The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) rose quickly out of the gate, and ultimately picked up steam following a speech by Fed Chair Janet Yellen. Ahead of next week's highly anticipated June Fed meeting, and fresh off Friday's dismal jobs data, Yellen -- and a handful of other central bankers -- all but confirmed that a June rate hike isn't in the cards. Against this backdrop, and thanks to an energy-sector rally, the Dow ended the day with triple-digit gains, while the S&P 500 Index (SPX) managed to conquer the key 2,100 level to end at its highest finish this year.

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

• 4 delusions that plague options buyers, according to founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer.
• Ahead of tomorrow's highly anticipated earnings, one brokerage firm sees "substantial risks" for Valeant Pharmaceuticals Intl Inc (NYSE:VRX). 
• While this pair of biotechs dropped on drug data, these 2 biotechs surged.
• Plus...More on Yellen, a battle for Viacom, and a huge day for drugmakers.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,920.33) finished the day up 113.3 points, or 0.6%. Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) led the 24 Dow winners, with a gain of 3.6%, while Home Depot Inc (NYSE:HD) lost 1.9% to finish last of the six Dow losers.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,109.41) gained 10.3 points, or 0.5%, to its highest close since November. Meanwhile, Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,968.71)  gained 0.5%, or 26.2 points.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX – 13.65) added 1.3%, or 0.2 point.

5 Items on Our Radar Today: 

1. Fed Chair Janet Yellen said she sees "good reasons to expect the positive forces supporting employment growth and higher inflation will continue to outweigh the negative ones," and "further gradual increases in the federal funds rate are likely to be appropriate," although any indication of a rate-hike timeline was noticeably absent. (Reuters)
2.  Inside the heated feud for control of Viacom, Inc. (NASDAQ:VIAB). (CNNMoney)
3. Why Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is a "battleship starting to turn." 

4. Today's biotech breakouts were many, including stampede Vascular Biogenics Ltd (NASDAQ:VBLT) and Kite Pharma Inc (NASDAQ:KITE).

5. This gun stock got "hold"-stered after an analyst downgrade. 

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

July-dated oil gained 2.2%, or $1.07, to close at $49.69 per barrel, just under the elusive $50 level, thanks to a weaker dollar and shortages in Nigeria and Canada. It was black gold's best finish since July.

August-dated gold ended the day up $4.50, or 0.4%, at $1,247.40 per ounce. The precious metal was off its intraday highs, though, after a speech by Fed Chair Janet Yellen.

​Stay on top of overnight news & big morning movers. Sign up now for Schaeffer's Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) opened strong and ultimately toppled the 18,000 level for the first time in six weeks, bolstered by surging oil prices and a declining dollar. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) spent its third consecutive day above the 2,100 level, marking its best settlement since July. 

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

• Why one brokerage firm thinks the worst is yet to come for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG).
• On the other hand, CNBC's Jim Cramer says "the worst is over" for these stocks.
• Why SolarCity Corp (NASDAQ:SCTY) stock volume skyrocketed today.
• Plus... Elon Musk puts rumors to bed, Yahoo! is selling out, and a banner day for steel stocks.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 18,005.05) managed to nose its way above the key 18,000 level just before the close, finishing the day with a gain of 66.7 points, or 0.4%. UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) gained 2.5% to lead the 22 Dow winners, while DuPont Co (NYSE:DD) finished last among the eight Dow losers, dropping 0.5%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,119.12) added 7 points, or 0.3%, to finish at another 10 month high. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP – 4,974.64) also advanced 0.3%, gaining 12.9 points.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX – 14.09) ended fractionally higher, up 0.4%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today: 

1. The Labor Department released its Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary (JOLTS), which showed a 5.8 million increase in April job openings, beating estimates. (CNBC)
2. Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) is having a patent sale blowout, with over 2,500 patents up for grabs to the highest bidder. Estimates suggest the company's patent portfolio is worth more than $1 billion. (Los Angeles Times)
3. The potential buyout that has Skullcandy Inc (NASDAQ:SKUL) looking especially sweet.
4. Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) jumped after CEO Elon Musk quashed yesterday's rumors.
5. Why Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE), Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ:STLD) and this pair of steel stocks surged.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

July-dated oil gained 87 cents, or 1.7%, to finish the day at $51.23 per barrel -- its first close above $51 in 10 months. Continued production shortages out of Nigeria and a U.S. inventories decline, combined with an ailing greenback, pushed oil prices higher.

