The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) shot higher out of the gate -- briefly flirting with a 100-point lead -- but was last seen sitting on more modest gains. Stocks are reacting to a mixed round of data, including a surprise jump to a nearly nine-year high in new home sales for July and an unexpected decline in manufacturing activity. In general, though, tech stocks continue to outperform, sending the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) to a record high earlier. Meanwhile, on the commodities front, crude oil has overcome early headwinds -- with October-dated crude futures trading 1.1% higher at $47.93 per barrel -- after a Reuters report signaled Iran may be willing to participate in a coordinated production freeze.

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

• The tech titan facing potential "sales growth setbacks."
• Why this volatile biotech stock is staring at a 33% loss.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with unusual options volume is Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON), amid mounting buyout buzz. At last check, MON options were trading at six times the expected intraday rate, with potential buy-to-open activity transpiring at the October 115 call. Meanwhile, the shares are up 2.6% at $107.17.

One of the top stocks on the New York Stock Exchange is retailer Best Buy Co Inc (NYSE:BBY), following a standout turn in the earnings confessional. The shares were last seen 17.2% higher at $38.45, fresh off a 52-week intraday peak, and on track for their highest close in over a year.

Another top performer on the Big Board is Tableau Software Inc (NYSE:DATA), as analysts react positively to a C-suite shakeup. Currently, the tech stock is 12.8% higher at $61.91, and testing resistance at its 200-day moving average.
 
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is off 0.3 point, or 2.3%, at 11.99.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.42, with puts outpacing calls. At last check, SPY is up 0.8 point, or 0.3%, at $219.28, after earlier hitting a record high of $219.60.

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed lower for a second straight session, as stocks reacted to Fed Vice Chair Stanley Fischer's relatively hawkish statements -- which some are viewing as a precursor to Fed Chair Janet Yellen's end-of-week speech at the central bank's annual symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Additionally, slumping oil prices sent energy stocks tumbling, although a rally in biotechs helped the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) once again outperform its peers.

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

• Why these analysts think it's time to buy October strangles on GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO).
• The latest iPhone rumors weighed on Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).
• The $14 billion buyout news that sent these 2 drugmakers soaring.
• Plus... Morgan Stanley sours on a possible OPEC deal, Lochte gets canned, and why one biotech jumped 20%.
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 18,529.42) was off nearly 86 points at its session low, before settling with a slimmer 23.2-point, or 0.1%, loss. Seventeen of the Dow's 30 components closed lower, led by AAPL's 0.8% drop. Visa Inc (NYSE:V) paced the advancers with its 0.7% gain.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,182.64) explored a roughly 9-point range, closing down 1.2 points, or 0.1%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,244.60) outperformed its peers, adding 6.2 points, or 0.1%.

After being up nearly 15% in intraday trading, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 12.27) closed with a 0.9-point, or 8.2%, gain.

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. Morgan Stanley thinks it is "highly unlikely" that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will reach a crude output deal at next month's meeting. Speaking specifically to Saudi Arabia's recent hints to the contrary, the brokerage firm said, "This is the same talking point the kingdom has been using for some time. It neither acknowledges the need for action, nor firmly commits Saudi Arabia to participate if certain parameters are met." (MarketWatch)
2. After admitting he falsified a story about being robbed while in Rio for the Olympics, swimmer Ryan Lochte has lost his sponsorships from both Speedo and Ralph Lauren Corp (NYSE:RL). In a statement, the former said it "cannot condone the behavior that is counter to the values this brand has long stood for." (Bloomberg)
3. A big vote of confidence from one investment firm sent this drugmaker up roughly 20%.
4. Both stock and call volume popped as Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:WFM) surged.
5. Options traders have been quick to target these 2 outperforming stocks.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

Crude oil snapped a seven-session winning streak, as worries over a global supply glut intensified. Specifically, reports that both Iraq and Nigeria are set to increase production in coming weeks, as well as a jump in Chinese exports of refined products in July, helped send September-dated crude down $1.47, or 3%, to $47.05 per barrel. Meanwhile, the now front-month October-dated contract gave back $1.70, or 4.5%, to close at $47.41 per barrel.

Gold futures finished in the red, as hawkish Fed talk boosted the U.S. dollar. By the close, gold for December delivery was down $2.80, or 0.2%, at $1,343.40 per ounce.

