Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are signaling a record high today, up more than 100 points in pre-market trading after Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Sunday confirmed that U.S. companies would be granted licenses to do business with Huawei in the near future. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) are also on track for more gains, following Friday's fresh highs. On the earnings front, Under Armour (NYSE:UAA) is in the spotlight, spiraling 15% in pre-market action after an accounting probe overshadowed its quarterly earnings beat.

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

• A Medicare ruling sent call traders to Amedisys.
• Why one analyst is selling this soaring stock.
• Plus, McDonald's fires CEO, Papa John's stock gets a downgrade, and First Horizon stock pops on merger. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.31 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 693,878 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved down to 0.53, while the 21-day moving average came in at 0.65.
2. McDonald's Corp (NYSE:MCD) is down 1.7% in electronic trading after the firm fired CEO Steve Easterbrook on grounds that a consensual relationship he was having with an employee was in violation of company rules. McDonald's USA President Chris Kempczinski will take his place. 
3. Jefferies downgraded pizza name Papa John's, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) to "hold" from "buy," based on a boom in competition in the restaurant space. The stock has lost 1.4% ahead of the bell in response. 
4. Regional bank stock First Horizon (NYSE:FHN) is inching 0.4% higher on news of its merger of equals with sector peer Iberiabank (IBKC), which is also up this morning. The two companies will merge under the First Horizon name. 

5. Today's stock market calendar features factory orders and motor vehicle sales. Bausch Health (BHC), Cabot (CBT), Chegg (CHGG), Chemours (CC), Fabrinet (FN), Groupon (GRPN), Hertz (HTZ), Marriott (MAR), RingCentral (RNG), Shake Shack (SHAK), Sprint (S), Sysco (SYY), Tandem Diabetes Care (TNDM), Tenet Healthcare (THC), and Uber (UBER) make up the earnings schedule.

Huawei News Helps Boost Markets in Asia, Europe 

Markets in Asia finished higher to start the week, taking cues from Wall Street’s big day Friday and the latest trade headlines over the weekend. China's Shanghai Composite added 0.6%, on news that the U.S. would lift Huawei restrictions “very shortly,” according to Commerce Secretary Ross. Hong Kong's Hang Seng paced the region with a 1.7% gain thanks to a big day from insurance giant AIA. Elsewhere, South Korea's Kospi gained 1.4%, while Japan's Nikkei was closed for holiday.

European stocks are also enjoying the U.S.-China trade tailwinds this morning. Both London's FTSE 100 and the French CAC 40 are 1% higher at midday. But the big story is the German DAX, up 1.3% and heading for its highest close in more than 17 months, propped up by upbeat manufacturing data and a positive earnings reaction from medical device name Siemens Healthineers.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is trading up triple digits at midday, brushing off a big drop for blue chip McDonald's (MCD). The fast food stock was last seen down 2.5% on the unexpected ouster of CEO Steve Easterbrook. Instead, investors are reacting to upbeat U.S.-China trade buzz, which has the Dow, S&P 500 Index (SPX), and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) all hitting record highs in intraday action.

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

• How options traders are playing Nvidia's latest bull note.
• Why Under Armour stock is selling off quick today.
• Plus, Micron calls run red-hot; behind U.S. Cellular's big pop; and the worst Big Board stock today.

Options bulls are blasting Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) today, as the chip stock trades up 2.3% at $49.48. At last check, around 46,500 MU call have changed hands -- two times what's typically seen at this point, and nearly three times the number of puts on the tape. The weekly 12/13 52-strike and December 55 calls are most active, and it looks like new positions are being purchased here.

United States Cellular Corp (NYSE:USM) is near the top of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, after Raymond James upgraded the regional telecommunications name to "strong buy" from "outperform," while lowering its price target to $49 from $53. In reaction, USM shares are up 13.6% at $35.77, but remain 30% lower year-to-date, stuck beneath their 40-day moving average.

Insperity Inc (NYSE:NSP) is at the bottom of the Big Board at midday, after the human resources specialist reported adjusted third-quarter profit of 75 cents per share -- well below the consensus estimate -- and cut its full-year profit forecast. As a result, NSP stock is down 32.3% to trade at $72.88, earlier hitting a 19-month low of $67.06.

It was another big day for stocks in the U.S., as the major indexes spent the session in the black and hit fresh record highs. The Dow closed off its intraday peak, but still managed to overcome the weakness in McDonald's (MCD) shares to post a solid win. It was a similar setup for the Nasdaq and S&P 500, with the latter index brushing off Under Armour's (UAA) massive sell-off. While today's gains were mostly linked to hopes around U.S.-China trade talks, the focus could shift tomorrow, since the economic and earnings schedules are due to pick up.