August-dated gold rose by $15.30, or 1.2%, to end the day at $1,262.30 per ounce. The precious metal rose as expectations of an imminent Fed rate hike continued to fall, and the dollar weakened.

​Stay on top of overnight news & big morning movers. Sign up now for Schaeffer's Opening View

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures are below fair value this morning, after the blue-chip index reclaimed the 18,000 level Wednesday following three straight days of gains. Stocks appear to be tracking oil prices, which have backtracked as investors collect profits. July-dated crude oil climbed above $51 per barrel for the first time in 10 months yesterday, but was last spotted 1.2% lower, at $50.62 per barrel. Meanwhile, weekly jobless claims fell to 264,000, while analysts were expecting a slight climb to 270,000.

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

• The "very bullish" endorsement that sent steel stocks soaring. 
• The Elon Musk tweet that silenced recent Model 3 rumors. 
• While Dow stock UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) jumped to all-time highs, this biotech stock had its worst day ever. 
• Plus... A surprise rate cut, why Apple could be headed back to court, and Larry Page's flying-car investment.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are 59 points below fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. Stocks in Asia and Europe are lower amid concerns over global growth, while South Korea digests the first rate cut in a year.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 656,375 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 389,764 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio slipped back to 0.59, while the 21-day moving average edged down yet again, to 0.68. 
3. Home furnishings retailer Restoration Hardware Holdings Inc (NYSE:RH) is once again suffering post-earnings analyst wrath, after the firm reported a first-quarter loss of 5 cents per share, compared to analysts' estimates of a per-share profit of 5 cents. The stock has surrendered more than 20% in pre-market trading.
4. The U.S. Justice Department may be butting heads with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) again, after reportedly asking the Supreme Court to overturn an appeals court ruling that sided with the iPhone maker in a long-running patent dispute with Samsung. At last check, AAPL was sitting 0.3% lower ahead of the open.
5. Recent traders of Alphabet Inc's (NASDAQ:GOOGL) weekly options may have their ears to the ground today, following reports that co-founder Larry Page is funding a pair of start-ups to develop flying cars, Zee.Aero and Kitty Hawk, though the companies have no official affiliation with GOOGL. 

Earnings and Economic Data

Weekly jobless claims is today's only notable economic report. On the earnings front, Francesca's (FRAN), H&R Block (HRB), J.M. Smucker (SJM), Mattress Firm (MFRM), and Vail Resorts (MTN) will step up to the plate. To see what is coming up on this week's schedule, click here. 

Don't miss the market's next move! Sign up now for Schaeffer's Midday Market Check

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) continues to take its cues from crude, with falling oil prices overshadowing an unexpected decline in weekly jobless claims. Currently, July-dated crude futures have slumped 1.3% to sit at $50.55, after yesterday hitting 2016 highs. Also weighing on stocks is a Wall Street Journal report indicating billionaire investor George Soros has made a number of "big, bearish investments" recently, dumping stocks in favor of gold. Carl Icahn responded sympathetically, expressing concerns that the stock market has been propped up by low interest rates. At last check, the Dow has given up its perch atop the closely watched 18,000 level, putting it on track for its first loss in four sessions.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

• The red-hot healthcare stock breaking out on merger buzz.
• Option bears are circling this struggling Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) supplier.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with accelerated call volume is energy issue Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ:GEVO), as the contracts are changing hands at 14 times the usual intraday rate. After gapping higher yesterday on a jet fuel breakthrough, the stock has pulled back nearly 22% to trade at $0.75 -- and landed on the short-sale restricted list. In terms of specific options activity, traders may be buying to open GEVO's December 1 call.

One of the top stocks on the New York Stock Exchange is Pandora Media Inc (NYSE:P), buoyed by a bullish brokerage note. At last check, shares of the streaming radio firm have gained 3.3% at $12.20, extending their months' long hot streak.

One stock struggling on the Nasdaq is drugmaker KemPharm Inc (NASDAQ:KMPH), down 3.7% at $6.96. Pressuring the shares is the biotech's newly filed amendment to its Apadaz New Drug Application (NDA).