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After jumping more than 100 points at the open, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) pared its gains as the day went on, though the blue-chip index still managed its first win in three sessions. A round of upbeat housing data helped to get the bullish ball rolling, and stocks also reacted to a rally in crude oil futures, amid reports that Iran might participate in a crude production freeze. Elsewhere, the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite (COMP) managed yet another record high, but caution ahead of Fed Chair Janet Yellen's highly anticipated speech on Friday -- and lingering Fed talk -- brought stocks back down to earth.

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

• Why Best Buy Co Inc's (NYSE:BBY) blowout earnings report had options traders targeting Fitbit Inc (NYSE:FIT) and GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO). 
• Will this healthcare firm be the next biotech buyout? Why analysts say it's "becoming a more attractive acquisition candidate." 
• The latest drugmaker accused of price-gouging. 
• Plus... Tesla's big reveal, the soaring Chinese social media stock, and an upgrade for one of 2016's worst stocks. 
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 18,547.30) snapped a two-day losing streak by gaining 17.9 points, or 0.1%. Eighteen of the 30 Dow components closed higher, led by Nike Inc's (NYSE:NKE) 1.6% gain. The biggest loser was Boeing Co (NYSE:BA), falling 0.6%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,186.90) picked up 4.3 points, or 0.2%. After hitting a record high, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,260.08) closed with a 15.5-point, or 0.3%, lead. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 12.38) closed 0.1 point, or 0.9%, higher. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. CNN has reported that the FBI and other law enforcement agencies are investigating a series of cyber attacks on a number of high-profile U.S. journalists. The New York Times is mentioned by name as one of the publications affected by the breach, and it's believed Russian hackers are behind the attack. (CNN)
2. Using Twitter to hype up the event, Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Elon Musk just announced new versions of the company's Model S and Model X vehicles. Both cars will be priced at well over $100,000. (CNBC)
3. How this Chinese social media stock broke out to all-time highs. 
4. The latest twist in the Monsanto Company's (NYSE:MON) M&A saga. 
5. Why did UBS upgrade one of 2016's worst-performing stocks?

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

Reports that Iran may be willing to participate in a production freeze had crude oil futures higher today, sparking optimism ahead of next month's Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting. Crude dated for October delivery closed 69 cents, or $1.36, higher at $48.10 per barrel. 

Gold futures closed higher today, bolstered by a weaker dollar. By the close, December-dated gold futures rose $2.70, or 0.2%, to land at $1,346.10 an ounce. 

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Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures are set to open just slightly higher, as stocks stick close to breakeven ahead of Friday's highly anticipated speech from Fed Chair Janet Yellen, which investors are hoping will provide more concrete clues about the timing of the next interest rate hike. Meanwhile, October-dated crude futures have given back some of yesterday's gains, currently down 1.9% at $47.18 per barrel, ahead of today's weekly inventories data.

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

• Is the Dow pointing to a win for Hillary? Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White crunches the numbers.
• This homebuilder stock has added 79% since its January low.
• The Chinese social media stock that touched a record high.
• Plus... European benchmarks muscle higher, Express earnings disappoint, and Clovis jumps on upbeat drug news.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are about 7 points above fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. European benchmarks are higher at midday, thanks to a rally in media and financial stocks.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 746,566 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 416,434 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.56, while the 21-day moving average fell to 0.60 -- the lowest since June 2015.
3. Express, Inc. (NYSE:EXPR) is set to drop 20.9% at the open -- and hit an annual low, putting recent put purchases in the money -- following a disappointing earnings report, and after the retailer downwardly adjusted its full-year forecast. Foot traffic in stores waned as shoppers turned to online and 'fast fashion' options, and CEO David Kornberg said he was "disappointed" with the results.
4. Clovis Oncology Inc (NASDAQ:CLVS) is up 7% in pre-market trading, and set to explore year-to-date highs, as the stock continues to skyrocket after yesterday's announcement that the biotech's ovarian cancer drug, rucaparib, was given priority review status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While the stock has struggled year-over-year, CLVS has more than doubled since hitting an annual low of $11.57 in late June.
5. Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) is down 5.1% ahead of the bell, after issuing a disappointing profit forecast for the upcoming quarter. Prior to today, the tax specialist was up nearly 43% since its August 2015 low, but the anticipated drop should put INTU south of its 10-week moving average for the first time since May -- likely to the delight of recent option bears.

