U.S. stock futures are pointing to a positive open this morning, though they've pared some gains after a downbeat jobs report. Specifically, the nonfarm payrolls report for December showed 145,000 jobs added, compared to economists' expectations of 160,000. As such, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), S&P 500 Index (SPX), and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) will need to overcome these headwinds to continue their push into record-high territory. Meanwhile, it's been another busy morning on the analyst front with a number of updates on big-name tech stocks, while investors are also considering M&A news out of the healthcare space.

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

• A bullish note had Coca-Cola shares on the rise again.
• The struggling retail stock options bears can't get enough of.
• Plus, a Facebook bull moves in; Foot Locker rating dropped; and healthcare's big M&A buzz.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.49 million call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 723,324 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved up to 0.40, while the 21-day moving average was 0.53.
2. Bullish brokerage attention could help Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) touch new highs today. FB shares received a new "outperform" rating from Bernstein, along with a $250 price target, with the firm suggesting the company can unlock new advertising opportunities in Instagram and WhatsApp. The social media giant yesterday notched its highest-ever close at $218.30.
3. One name seeing bearish analyst attention today is Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE:FL), after Susquehanna dropped its rating to "neutral" from "positive," and moved its price target down to $41 from $47. FL shares have been struggling to overcome the $40 level recently, last seen at $38.54.
4. On the M&A front, traders are digesting news that Eli Lilly and Co (NYSE:LLY) is buying Dermira Inc (NASDAQ:DERM) for $1.1 billion. This caps off a blistering rally in DERM shares, which were trader near $5 in mid-October before surging to yesterday's close of $18.34.
5. Today's economic calendar will include nonfarm payrolls, the unemployment rate, and wholesale inventories. Infosys (INFY) will post its quarterly report before markets open, as well. 

    

Apple Suppliers Lead Gainers in China

Markets in Asia were mostly higher, with Apple suppliers surging after a Reuters report showed iPhone sales in China rose more than 18% in December. Japan's Nikkei gained 0.5%, despite dismal full-year guidance from Fast Retailing yesterday. South Korea's Kospi paced the region with a 0.9% gain. Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.3%, but China's Shanghai Composite bucked the broad market trend and finished 0.1% lower.

In Europe, stocks are mixed at midday. Global market sentiment concerning the Middle East has improved, despite the reports that the Ukraine-bound flight leaving Tehran was shot down by Iran by mistake. London's FTSE 100 is off by 0.1%, unable to capitalize off a big day from airline stocks Ryanair, EasyJet, and IAG. The French CAC 40 is flat as protests for pension reform sweep the country. Meanwhile, the German DAX is 0.2% higher, with utility company RWE a notable winner.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) just sliced past the 29,000 level for the first time on record before pulling back near breakeven, as weaker-than-expected employment data finally managed to impact the blue-chip index. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) have also pulled back from their intraday peaks, even though the geopolitical outlook remains positive, with traders eyeing next week's scheduled "phase one" trade deal signing between the U.S. and China.

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

• The GrubHub drama drawing options bears to the food delivery stock. 
• Analysts flock to URBN stock with bear notes after a dismal holiday sales report. 
• Plus, TWLO calls pop; CPAH doubles on Honeywell partnership; and PTLA eyes worst day ever. 

Twilio Inc (NYSE:TWLO) is seeing an unusual volume in options activity today. So far, 15,000 calls and 7,245 puts have exchanged hands, with much of this activity surrounding the January 2020 120-strike call. The weekly 115-strike contract is the most popular put, with positions being opened here. At last glance, TWLO is up 2.4% to trade at $115.72. 

Canada-based software developer CounterPath, Corp. (NASDAQ:CPAH) is one of the best performers on the Nasdaq today, following an announcement that the company is partnering with manufacturer Honeywell (HON) to create a United Communication software called Smart Talk, which will enable mobile workers to connect on their pre-owned devices. The stock hit a six-month high of $2.59 earlier today, and is now up 129.3% to trade at $2.27, pacing for its biggest one-day percentage jump in nearly sixteen years. 

One of the worst stocks on the Nasdaq today is Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:PTLA) which is down 44% at $13.86 after posting disappointing preliminary fourth-quarter numbers, warning that revenue from its Andexxa drug is expected to be lower than expected. The firms dismal results drew plenty of negative analyst attention, with at least four brokerage firms slashing their price target prices, including Oppenheimer, which also downgraded the stock to "perform" from "outperform." PTLA has been on the decline in recent weeks, with pressure emerging at its 20-day moving average, and is now on course for its lowest close ever. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) was initially dragged lower this morning by Boeing (BA) -- down on news of another fatal crash -- and Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), which is selling off after earnings. The Dow is now trading higher with the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC), with the latter two hitting record highs, as investors took last night's non-fatal Iranian ballistic missile attack against a U.S. military base in Iraq, to mean the worst is over between the two countries. The rise in stocks has sent February-dated gold futures, which have been on a tear recently, lower, down 1% at $1,557.80 an ounce, at last check. 