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.6 point, or 4%, at 14.64.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.57, with puts handily outstripping calls. At last check, SPY is off 1.0 point, or 0.5%, at $211.35.

Find out where the Dow lands right after the closing bell. Sign up now for Schaeffer's Market Recap

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is signaling an ugly start to the day, as turmoil in global bond markets has stocks trading sharply lower. On top of next week's Fed and Bank of Japan (BoJ) policy meetings, traders are considering growing "Brexit" fears with a vote just two weeks away, sending bond yields in Germany and Japan tumbling. Meanwhile, oil prices are falling amid a strengthening dollar, with July-dated crude futures last seen 1.2% lower at $49.95 per barrel. The Dow is eyeing a second straight loss as a result, with futures trading far below fair value. 

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

• What Carl Icahn had to say about Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), and why he "definitely would not buy" this embattled drugmaker.
• Is this insurance stock flashing a "buy" sign?
• The retailer that plunged to a record low.
• Plus... Global stock markets sink, Tesla refutes safety claims, and the chipmaker that can't be stopped. 

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are trading 99 points below fair value. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. Stocks and bond yields across the globe are getting crushed amid growing "Brexit" fears. 
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 620,328 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 446,348 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.72, while the 21-day moving average edged down to 0.67. 
3. Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is refuting claims by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that there are safety defects with the suspensions in its Model S or Model X. A government official on Thursday said regulators were reviewing reports of problems associated to the vehicles. This comes after CEO Elon Musk shut down different rumors earlier in the week, and now TSLA is edging lower ahead of the open. 
4. Another brokerage firm is praising Amazon.com, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AMZN) web services unit, as William Blair cited the business segment as the primary driver behind its fresh "outperform" rating. However, AMZN is still in the red in pre-market trading, as the stock lets off steam following Monday's record high of $731.50. 
5. Semiconductor stock Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) has been on fire this year, picking up 31% year-to-date. This hot streak is set to continue today, as the stock moves higher ahead of the open after the company announced a $2 billion share repurchase program and cash dividend. 

Earnings and Economic Data

The preliminary Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey for June and the Treasury budget will hit the Street today. Meanwhile, there are no notable earnings reports set to be released. To see what is coming up on next week's schedule, click here. 

Don't miss the market's next move! Sign up now for Schaeffer's Midday Market Check

After tumbling nearly 150 points earlier, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) has trimmed its losses -- but remains solidly lower. Amid central bank and "Brexit" fears, a massive rush to global bonds sparked the initial stock sell-off -- and sent yields in Japan and Germany to record lows -- while a pullback in oil prices hasn't helped matters. At last check, July-dated crude futures were down 1.8% at $49.67 per barrel. Financial stocks have been particularly hard hit, with Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS) and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) leading the Dow lower -- each sliding 1.4%.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

• Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is tanking on these "preposterous" accusations.
• A double dose of bad news for this chipmaker.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with accelerated call volume is Barrick Gold Corporation (USA) (NYSE:ABX), as the shares have advanced 1.1% to $19.80. Specifically, call options are trading at more than double the usual intraday level, with speculators buying to open contracts at the October 26 strike. Earlier, ABX stock hit a two-year high of $20.44.

One of the leading losers on the Nasdaq is bedding retailer Mattress Firm Holding Corp (NASDAQ:MFRM), down nearly 15% at $28.58. Earlier, in fact, the stock touched a three-year low of $27.18, as disappointing earnings and guidance sparked a rush of negative analyst attention.

The top stock on the Big Board is Emerge Energy Services LP (NYSE:EMES), rocketing 21.4% higher to trade at $11.71. While the specific catalyst is unclear, Bloomberg speculates the rally may be due to a delayed reaction to a recent Goldman Sachs note, which suggested the company could sell its fuels business for up to $50 million.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 1.4 points, or 9.7%, at 16.06.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.84, with puts nearly doubling calls. Currently, SPY is off 1.4 points, or 0.6%, at $210.71.

Find out where the Dow lands right after the closing bell. Sign up now for Schaeffer's Market Recap

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) could be on pace to snap its four-session losing streak, with futures trading above fair value. Anticipation is on the rise ahead of today's policy announcement from the Federal Reserve, due at 2 p.m. ET. While expectations are low the central bank will announce any changes to the status quo, speculators will thoroughly dissect Fed Chair Janet Yellen's subsequent press conference and the release of the "dot plot" for clues as to when the Fed may implement future rate hikes.