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

• Options market places bets before the Peloton earnings premiere.
• How one bear adjusted their position on oversold WWE stock.
• The wave of bull notes that came through on Alibaba.
• Plus, why bulls will like this chip stock; behind BlackBerry's rally; and a big Papa John's bear note.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 27,462.11) ended with a 114.8-point, or 0.4%, gain, grabbing its best close ever. The DJI earlier peaked at a record high of 27,517.58. Eighteen of 30 Dow components closed with gains, lead by Chevron's (CVX) 4.6% surge. Procter & Gamble (PG) paced the 12 losers with a 3.9% slide.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,078.27) added 11.4 points, or 0.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,433.20) finished up 46.8 points, or 0.6%. The SPX and Nasdaq touched all-time highs of 3,085.20 and 8,451.37, respectively.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.83) added 0.5 point, or 4.3%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Investors are keeping an eye on Berkshire Hathaway's (BRK.A) and billionaire CEO Warren Buffett's growing cash pile after the company's earnings release this weekend. The company's cash balance grew to $128.2 billion, with many wondering when Buffett will make another big purchase. (CNBC)
2. A Fed survey showed banks have tightened standards for credit cards, based on data from the third quarter. This marks a third straight quarter of banks clamping down on credit card approvals. (MarketWatch)
3. 3 reasons to like this chip stock.
4. Why BlackBerry shares broke out.
5. Papa John's was hit with a pre-earnings bear note.

Oil Rises with Stock Prices

Oil prices rose today, too, on trade optimism. Crude dated for December delivery rose 34 cents, or 0.6%, to $56.54 per barrel.

Gold, however, fell during the risk-on session. December-dated gold dipped 30 cents, or 0.02%, to $1,511.10 an ounce.

Stock futures are once again pointing to all-time highs today, with Dow futures more than 70 points above fair value amid reports the U.S. may roll back some of the $125 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods enacted in September. This fresh optimism on U.S.-China relations comes just ahead of today's trade data, set for release later this morning, and amid a mixed bag of corporate earnings hitting Wall Street today.

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

• The pharma stock options bulls swarmed after earnings. 
• 3 stocks that scored upgrades. 
• Plus, Peloton posts inaugural earnings;  MYGN stock sinks to bottom of Nasdaq; and Adobe lifts 2020 outlook. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.48 million call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 791,260 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved up to 0.54, while the 21-day moving average came in at 0.64.
2. Wall Street freshman Peloton Interactive Inc (NASDAQ:PTON) posted its first earnings results as a public company this morning. The exercise bike specialist beat revenue, and subscription numbers more than doubled year-over-year. The stock is up 1.1% ahead of the bell. 
3. Drugmaker Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:MYGN) is one of the biggest losers on Wall Street this morning, down 38.9% in electronic trading after slashing its 2020 forecast, and posting worse-than-expected first-quarter profits. MYGN is set to open at a new two-year low around $21 per share.
4. Adobe Inc (NASDQ:ADBE) stock is up 13.9% in electronic trading after hiking its fourth-quarter digital media annualized recurring revenue target by $25 million to roughly $475 million. Several analysts have already lifted their price targets, including a hike from Jefferies to $350 -- a roughly 26% premium to last night's close at $277.50. 

5. Today's stock market calendar features international trade data, Markit's services purchasing managers index (PMI), the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) non-manufacturing index, and the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank President Neel Kashkari will speak after the close. Allergan (AGN), Amarin (AMRN), Chesapeake Energy (CHK), GW Pharmaceuticals (GWPH), Kratos Defense (KTOS), Match Group (MTCH), Mylan (MYL), Newmont Mining (NEM), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN), Tapestry (TPR), Whiting Petroleum (WLL), and WW (WW) make up the earnings slate.

Asian Markets Flourish on Tariff Talks, While Europe Eyes Economic Data

Stocks in Asia took their cues from U.S. equities today and added solid gains across the board. Japan's Nikkei was the big winner, rising 1.8% and touching a new 2019 high, paced by a big move from conglomerate SoftBank Group. South Korea's Kospi tacked on 0.6%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng finished 0.5% higher. Rounding out the region, China's Shanghai Composite gained 0.5%, despite the Caixin/Markit services purchasing managers index (PMI) coming in at a seven-month low for October.