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

• Options bulls bombard Beyond Meat stock during breakout. 
• RBC's bull note could help snap this biotech's losing streak. 
• Plus, EA stock hits fresh high; the software stock that's doubled today; and GENE stock cools off. 

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA) is seeing an usual amount of bullish activity in the option pits today, with 16,000 call contracts exchanging hands so far -- six times the average intraday amount, and roughly eight times the number of puts. The most popular position, by far, is the weekly 1/10 108-strike call, which expires at the close this Friday, with contracts being bought to open here. The shares are up 0.6% to trade at $109.01, and just hit a 15-month high of $109.67 earlier. 

Software maker ShiftPixy Inc (NASDAQ:PIXY) has more than doubled today, following an announcement that the company closed a contract assignment valued at $20 million, which is 60% of all of its contracted book of business. The firm plans on using the funding to achieve cash flow breakeven by the middle of 2020. The stock earlier hit a five-month high of $27.50 in response, and is now up 155% at $19.74, testing its footing atop its 180-day moving average for the first time since November 2018. 

One of the worst performing stocks on the Nasdaq is Genetic Technologies Limited (NASDAQ:GENE), which has shed 21.1% to trade at $3.56, just one day after the stock more than doubled on news the company's breast cancer test is set to launch in the U.S. While the stock has cooled today, it's still set for its second straight close atop its 320-day moving average, which hasn't happened since last May. 

The Dow limped into the weekend with a triple-digit loss, despite crossing a historic milestone earlier in the day. After toppling the 29,000 level for the first time ever and nabbing a new record high, the blue-chip index pivoted lower as a lackluster jobs report weighed on Wall Street. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq nabbed record highs of their own, but also ended the day in the red. Nevertheless, all three benchmarks walked away with weekly wins, the Nasdaq's fifth straight. 

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

• This could be the next oil stock to surge.
• Nvidia stock grabbed new highs after a Citigroup bull note.
• Plus, NKTR expands collab with BMY; GrubHub squashes sale rumors; and breaking down URBN's drop.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 28,823.77) lost 133.1 points, or 0.5%. Pfizer (PFE) led the eight winners with a 1.5% win, while Boeing paced the 22 laggards with a 1.9% drop. For the week, the Dow added 0.7%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,265.35) gave back 9.4 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 9,178.86) finished 24.6 points, or 0.3%, lower. The S&P 500 gained 0.9% on the week, while the Nasdaq tacked on a 1.8%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.56) gained 0.02 point, or around 0.2%. It shed 10.4% this week. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Australia has urged hundreds of thousands to evacuate today, as heavy winds escalate the wild bushfires that have ravaged the country the last two weeks. Military backup is being prepared, and the weekend firefights are going to be "very challenging," according to an Australian official. (Reuters)
2. Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi announced today she will be sending the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate next week. This sets the Senate up for a multi-week impeachment trial. (CNBC)
3. An expanded Bristol-Myers Squibb collaboration boosted NKTR stock.
4. GrubHub squashed sales rumors, to the stock's demise.
5. Urban Outfitters stock tanked after dismal holiday sales.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil, Gold Head in Opposite Directions

Oil pulled back today. February-dated crude futures lost 52 cents, or 0.9%, to end at $59.04 per barrel. For the week, black gold lost 6.4%, for its worst weekly loss since July.

Gold gained to close out the week, as the weak jobs report briefly increased the appetite for safe-haven assets. February gold futures gave back $5.80, or 0.4%, to end at $1,560.10 an ounce, holding above the psychologically significant $1,550 level. Gold posted a weekly gain of 0.5%, its third straight weekly win.

U.S. stock futures are signaling a bullish start to the week. Coming off Friday's dip, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is setting up for a triple-digit gain at the open, while the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) look ready to follow suit. The risk-on backdrop comes as investors look toward the signing of the "phase one" trade deal between the U.S. and China, which is expected this week.

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

• One drugmaker's massive rally.
• Why traders were circling Portola Pharmaceuticals.
• Plus, another retailer reports weak holiday numbers; InVitae rallies; and solar concern pops on M&A news.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.52 million call contracts traded on Friday compared to 792,527 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved up to 0.52, while the 21-day moving average was 0.52.
2. Tilly's Inc (NYSE:TLYS) is the latest retailer to give weak holiday sales figures. The company said same-store sales fell 2% for the holiday period, which follows weak numbers last week from sector peers Urban Outfitters (URBN) and L Brands (LB).
3. The shares of genetic testing stock InVitae Corp (NYSE:NVTA) are up 5.9% before the open after the company yesterday gave investors a preliminary update on its 2019 financial results. The company said test volume grew by almost 60% year-over-year, and the stock will now try to take out its 50-day moving average for the first time in about a month.
4. Another name on the rise this morning is TerraForm Power Inc (NASDAQ:TERP), thanks to news Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP) is offering to buy the company for nearly $4 billion. TERP shares are up 10.6% before the open, set to add to their 34% year-over-year lead.
5. Speeches from both Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren and Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic are on tap today. There no earnings of note.