Ahead of this afternoon's events, stocks will likely react to a slightly wider-than-expected rise in the producer price index (PPI), as well as a rebound in the Empire State manufacturing index. Meanwhile, July-dated crude futures have plunged 1.4% to $47.80 per barrel ahead of today's inventories report, while "Brexit" uncertainty continues to swirl.

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

• Is this takeover target headed to new highs? UBS thinks so.
• This stock got slammed on "potentially weak industry demand."
• In case you missed it, founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer dissects the 4 delusions of options buyers.
• Plus... MSCI weighs in on China, tragedy strikes at Disney, and big changes at McDonald's.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are more than 41 points above fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. Chinese stocks popped despite getting snubbed by MSCI, while European markets are up big, shaking off "Brexit" fears.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 686,208 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 540,641 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.79, while the 21-day moving average edged down to 0.66. 
3. Fred Salerno, Viacom, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:VIAB) lead independent director, sent a letter to Sumner Redstone begging for a meeting with the controlling (yet reclusive) shareholder -- and threatening further litigation if he remains inaccessible. Legal battles have heated up around the 93-year-old Redstone amid fears that the recent ouster of board members results from the manipulation of his daughter. 
4. A likely tragedy has struck at Walt Disney Co's (NYSE:DIS) Seven Seas Lagoon in Orlando, Florida, as an alligator dragged a toddler into the water. The child's body has yet to be recovered.
5. While McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) stock looks poised for a contrarian bounce, the restaurant chain may soon be be forced to pull M&Ms from its McFlurry beverages. Candy maker Mars Inc is reportedly in talks with MCD and other partners regarding the matter, due to concerns about excessive sugar in foods.

Earnings and Economic Data

Industrial production numbers and the regularly scheduled update on crude inventories will be released today. Ctrip.com International (CTRP) and Jabil Circuit (JBL) will hit the earnings stage. To see what else is coming up on this week's schedule, click here. 

Don't miss the market's next move! Sign up now for Schaeffer's Midday Market Check

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is higher at midday -- on pace to cap its losing streak at four days -- as stocks digest a round of economic data before this afternoon's latest policy announcement from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). While no change is expected ahead of next week's "Brexit" referendum, a 2:30 p.m. ET press conference from Fed Chair Janet Yellen will be closely parsed for hints on where central bankers stand. Meanwhile, oil prices have moved off their session lows, after the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said domestic stockpiles fell for a fourth straight week, but came up shy of expectations. July-dated crude oil was last spotted down 0.4% at $48.28 per barrel.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

• Behind the six-figure bullish bet on Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS).
• The $70 million buzz that has Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) soaring.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Synchrony Financial (NYSE:SYF) is among the stocks with unusual options volume at midday. The shares are bouncing back -- up 2.1% to $27.00 -- after finishing their worst session on record Tuesday. And with SYF still short-sale restricted, the stock's puts are changing hands at seven times their typical intraday rate. The July 26 put is the day's most active option so far, with over 6,000 contracts on the tape.

Among the top performers on the Nasdaq today is biotech stock EXACT Sciences Corporation (NASDAQ:EXAS), up 6% at $9.75 -- after surging nearly 20% out of the gate -- following a price-target hike from Canaccord Genuity. The stock reclaimed a major trendline on Tuesday, but still has a long way to go to close its October bear gap.

Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:WFM) is among the worst performers on the Nasdaq, shedding 4.9% to $30.92, after Tuesday's Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) warning was met with a downgrade to "sell" at Northcoast. The stock's options are hot again today, with some traders betting on a near-term bounce.
     
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down 0.9 point, or 4.3%, at 19.61.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 0.77, with calls having the rare edge over puts. SPY was last seen up 0.7 point, or 0.3%, at $208.72.

Find out where the Dow lands right after the closing bell. Sign up now for Schaeffer's Market Recap

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) spent the day in the red, dropping back below the key 18,000 level and breaking a three-day winning streak. Stocks took a breather with oil prices, although black gold did manage another finish above $50 per barrel. Meanwhile, bearish comments from billionaire investors George Soros and Carl Icahn also weighed on stocks.