Earnings and Economic Data

Markit's flash purchasing managers manufacturing index (PMI) and existing home sales data are due to be released on Wednesday. Guess (GES), HP Inc (HPQ), PVH Corp (PVH), ReneSola (SOL), Tilly's (TLYS), and Workday (WDAY) will hit the earnings confessional. To see what else is coming up on this week's schedule, click here. 

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With a speech from Fed Chair Janet Yellen looming on the horizon, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is taking its bearish cues from crude oil. Specifically, stocks are under pressure as oil prices tank following a stiff 2.5-million-barrel jump in U.S. crude stockpiles, with October-dated oil futures last seen 3.3% lower at $46.53 per barrel. And while new home sales data bolstered stocks yesterday, this morning's existing home sales numbers showed a steeper-than-expected decline in July.

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

• The solar stock facing "unavoidable risks."
• FDA rulings have boosted shares of this drugmaker and this sector peer.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with unusual call volume is Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX), with the contracts being exchanged at four times the usual intraday rate. Bullish bettors are busy with the shares up 1.8% at $57.43 on a legal win, and buy-to-open activity is detected at the September and November 57.50 calls.

One stock getting rocked on the New York Stock Exchange is La-Z-Boy Incorporated (NYSE:LZB). The shares are down 13.4% at $27.02, and on the short-sale restricted list, after the recliner designer reported weaker-than-expected earnings and revenue, as well as a sharp decline in same-store sales.

Even worse off on the Big Board is retailer Express, Inc. (NYSE:EXPR), fresh off an earnings miss and a downwardly revised full-year forecast. The stock has surrendered nearly one-quarter of its value at $12.08, and hit a two-year low of $11.89 earlier.
 
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.8 point, or 6.5%, at 13.19.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.84, with puts nearly doubling calls. At last check, SPY is off 0.6 point, or 0.3%, at $218.41.

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is modestly higher, with traders treading carefully ahead of tomorrow's speech by Fed Chair Janet Yellen. Leading up to it, a number of central bank officials have sounded a hawkish tone. Most recently, Kansas City Fed President Esther George said she thinks "it is time to move" on a rate hike, while Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan added, "the case for removing accommodation is strengthening." Underscoring that was a round of upbeat economic data, and stocks are attempting to capitalize on a rebound in oil prices -- with October-dated crude futures last seen 0.7% higher at $47.11 per barrel.

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

• How one drugmaker's trying to put out its public relations fire.
• A handful of positive catalysts have sent this retail stock through the roof.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with unusual options volume is discount retailer Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:DG), down 13% at $79.86. Total intraday volume is at 16 times the norm, with short-term bulls buying to open the near-the-money weekly 8/26 80-strike call. The shares are being pressured by disappointing second-quarter earnings and sales, and have found a place on the short-sale restricted (SSR) list.

The New York Stock Exchange's worst performer so far is Signet Jewelers Ltd. (NYSE:SIG). Shares of the jewelry retailer have sunk 13.4% to $82.68 and landed on the SSR list, following a miserable turn in the earnings confessional.

One of the top performers on the Big Board is retailer Tilly's Inc (NYSE:TLYS), up 9.6% at $7.76. Boosting the stock is an earnings beat, as well as a round of upbeat brokerage attention from B. Riley, Mizuho, and SunTrust Robinson.
 
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.04 point, or 0.3%, at 13.49.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 0.52, with calls nearly doubling puts, thanks to the roll of a colossal call spread. At last check, SPY was up 0.2 point, or 0.1%, at $218.06.

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) slumped today, as Wall Street's focus remains on Fed Chair Janet Yellen's Friday speech in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Sliding oil prices also sapped trader sentiment, after U.S. crude inventories unexpectedly rose last week. Disappointing existing home sales for July, as well as a broad healthcare sell-off, only added to the dreary backdrop. As such, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) and S&P 500 Index (SPX) followed the Dow's bearish lead, while the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) enjoyed its largest single-day percentage gain since June 24 -- otherwise known as "Brexit Friday." 

