong Hong’s Hang Seng remained closed following the Christmas holiday. The Shanghai Composite added 0.9%, South Korea’s Kospi tacked on 0.4%, and the Nikkei in Japan was up 0.6%. Markets in Europe are closed for holiday.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are grinding to new highs again, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is also higher, as stocks continue to rally into the new year. With the Nasdaq looking for a 10th consecutive record close, traders are monitoring more trade buzz and this morning's jobless claims update that matched expectations. Bulls are also cheering upbeat e-commerce sales data for the holiday season, though trading volumes remain somewhat thin during the holiday-shortened week.

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

• Amazon sales update sends stock to fresh high.
• Drug trial fail sinks pharma stock.
• Plus, First Solar options hot; ACN's rally fades; and MBOT pares recent gains. 

One name seeing unusual options trading is First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR), due to 9,600 contracts traded at the weekly 1/24 63-strike call. For comparison, fewer than 600 contracts have crossed at the next most popular option. It looks like traders are buying to open positions, betting on more upside from FSLR shares in the coming weeks. The solar stock has been rising with the broader markets, setting its sighs on the just-above 200-day moving average.

Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) was hot out of the gate, but was last seen up just 0.2% at $211.87, after the stock received bullish analyst attention today. The shares are earlier nabbed a record high of $212.12, and set to close 2019 up 50%.

One stock moving lower is Microbot Medical Inc (NASDAQ:MBOT), giving up some of its recent gains due to a discounted stock offering priced at $10.50 that was a 35% discount to its Christmas Eve closing perch of $16.28. The equity was last seen trading down 16% at $13.67, after peaking at $20.15 in Tuesday's trading.