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

• Why Hershey Co (NYSE:HSY) looked especially sweet today.
• The analyst signal not seen since 2009 -- and why you should keep an eye on these 3 sectors.
• Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) options volume soared amid buzz of $5 billion bids.
• Plus... Draghi warns of long-term damage, AmazonFresh hops across the pond, and natural gas prices pop.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,985.19) spent the day lower, finishing with a loss of about 20 points, or 0.1%. Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) gained 1.5% to lead the 12 Dow winners, while Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) brought up the rear among the 16 Dow losers. Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) and Travelers Companies Inc (NYSE:TRV) finished flat. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,115.48) lost 3.6 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite (COMP – 4,958.61) fared the worst of its peers, losing 16 points, or 0.3%.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX – 14.64) ended slightly higher, up 0.6 point, or 4%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today: 

1. European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi warned that Europe's slow growth and weak output could damage European Union (EU) economies for years to come, and said the central bank should "not let inflation undershoot our objective for longer than is avoidable given the nature of the shocks we face." (CNBC)
2. Amazon.com, Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) expanded its AmazonFresh grocery delivery service to London, and said it hopes to soon offer it to Prime customers all over the U.K. (Newsweek)
3. The social media stock set to beat the competition.
4. The ill-timed analyst note for this sinking biotech.
5. This insurance stock that might be ready to rally.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

July-dated oil dropped 67 cents, or 1.3%, to finish at $50.56 per barrel, as the dollar rose and traders took profits in the wake of crude's recent run to 10-month highs. On the other hand, natural gas futures skyrocketed to territory not charted since September, following a smaller-than-expected increase in supplies. July-dated natural gas advanced 6% to end at $2.617 per million Btu.

August-dated gold gained $10.40, or 0.8%, to finish at $1,272.70 per ounce. The precious metal climbed to a three-week high on an endorsement from Soros, and as June rate-hike fears faded. However, a stronger dollar limited gains.

​Stay on top of overnight news & big morning movers. Sign up now for Schaeffer's Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) slumped out of the gate, as "Brexit" fears wreaked havoc on stocks and bond yields around the world. Sliding oil prices also contributed to the Dow's triple-digit loss, as did anxiety ahead of next week's highly anticipated Fed policy meeting.

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

• Don't blame the merchandise for sinking sales at this retailer, according to one analyst.
• The semiconductor stock reeling on reports of a rival's iPhone deal.
• Why Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:FCX) options volume popped today.
• Plus... Hulk Hogan puts Gawker to sleep, Amazon can do no wrong, and why Hormel Foods shares look appetizing

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,865.34) finished the day down nearly 120 points, or 0.7%. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) finished up 1.4%, leading the seven Dow winners, while Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS) paced the 23 Dow losers, shedding 2.1%. Week-over-week, the Dow gained 0.3%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,096.07) ended the day down 19.4 points, or 0.9%, losing its hold on the key 2,100 level. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP – 4,894.55) lost 64.1 points, or 1.3%. The SPX gave up 0.1% for the week, while the COMP lost 1%.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX – 17.03) gained 2.4 points, or 16.3%, to finish at its highest close since early March. Week-over-week, the VIX rose 26.4%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today: 

1. The Wall Street Journal is reporting a possible Viacom, Inc. (NASDAQ:VIAB) board shake-up as the company's battle for control wages on. (Wall Street Journal) (Subscription required)
2. Gawker Media is selling assets after its Hulk Hogan lawsuit put it in a bankruptcy headlock. (CNN)
3. Why it may be time to develop an appetite for Hormel Foods Corp (HRL).
4. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) got another pat on the back.
5. This week has been anything but an uphill battle for Vail Resorts, Inc. (MTN) shares.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

July-dated oil fell $1.49, or 2.9%, to end the day at $49.07 per barrel. A stronger dollar weighed on oil prices, as well as the second straight weekly rise in active domestic oil rigs, according to Baker Hughes. Week-over-week, black gold ended up 0.9%.

August-dated gold gained $3.20, or 0.3%, to finish at $1,275.90. A flight to "safe haven" assets amid "Brexit" fears boosted the precious metal, which ended up 2.7% for the week. 