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

• The Icahn rumors that sent Herbalife Ltd (NYSE:HLF) reeling.
• The drugmaker that's more than doubled since March. 
• How pre-earnings traders are positioning themselves on this rallying GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO) supplier.
• Plus... The latest biotech in Clinton's crosshairs, the $16 million Zika news, and Fitbit's big legal win. 
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 18,481.49) fell 65.8 points, or 0.4%, spending nearly the entire session below breakeven. Just eight of the 30 Dow components closed with gains, led by Nike Inc's (NYSE:NKE) 1%jump.  UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) was the biggest loser, falling 1.5%, while The Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO) was flat.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,175.44) shed 11.5 points, or 0.5%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,217.70) fared the worst, losing 42.4 points, or 0.8%, as biotechs swooned. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX -13.45) jumped 1.1 point, or 8.6%, for its best close since July 12. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. For the second straight day, Mylan NV (NASDAQ:MYL) sold off amid drama surrounding the price of its popular EpiPen product. Adding fuel to the fire was Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, who said the company should lower its price, and released a statement saying, "It's wrong when drug companies put profits ahead of patients, raising prices without justifying the value behind them." This isn't the first time Clinton has taken aim at inflated drug prices. (CNBC)
2. Scientists have confirmed the existence of Earth-like planet Proxima b, which orbits Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our sun. The news is notable since Proxima b resides in a habitable distance from its sun, making it the closest planet outside our solar system that could potentially sustain life. (CNN)
3. The "unavoidable risks" for one solar energy company.
4. The $16.6 million news that lifted this Zika stock. 
5. A legal win for Fitbit Inc (NYSE:FIT).

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

The unexpected increase in weekly crude inventories pressured oil prices lower. At the close, October-dated crude futures were off $1.33, or 2.8%, to settle at $46.77 per barrel. 

Gold futures slipped amid Fed uncertainty, with the December-dated contract falling $16.40, or 1.2%, to close at $1,329.70 an ounce -- the contract's lowest close in almost one month. 

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Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures are poised to slip this morning, as traders digest new economic data and exercise caution ahead of Fed Chair Janet Yellen's Friday speech in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Specifically, jobless claims fell for the third week in a row, and durable goods orders rose by more than expected in July. Meanwhile, gold is extending its slide, after touching a one-month low yesterday, and oil continues to weigh on stocks, with October-dated crude futures down 0.3% at $46.64 per barrel.

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

• Is this the calm before the volatility storm, or will the quiet trading trend continue?
• One analyst said "a large opportunity remains open" for this social media stock.
• Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) option pits were buzzing after a legal win.
• Plus... Clinton comments ripple across Europe, Mylan makes concessions, and one apparel stock aims for its best day in a year.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are about 25 points below fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. European stocks are down, with comments from Hillary Clinton weighing on global healthcare stocks.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 751,994 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 509,852 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.68, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.61.
3. Guess?, Inc. (NYSE:GES) is trading 17.1% higher in pre-market -- set for its biggest intraday gain in more than a year -- after reporting stronger-than-expected second-quarter sales. The apparel concern also offered well-received fiscal 2017 guidance, and today's anticipated surge should be a boon to recent options buyers.
4. HP Inc (NYSE:HPQ) is down 6% ahead of the open, as a dreary current-quarter profit forecast overshadows a per-share earnings beat. Analysts have been quick to weigh in on the tech stock, and while many have lifted their price targets, Maxim downgraded the shares to "hold" from "buy" and cut its price target by $2 to $15.
5. Mylan NV (NASDAQ:MYL) is set to open up 3.7%, after the biotech announced it would be expanding access to its discount programs for uninsured and under-insured patients needing access to EpiPens, an allergic-reaction medication and delivery system. The biotech recently came under fire for alleged price gouging, and yesterday plummeted to a near two-month low after Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton weighed in.

Earnings and Economic Data

Major companies set to report earnings include Autodesk (ADSK), Dollar General (DG), Dollar Tree (DLTR), GameStop (GME), JinkoSolar (JKS), Medtronic (MDT), Signet Jewelers (SIG), Splunk (SPLK), Tiffany & Co. (TIF), and Ulta Salon (ULTA). To see what else is coming up on this week's schedule, click here. 

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Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures are set to open slightly lower, as stocks react to the ADP employment  report, which showed private-sector jobs increased by slightly more than expected in August. The data is often considered a precursor to the Labor Department's nonfarm payrolls report -- set for release on Friday, and a metric that has grown even more important after recent Fed comments on an impending interest rate hike.