Over in Europe, markets are cautiously higher. London's FTSE 100 is up 0.3%, despite tepid data from the U.K.’s services sector. However, higher consumer spending data in the region is brightening sentiment. Elsewhere, the French CAC 40 is also up 0.3%, while the German DAX is clinging to a 0.1% lead.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) hit a new record high earlier, as trade-sensitive stock Boeing (BA) climbs on positive headlines surrounding U.S-China tariff negotiations and news CEO Dennis Muilenburg said he would decline bonuses for this year. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) is fresh off an all-time peak, too, with both indexes eyeing a third straight win. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) was last seen modestly lower, retreating from Monday's new milestone.

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

• Analyst targets major upside for this FAANG stock.
• Founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer unveils the ETF Dow theorists should watch this month.
• Plus, Shake Shack options volume spikes during post-earnings slump; a booming biotech; and the gold stock near the bottom of the S&P.

One name seeing notable options trading today is Shake Shack Inc (NYSE:SHAK), as the shares stage a dramatic post-earnings sell-off. At last check, roughly 24,000 SHAK options have traded, 16 times what's typically seen, and volume pacing in the 100th annual percentile. With Shake Shack stock down 30% at $67.36, it looks like some speculators are liquidating their weekly 11/8 70-strike puts, while others are initiating new positions at the weekly 11/8 75-strike call.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:REGN) is one of the best stocks on the S&P 500 Index (SPX) today, up 8.9% at $338.81. The biotech announced a third-quarter profit beat, thanks to bigger demand for its eye drug, Eylea, and eczema treatment, Dupixent. REGN stock has now pared its year-to-date deficit to 10.4%, and is poised to close above its 180-day moving average for the first time since mid-April.

Newmont Goldcorp Corp (NYSE:NEM) is trading near the bottom of the S&P today, down 4.8% at $36.98. This is in reaction to the mining firm's lower-than-anticipated adjusted third-quarter earnings and revenue, as well as its downwardly revised annual output target. NEM stock has been retreating from its late-August three-year high of $29.77, and is now trading below its 120-day moving average for the first time since May.

The Dow recorded another all-time high again today, thanks to ongoing trade-deal hopes for the U.S. and China, along with strong showings for Boeing (BA) and Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), the latter of which rose on rumors of going private. Investors also had a busy round of economic data to consider, including the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), which showed an 18-month low in job openings. While the Nasdaq was able to grab a new record high and a win of its own, the S&P 500 couldn't break out, settling in the red on the day.

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

• 3 penny stocks that had huge days.
• Bears aren't buying Carvana's past earnings success.
• Why it could be time to buy AMD call options.
• Plus, stocks that let down option traders; bull note boosts Beyond Meat; and Intel partnership helps Nio rally.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 27,492.63) rose 30.5 points, or 0.1%, to grab another record close. Half of the Dow's 30 components closed in the black, led by WBA's 2.6% spike. The biggest losers were Visa (V) and Pfizer (PFE), both of which lost 1.4% on the day.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,074.62) fell 3.7 points, or 0.12%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,434.68) added 1.5 points, or 0.02%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 13.10) added 0.3 point, or 2.1%

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. A United Nations study showed that the Trump administration's tariffs on China cost the Asian nation $35 billion in lost exports to the U.S. in the first half of the year. The report made clear that the tariffs were hurting both countries, since U.S. consumers were paying higher prices on goods. (Reuters)
2. The Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) non-manufacturing index for October showed the services sector grew in the month, snapping back from a three-year low in the last reading. Measures for sales, new orders, and employment all improved month to month. (U.S. News)
3. How these 2 stocks let down options trading post-earnings.
4. The bull note that lifted Beyond Meat shares.
5. Electric automaker Nio rallied on its big partnership with Intel.

Gold Hit Hard Amid Trade Hopes

Trade hopes again boosted oil prices. December-dated crude futures finished up 69 cents, or 1.2%, at $57.23 per barrel.

Gold fell again today, with the precious metal suffering its worst loss in over a month. By the close, December gold futures were off $27.40, or 1.8%, at $1,483.70 an ounce.

Stock futures are signaling tentative gains today, after notching even more record highs yesterday. Dow futures are roughly 25 points above fair value, as traders weigh a surprise drop in third-quarter nonfarm productivity -- its biggest decline since 2015 -- against Tuesday's upbeat data on the services industry and jobs market. In the earnings spotlight is CVS Health (CVS), which is getting a pre-market boost on a well-received report, while there are also some big merger-and-acquisition headlines driving stocks this morning.