 

​Stay on top of overnight news & big morning movers. Sign up now for Schaeffer's Opening View

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is signaling a lower start, as stocks react to recent central bank decisions and uncertainty surrounding next week's "Brexit" vote builds. Following in the footsteps of the U.S. Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) overnight stood pat on its current monetary policy. Both the Fed and the BoJ cited caution toward the upcoming referendum in the U.K. as a major factor. Elsewhere, jobless claims rose last week, while July-dated crude futures have dropped 1.8% to $47.14 per barrel. Against this skittish backdrop, Dow futures are below fair value -- with the 30-stock index on pace to extend its daily losing streak to six.

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

• Reports of a new venture for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) failed to impress.
• Competition and growth concerns were enough for this Dow stock to get slapped by Goldman Sachs.
• The upbeat comments that had these 2 retail stocks rebounding.
• Plus... The Bank of England (BoE) chimes in on "Brexit" concerns, the gold stock headed for new highs, and a $1.4 billion tech deal.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are 68 points below fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. The BoE explained how a "Brexit" vote could impact the global economy, while Japan stocks tumbled following the BoJ decision.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 664,323 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 449,184 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.68, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.67. 
3. Gold stocks are getting a lift, after the Fed chose to stand pat on interest rates. One notable pre-market mover set to extend its monumental year-to-date lead is Barrick Gold Corporation (USA) (NYSE:ABX) -- up 2.4% ahead of the bell, and on track to notch a two-year high out of the gate.
   
4. It's been a big week on the M&A front. Today, shares of Cavium Inc (NASDAQ:CAVM) are down more than 14% in electronic trading, after the semiconductor firm said it is buying hardware maker QLogic Corporation (NASDAQ:QLGC) in a cash-and-stock deal valued at roughly $1.4 billion. Share of QLGC, meanwhile, are up 10% ahead of the bell.
5. Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:TNXP) is bracing for a 20% drop out of the gate, after the biotech priced its secondary share offering at $2.00 -- a 19% discount to last night's close. This is just more of the same for the stock, though, given its longer-term technical troubles.

Earnings and Economic Data

The consumer price index (CPI), weekly jobless claims, the Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) housing market index are scheduled for today. Stepping up to the earnings mic are Finisar (FNSR), Kroger (KR), Oracle (ORCL), Rite Aid (RAD), and Smith & Wesson (SWHC). To see what else is coming up on this week's schedule, click here. 

Don't miss the market's next move! Sign up now for Schaeffer's Midday Market Check

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is on track to extend its losing streak to six days, after central banks around the world stoked concerns about next week's "Brexit" vote. As stocks sink -- and fear grows -- risk-averse traders are seeking safety in assets such as gold and bonds. In fact, the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield fell to its lowest level in almost four years, while August-dated gold is up 1.9% at $1,312.80 an ounce, after earlier notching a nearly two-year high. Meanwhile, oil prices continue to slide, with crude oil for July delivery down 3.4% at $46.37 per barrel, staring at a one-month low.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

• The gold stock that has nearly tripled in 2016 -- and hit a new multi-year high.
• The $210 million expansion plan that has Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:NUS) soaring.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

FireEye Inc (NASDAQ:FEYE) is among the stocks with unusual options volume at midday. The stock added 0.3% to $16.11, on reports the cybersecurity company rejected multiple buyout offers this year. FEYE options are trading at roughly 1.2 times their usual intraday rate, with calls outnumbering puts nearly 5-to-1. It looks like bullish speculators may be buying to open the stock's June 15.50 and July 17 calls, expecting FEYE to keep its upward momentum going.

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) is among the top performers on the Nasdaq today, up 2.9% to $4.46 after Canaccord Genuity said it is "impressed with the new management team." The firm raised its rating and price target on the semiconductor stock, which has added nearly 81% over the last 12 months.

Among the worst performers on the Nasdaq, meanwhile, is AMD sector peer Cavium Inc (NASDAQ:CAVM), down 16.9% at $39.92, and just off a fresh annual low of $39.58. Weighing on the stock is round of bearish brokerage notes this morning, which were issued on news of the firm's $1.36 billion acquisition.
     
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 1.9 points, or 9.4%, to 22.04.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 2.05, with puts more than doubling calls. SPY was last seen down 1.5 points, or 0.7%, at $206.21.

Find out where the Dow lands right after the closing bell. Sign up now for Schaeffer's Market Recap