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

• 20 stocks to buy ahead of Labor Day, according to Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White.
• Is this gold stock getting ready to blast off?
• Discount retailers have come under fire recently, but this stock's pullback could present a buying opportunity.
• Plus... the yen takes a dip, the cybersecurity stock bracing for a plunge, and 2 stocks slapped with bearish brokerage notes.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are about 24 points below fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today
 

1. Japanese stocks rallied as exporters celebrated a weaker yen.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 675,596 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 423,609 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.63, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.61.
3. Palo Alto Networks Inc (NYSE:PANW) is set to drop 4.8% at the open, much to the dismay of recent options buyers. The cybersecurity company reported a steeper-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter loss and forecast fiscal first-quarter earnings below estimates. This morning, Raymond James issued a downgrade to "outperform" from "strong buy," and cut its price target to $165 from $180. Meanwhile, no fewer than six brokerage firms issued price-target cuts, while at least three others issued price-target hikes for PANW.
4. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) is pointed 0.2% lower in pre-market trading, after the biopharmaceutical company received a price-target cut from Jefferies, to $91 from $93. The stock has struggled to make a comeback since its post-earnings drop in late April.
5. Under Armour Inc (NYSE:UA) is set to open down 0.8% after receiving some negative analyst attention. UA was downgraded to "hold" from "buy" by Argus. This comes just one day after the apparel retailer announced it would open a 1.3 million square foot distribution center in Maryland to expand its e-commerce capabilities.

Earnings and Economic Data

The Chicago purchasing managers index (PMI), pending home sales, and the weekly crude inventories update are due. Earnings from Box Inc (BOX), Chico's FAS (CHS), Ctrip.com (CTRP), Five Below Inc (FIVE), Ollie's Bargain Outlet (OLLI), and salesforce.com (CRM) will be released. To see what else is coming up on this week's schedule, click here. 

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is spending another session in the red -- and is now set to end August with a loss -- as falling oil prices and continuing rate-hike jitters weigh on stocks. Specifically, crude oil for October has shed 2.9% to $45.00 per barrel after the weekly report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed U.S. stockpiles climbed by 2.3 million barrels -- more than double the increase expected. Meanwhile, this morning's relatively upbeat employment report from ADP has traders considering how a strong nonfarm payrolls report this Friday could increase the odds of an interest rate hike as soon as next month.

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

• Red-hot Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) has calls catching fire.
• Why is Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) raising more funds?
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Goldcorp Inc. (USA) (NYSE:GG) is among the stocks with unusual options volume at midday. The shares are off 0.4% at $15.41 today, after slumping with the price of gold in recent weeks. At last check, the stock's puts are changing hands at four times the average intraday rate, and total options volume is on pace to hit an annual high. The September 15.50 put is the most active option so far, thanks to a block of 6,000 contracts that traded mid-morning, but calls are otherwise dominating today's action, nearly doubling puts on an absolute basis.

Among the top performers on the Nasdaq at midday is restaurant stock Bob Evans Farms Inc (NASDAQ:BOBE). Well-received quarterly earnings and an upwardly revised full-year outlook have helped BOBE add 4.6% to $40.46 today, bringing its year-to-date lead to more than 4%, and a short-squeeze situation could propel the shares even higher.

Biotech issue Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:RIGL) is among the worst performers on the Nasdaq, suffering a 10.4% correction down to $3.51 after jumping nearly 50% on upbeat drug data Tuesday. Worryingly for recent option bulls, RIGL has now dropped back below the level of its December highs.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) has added 0.7 point, or roughly 5%, at 13.77.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.79, with puts holding a strong lead over calls. SPY was last spotted down 0.9 point, or 0.4%, at $217.11.

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) enjoyed a positive open, but it was all downhill from there, as a massive tax bill for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and ramped-up rate-hike speculation weighed on stocks. On top of a strong consumer confidence reading, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Stanley Fischer this morning asserted his data-dependent stance, and said the U.S. "is very close to full employment" -- fueling expectations for a September rate hike from the Fed. However, the real test will come Friday, courtesy of the closely watched nonfarm payrolls report, expected to be a major factor at the central bank's next meeting.