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

• How the gamma-weighted SOIR can impact stock moves, according to Schaffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White. 
• 2 stocks slammed with post-earnings bear notes. 
• Plus, Capri steps into the earnings confessional; Taylor Morrison acquires William Lyon; and buyout buzz sends HP stock higher. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.23 million call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 711,548 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved up to 0.58, while the 21-day moving average came in at 0.63.
2. Michael Kors parent Capri Holdings Ltd (NYSE:CPRI) is down 1.7% in pre-market trading, after posting second-quarter earnings that missed analysts' estimates. The firm cited weakening sales for its Versace brand and the ongoing Hong Kong protests for its miss. 
3. The shares of home builder William Lyon Homes (NYSE:WLH) are surging after Taylor Morrison (NYSE:TMHC) agreed to acquire the company in a cash-and-stock deal worth $2.4 billion, including debt. William Lyons stock is up 8.6% to trade just below $20 per share in electronic action, compared to the offer price of $21.45. The stock closed Tuesday at $18.40. TMHC is down nearly 9% ahead of the bell.
4. A Wall Street Journal report that Xerox (NYSE:XRX) could launch a bid to take over HP Inc (NYSE:HPQ) has XRX down 5.1% and HPQ up 15.2% this morning. Supposedly, talks about a cash-and-stock offer were held by the Xerox board yesterday, and CNBC this morning is reporting that Xerox has actually made an offer to HP.

5. Weekly crude inventories come out today. Barrick Gold (GOLD), Care.com (CRCM), Cars.com (CARS), Carvana (CVNA), Expedia (EXPE), Fitbit (FIT), Fossil (FOSL), Gluu Mobile (GLUU), Marathon (MRO), Papa John's (PZZA), Qualcomm (QCOM), Roku (ROKU), SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG), Square (SQ), TripAdvisor (TRIP), and Wendy's (WEN) will report earnings.

Asia Eyes Trade Headlines; Europe Inches Higher on Economic Data

Stocks in Asia were a mixed bag today, as investors kept an eye on the latest U.S.-China trade headlines. A report out of the South China Morning Post indicated China wants tariffs on $125 million worth of Chinese goods lifted as part of "phase one" for any trade deal. Plus, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) set the midpoint for the yuan at its strongest point since Aug. 8. Against this backdrop, China's Shanghai Composite closed down 0.4%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng traded marginally higher. Rounding out the region, South Korea's Kospi finished up 0.1%, and Japan's Nikkei ended 0.2% higher, boosted by robot maker Fanuc.

Over in Europe, equity markets are cautiously higher thanks to economic data and corporate reports. The eurozone IHS Markit purchasing managers index rose to 50.6 in October. London's FTSE 100 sits just above breakeven at last check thanks to a profit beat from retailer Marks & Spencer. The French CAC 40 is 0.4% higher after a positive post-earnings reaction from banking name Societe Generale. And lastly, the German DAX sports a 0.2% lead, with earnings from Adidas and BMW in focus.

Stocks are holding near record highs today. Following last week's third rate cut of the year, Fed speeches are in focus, with Chicago Fed President Charles Evans earlier categorizing the central bank's monetary policy as "accommodative." Looking ahead, Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker is slated to speak at 3:15 p.m. ET. M&A headlines are also on the radar, with HP (HPQ) and Xerox (XRX) up on buyout buzz. At last check, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is modestly higher, while the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are in the red.

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

• Why this analyst thinks Apple has room to run.
• Wendy's beat-and-raise could draw bull notes.
• Plus, Juniper bulls eye big breakout; the pharma stock that's doubled today; and behind Supernus Pharmaceuticals' major sell-off.

One name seeing unusual options activity today is Juniper Networks, Inc. (NYSE:JNPR), with almost 18,000 calls traded so far -- 29 times what's typically seen at this point -- compared to just 372 puts. The November 26 call is most active, and it looks like new positions are being purchased here. If this is the case, call buyers expect the networking products name to break out above long-term resistance at its 200-day moving average by the close next Friday, Nov. 15. JNPR stock was last seen up 1.3% at $25.67, set for a third straight gain.

Constellation Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:CNST) is at the top of the Nasdaq today, up 109% at $30.88. Fueling the pharma stock's fire is positive preliminary data from a mid-stage study of the company's anti-tumor treatment, CPI-0610, when used in combination with Incyte's (INCY) Ruxolitinib. Earlier, CNST topped out at a record high of $45.42, and is now up 652% year-to-date.

Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:SUPN) is at the bottom of the Nasdaq in intraday action, after the drugmaker reported weaker-than-anticipated third-quarter earnings and revenue. The company also said its ADHD treatment failed a late-stage study, and downwardly revised its full-year product sales forecast. A downgrade to "hold" from "buy" at Jefferies is only pouring salt on the proverbial wound, with SUPN stock off 31.3% at $20.02, earlier hitting a three-year low of $19.99.

Stocks were little changed today during a low-volume session on Wall Street, as traders continue to await more clarity on trade talks. Reports circulated that the U.S. and China may not come to a trade agreement until December, and a number of Fed speeches were front and center, as well. The Dow held right below its all-time high for most of the day, but closed near breakeven, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also struggled.

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

• The big M&A buzz in homebuilding.
• An energy stock that's set up to lose.
• Why we're watching for an Activision Blizzard breakout.
• Plus, Match Group moves lower; a healthcare stock to ride higher; and what to do with Skechers options.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 27,492.56) finished down 0.07 point. Procter & Gamble (PG) paced the 20 Dow winners with a 1.2% gain, while the worst of the 10 losers was Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), which fell 2.8%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,076.78) gained 2.2 points, or 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,410.63) slipped 24.1 points, or 0.3%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.62) gave up 0.5 point, or 3.7%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Doctors have started a trial to look at gene-editing technology CRISPR for battling cancer. Early data looks mixed, and doctors plan on bringing in 15 additional patients for treatment. (MarketWatch)
2. Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk is making more promises, this time tweeting that the company's cybertruck will be unveiled on Nov. 21. Details about the vehicle have not been released. (TechCrunch)
3. Behind Match Group's negative earnings reaction.
4. Why this healthcare stock could go higher.
5. Pick up protective puts on Skechers.

Oil Dips as Gold Gets a Win

Today's larger-than-expected increase in domestic crude inventories hit oil prices. December crude futures fell 88 cents, or 1.5%, to end at $56.35 per barrel.

Gold prices rose today amid the tepid price action in equities. Gold for December delivery gained $9.40, or 0.6%, to end at $1,493.10 an ounce.

Stock futures are pointed comfortably higher today, with the Dow and S&P 500 on track for another round of all-time highs at the open. This huge leap from Wednesday's sluggish trading comes after China's Commerce Ministry representative Gao Feng announced that both the U.S. and China will be backtracking on some of their previously imposed tariffs on each other's goods. Feng said the agreement brings the two sides closer to a phase one trade deal after weeks of negotiations.

Elsewhere, Wall Street is awaiting fiscal fourth-quarter earnings from Disney (DIS), due out after the close, while combing over U.S. weekly jobless claims, which fell by a wider-than-expected margin last week. 

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

• The bull signal flashing for ABT stock has never been wrong. 
• This shoe stock could trip up. 
• Plus, Teva names a new CFO; QCOM gets a slew of bull notes; and ROKU enters the earnings confessional. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.11 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 696,602 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved up to 0.63, while the 21-day moving average came in at 0.62.
2. The shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE:TEVA) are up 4.3% ahead of the bell after the drugmaker raised the low end of its full-year profit and revenue guidance. Separately, Teva appointed Eli Kalif as its new chief financial officer (CFO), effective Dec. 22. 
3. Qualcomm, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) is up 5.1% in electronic trading after its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings and revenue topped analyst expectations, with results strengthened by its licensing deal with Apple (AAPL). Several price-target hikes have already been bestowed by the brokerage bunch, including Susquehanna, which lifted its estimate all the way to $100 -- an 18.2% premium to last night's close at $84.63. 
4. On-demand video concern Roku Inc (NASDAQ:ROKU) has plunged 15.1% in pre-market action. The company's widened year-over-year net loss was actually not as bad as analysts had predicted, but investors are casting a cautious eye on a 60% surge in total operating expenses for the period. ROKU is set to open around three-week lows.

5. Weekly jobless claims is the sole major economic report for today. Along with Disney, Activision Blizzard (ATVI), AmerisourceBergen (ABC), Axon (AAXN), Cardinal Health (CAH), Dropbox (DBX), GoPro (GPRO), Planet Fitness (PLNT), Plug Power (PLUG), Stamps.com (STMP), Symantec (SYMC), Take-Two Interactive (TTWO), Yelp (YELP), Zillow (ZG), and Zoetis (ZTS) will report earnings.