Trade Deal Hopes Prop Up Asian Equities

Asian stocks started the week off higher, as investors await the official signing of the "phase one" trade deal between the U.S. and China. China's Shanghai Composite added 0.8% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 1.1%, with tech stocks Sunny Optical and Lenovo powering the latter. South Korea's Kospi tacked on 1%, while Japan's Nikkei was closed for a holiday.

Over in Europe, markets are sluggish at midday. London's FTSE 100 is 0.4% higher despite a gross domestic product (GDP) reading that shrank in November, fueling speculation the Bank of England (BoE) will cut interest rates. Rounding out the region, the French CAC 40 is up 0.1%  and the German DAX is fractionally lower, at last check.

With the signing of the "phase one" trade deal apparently just days away, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is continuing its climb midday. The blue chip index is joined in positive territory by the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC), though upside has been fairly limited overall. Meanwhile, February-dated crude futures are sliding, as tensions between the U.S. and Iran slide further into the rear view, down 1.2% to trade at $58.33 per barrel. 

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

• How red-hot Lululemon stock just nabbed another fresh high. 
• The blue chip slipping on a scathing bear note from Evercore ISI. 
• Plus, BYND calls pop on Snoop Dogg deal; ADAP doubles amid promising cell therapy data; and Stage Stores stock hits one-month low. 

Beyond Meat Inc (NASDAQ:BYND) is seeing an unusual amount of options activity today, with 99,000 calls and 29,000 puts across the tape so far -- four times the intraday average -- amid buzz that Snoop Dogg's Beyond D-O-Double G sandwich will be available for a limited time at Dunkin' (DNKN). The most popular contracts are the January 2020 100-strike call and 110-strike call, with positions opening at the latter. BYND is up 10.7% at $106.60 -- on course for its highest close since late-October, and its third consecutive win. 

One of the top performers on the Nasdaq Adaptimmune Therapeutics (NASDAQ:ADAP), which has added 148.5% to trade at $3.26 after the pharmaceutical firm said two of its experimental cell therapies reduced tumor size in a patient with liver cancer and a patient with melanoma, respectively, during early stage studies. The company also mentioned two unconfirmed Partial Responses (PR) in patients, confirming the potential of its SPEAR T-cell treatment in patients with multiple tumors. Now, ADAP is pacing for its first close north of its 200-day moving average since October 2018. Year-over-year, on the other hand, ADAP is still down 43.2%. 

Stage Stores Inc (NYSE:SSI) is one of the worst stocks on the New York Stock Exchange, down 55.6% to trade at $3.23 after the department store name slashed its full-year same-store sales and earnings forecasts, citing comparable holiday sales that fell below expectations. The stock is eyeing its lowest close in over a month now, and its biggest one-day percentage drop on record. 

The Dow kicked off the week with modest gains thanks to the latest U.S.-China trade tailwinds. Ahead of the "phase one" trade deal between the two countries that's expected to be signed on Wednesday, the U.S. removed China from its list of currency manipulating countries. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both finished in the black as well, with both indexes notching fresh record highs. 

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

• Options traders focused on these hot stocks today. 
• Delta Air Lines calls were active ahead of the airliner's earnings.
• Plus, a bullish signal for Signet Jewelers; IBM downgraded; and a sunny forecast for LULU.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 28,907.05) gained 83.3 points, or 0.3%. Apple (AAPL) led the 21 winners with a 2.1% win, while UnitedHealth (UNH) paced the nine laggards with a 3.1% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,288.13) added 22.8 points, or 0.7%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 9,273.93) finished 95.1 points, or 1%, higher.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.32) shed 0.2 point, or 1.9%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. The Democratic presidential field for the 2020 election thinned out today, after Senator Corey Booker dropped out. Booker's campaign said it lacked finances to be able to continue the bid, and the decision comes one day ahead of the latest Democratic presidential debate in Iowa. (Reuters)
2. U.S. treasury yields rose today, likely in response to upcoming signing of the "phase one" trade deal between the U.S. and China. The 10-year treasury note rose to 1.84%, while the 30-year treasury bond climbed to 2.3%. The trade deal is expected to be signed on Wednesday. (CNBC)
3. Buy the dip on Signet Jewelers stock.
4. IBM stock under pressure after another analyst stepped to the sidelines.
5. An upbeat Q4 forecast kept Lululemon stock hot

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil, Gold Pull Back

Oil fell for the fifth straight session today, as the worries around U.S.-Iran tensions fade. February-dated crude futures lost 96 cents, or 1.6%, to end at $58.08 per barrel, their lowest settlement since Dec. 3.

Gold also extended its slide, as the appetite for safe-haven assets wanes amid U.S.-China trade progress and easing Middle East tensions. February gold futures gave back $9.50, or 0.6%, to end at $1,550.60 an ounce, barely holding above the psychologically significant $1,550 level.

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.