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

• The Citron analyst that likes this e-commerce stock, but said Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) could be a "tremendous" short-sale prospect. 
• While talk of "huge" holiday demand lifted Ambarella Inc (NASDAQ:AMBA), caution is growing ahead of this Apple supplier's upcoming earnings release. 
• How Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.'s (NYSE:CMG) latest promotion failed to impress. 
• Plus... The White House weighs in on Apple, M&A buzz among potash producers, and one airline's new "star player." 
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 18,454.30) shed 48.7 points, or 0.3%, as just six of 30 Dow components closed higher. Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS) was easily the best-performing, gaining 1.9%. Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) was the biggest loser, falling 1.6%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,176.12) closed with a 4.3-point, or 0.2%, loss, while. the Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,222.99) dropped 9.3 points, or 0.2%. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 13.12) rose 0.2 point, or 1.4%. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. The White House has weighed in on Apple's tax battle with the European Union (EU). Press Secretary Josh Earnest said the White House is "concerned" with the EU's "unilateral" order for Apple to pay back roughly $14.5 billion in taxes to Ireland, saying it could "undermine progress that we have made collaboratively ... to make the international taxation system fair." (Reuters via CNBC)
2. SES, a satellite operator based in Luxembourg, will become the first business to use recycled rockets made by Elon Musk's SpaceX. According to SES CEO Martin Halliwell, "reusable rockets will open up a new era of spaceflight, and make access to space more efficient in terms of cost and manifest management." (MarketWatch)
3. The airline that added a "star player" to its front office, according to one analyst. 
4. How pessimism is building ahead of salesforce.com, inc.'s (NYSE:CRM) delayed earnings release. 
5. The M&A buzz that sent these potash producers soaring. 

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

Oil prices dropped today, due to a stronger dollar and ebbing expectations for a global production freeze at next month's Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting. October-dated crude oil closed down 63 cents, or $1.3%, at $46.35 per barrel -- its lowest finish in roughly two weeks. 

Gold futures also fell, as rate-hike expectations intensified. By the close, gold dated for December lost $10.60, or 0.8%, ending at $1,316.50 per ounce -- its lowest finish since June 23, before the "Brexit" vote. 

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It was another disappointing session for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), as worries of an upcoming rate hike sank stocks for a second straight day, and pressured the Dow to its first monthly loss since January. With Wall Street's rate-hike hopes seemingly pinned to Friday's nonfarm payrolls release, a better-than-expected ADP employment report set a cautious tone early on. Meanwhile, a shocking rise in the Energy Information Administration's (EIA) crude inventories report sent oil prices -- and energy stocks -- into a tailspin, adding to today's risk-off environment.

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

• While a downgrade sent Under Armour Inc (NYSE:UA) spiraling, this sector peer may be on the verge of a post-earnings rally to record highs. 
• 3 stocks set up for big September gains. 
• The software stock that's quietly doubled since February. 
• Plus... Brazil president ousted, Trump heads to Mexico, and another big day for Twitter.
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 18,400.88) pared some of its early losses, but still finished with a 53.4-point, or 0.3%, loss. Of the Dow's 30 components, 11 closed higher, led by Intel Corporation's (NASDAQ:INTC) 0.5% advance. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) was the biggest loser, down 1.1%, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) closed flat. For the month, the blue-chip index settled 0.2% lower. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,170.95) gave back 5.2 points, or 0.2%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,213.22) closed 9.8 points, or 0.2% lower. The SPX ends August with a 0.1% loss, while the COMP managed a 1% gain. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 13.42) added 0.3 point, or 2.3%, ending the month with a 13.1% gain. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. President Dilma Rousseff has been voted out of office by the Brazilian Senate. Rousseff, who was already suspended from duty, was charged with manipulating the federal budget. The impeachment vote passed 61-20. (USA Today)
2. Elsewhere, U.S. presidential hopeful Donald Trump traveled to Mexico today. Trump is meeting President Enrique Pena Nieto in Mexico City, where protesters are lining up for his arrival. (Reuters)
3. Option bears continue to bury Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F). 
4. Will VeriFone Systems Inc (NYSE:PAY) earnings burn the skeptics?
5. The buzz that kept Twitter Inc's (NYSE:TWTR) hot streak alive. 

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

The bigger-than-expected rise in domestic stockpiles sent oil prices sliding today. October-dated crude was down $1.65, or 3.6%, at the close, at $44.70 per barrel. Crude oil still closed the month with a 7.5% gain, however -- its best monthly gain since April. 

Gold futures fell once again amid the growing rate-hike anxieties. Gold dated for December delivery lost $5.10, or 0.4%, to end at $1,311.40. For the month, gold dropped 3.4%, marking its first monthly decline since May. 

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