Asian Stocks Fall, European Markets Surge

Markets in Asia were muted today, with news that the U.S. and China agreed to roll back tariffs in stages breaking after the indexes closed. China's Shanghai Composite was flat, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.6%. South Korea's Kospi finished marginally higher as well, while Japan's Nikkei closed up 0.1% as the yen strengthened against the dollar.

Over in Europe, stocks are reacting to optimistic U.S.-China trade headlines, which is offsetting news that the European Union (EU) trimmed its eurozone gross domestic product (GDP) projections. London's FTSE 100 is up 0.3%, ahead of a big interest rate decision from the Bank of England’s (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee later today. The French CAC 40 is up 0.2%, while the German DAX sports a 0.7% lead thanks to positive earnings reactions from Siemens.

Stocks are trading at record highs today, as Wall Street reacts to reports the U.S. and China have agreed to roll back planned tariffs as part of broader trade negotiations. At last check, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is up more than 225 points, while the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are boasting big gains, too. Oil prices are rising on the upbeat trade headlines, as well, with December-dated crude futures up 2% to trade at $57.48 per barrel.

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

• Analyst: Sell this social media stock now.
• The pot stock higher on a rapper partnership.
• Plus, Teva pop sparks heavy options trading; SEO woes sink Expedia; and iQIYI gives Baidu a big boost.

One name seeing unusual options activity today is Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE:TEVA), with almost 32,000 calls and 144,000 puts traded so far -- seven times the average intraday pace, and on track for an annual high. New positions are being added at the March 9 and 10 puts, possibly as part of a spread. TEVA shares are up 11.8% to trade at $9.05, as traders celebrate the drugmaker's upwardly revised 2019 profit forecast.

Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE) is the worst stock on the S&P 500 Index (SPX) today -- down 24.6% at $102.01, fresh off a 21-month low of $99.78. The online travel firm reported a third-quarter earnings miss, citing rising marketing costs and search engine optimization (SEO) headwinds. A round of bearish brokerage notes is only adding pressure, though EXPE stock is finding familiar support at the century mark, which has served as a floor since early 2016.

Chinese internet search provider Baidu Inc (NASDAQ:BIDU), on the other hand, is having a big day -- up 12.7% at $121. The company's third-quarter earnings and revenue came in above consensus estimates, with BIDU pointing to growing demand for its video streaming platform, iQIYI (IQ). Several price-target hikes have come through, too, putting Baidu stock on track to close above its 140-day moving average for the first time since April.

The Dow surged higher today, on news the U.S. and China plan to begin rolling back tariffs to increase the chances of a trade deal. The blue-chip index recorded another all-time high, as did the S&P 500 Index and Nasdaq. Two of the best sectors were tech and financials, while investors also watched the 10-year Treasury yield rise the most since the last presidential election.

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

• 2 travel stocks that got hammered.
• Why GE bulls are in overdrive.
• One biotech to bet on.
• Plus, 2 reasons to worry about GOOS; automation stock sees big bets; and the bear note on Twitter.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 27,674.80) finished up 182.2 points, or 0.7%. Twenty-three of 30 Dow components closed in the black, led by Dow's (DOW) 2.8% rise. The seven losers were paced by Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), which was down 1.4% by the close.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,085.18) gained 8.4 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,434.52) added 23.9 points, or 0.3%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.73) tacked on 0.1 point, or 0.9%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Nike (NKE) was in focus today after an op-ed in The New York Times by former Nike runner Mary Cain, who accused the company of emotional and physical abuse "by a system designed by Alberto [Salazar] and endorsed by Nike. A number of other women have already spoken out this year about the company. NKE stock, though, moved higher today, holding near record highs. (CNBC)
2. Many have speculated that much of the stock market's gains in recent years are from corporate buybacks, and a Goldman Sachs report said that was true for 2019. The firm said the buyback trend was fading, however, pointing to a potential headwind for equities. (MarketWatch)
3. 2 reasons an analyst is worried about Canada Goose stock.
4. Option bull bets heavily on automation stock.
5. Another look a today's big bear note on Twitter.

Oil Rises Again

Oil had another strong session today, rising with equities again. December crude futures finished up 80 cents, or 1.4%, to settle at $57.15 per barrel.

Gold was under pressure during the risk-on session for stocks. December gold fell $26.70, 1.8%, to $1,466.40 an ounce -- the lowest close since August.