Stocks spent the entire day in the red, and losses accelerated into the close, as fear about the state of the global economy weighed. Traders monitored the protests in Hong Kong and falling Treasury yields, sending the Dow to a nearly 400-point loss at the close. Bank and tech stocks were some of the biggest losers on the day, with U.S.-China trade tensions also adding to the risk-off approach.

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

• Why headwinds could be coming for this pair of retailers. 
• 2 names to watch after an election shocker in Argentina.
• Call buyers stay after First Solar stock.
• Plus, 3 stocks hit by bear notes; why JD.com could pop; and puts pick up on one chemical stock.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,896.44) fell 391 points, or 1.5%, with 29 of 30 Dow stocks closing in the red. The only blue chip to manage gains was Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), up 0.1% at the close. Goldman Sachs (GS) paced the losers, giving up 2.8%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,882.70) fell 36 points, or 1.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,863.41) gave back 95.7 points, or 1.2%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 21.09) added 3.1 points, or 17.4%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. The U.S. budget deficit rose 27% from a year ago in July, a year and a half after the Trump administration passed its signature tax cut law. The Treasury Department is projecting a deficit of over a $1 trillion by year's end. (CNBC)
2. Morgan Stanley analysts are now expecting the Fed to cut rates in September and October. The firm cited trade, the global economy, and falling inflation expectations in the note. Goldman Sachs made a similar prediction earlier this month. (Reuters)
3. 3 stocks that sank on bear notes.  
4. Why China's JD.com could be due to pop.
5. Put traders are betting on more losses for this chemical stock.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Grabs a Win

Oil prices managed to rise today, despite the fears around the global economy. September crude was up 43 cents, or 0.8%, to close at $54.93 per barrel.

Gold prices got another bump today due to the market weakness. December-dated gold added $8.70, or 0.6% to finish at $1,517.20 an ounce.

Growing recession fears sparked heavy selling in stocks today. Traders responded to an inverted yield curve on top of ugly economic data out of China and Germany, sending the Dow to a monstrous 800-point loss. President Donald Trump weighed in on Twitter, calling Fed Chair Jerome Powell "clueless" and saying the Fed raised rates "too much & too fast." The percentage losses were about the same for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, with bank and tech stocks some of the hardest hit. Meanwhile, gold prices popped and the VIX jumped back above the 20 handle.

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

• Options traders react to sell-off in retail stocks. 
• Analyst: This small-cap can triple.
• Bears surround Deere stock before earnings.
• Plus, buy rating doesn't help WWE; pharma stock could be volatile; and inside the GOOS pullback.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,479.42) fell 800.5 points, or 3.1%, for its biggest pullback since December. All 30 of the index's components closed in the red, with Dow's (DOW) 5.9% loss coming in as the steepest.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,840.60) lost 85.7 points, or 2.9%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,773.94) shed 242.4 points, or 3%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 22.10) jumped 4.6 points, or 26.1%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. A new report from Reuters says that China has drastically cut back on gold imports in recent months. The move is meant to slow the outflow of dollars to boost the yuan. (Reuters)
2. On a lighter note, Dunkin' Brands (DNKN) is bringing back its pumpkin spice flavors on Aug. 21. While it feels early, the fan favorite item often marks the unofficial start of fall. We'll have to wait and see when Starbucks' (SBUX) own pumpkin spice drinks will return. (USA Today)
3. New "buy" rating fails to lift WWE shares.
4. A pharma stock that could be due for another big move.
5. Why a top- and bottom-line beat wasn't enough for GOOS traders.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Prices Gain Again as Fear Rises

Oil prices got hit today, too, mostly due to growing fears around global demand. September crude futures fell $1.87, or 3.3%, to $55.23 per barrel.

Gold prices had another strong session on the economic worries. December-dated gold futures rose $13.70, or 0.9%, to finish at $1,527.80 an ounce -- a fresh six-year high.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has traded on both sides of breakeven today, but was last seen higher on a bigger-than-anticipated rise in July retail sales and better-than-expected earnings from Walmart (WMT). Traders are also eyeing a 2.3% increase in second-quarter productivity. However, disappointing earnings from Cisco Systems (CSCO) are keeping the Dow's gains in check, and dragging the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) into the red. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is modestly higher, despite news that whistleblower Harry Markopolos accused General Electric (GE) of fraud. The stock has dipped nearly 10% as a result.

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

• Why J.P. Morgan Securities is buying this e-Pay stock's latest dip. 
• The retail stock hitting new lows ahead of earnings.
• Plus, the weed stock attracting options traders; SINT stock surges on a Nasdaq nod; and the oil stock at all-time lows. 

Cannabis concern Aurora Cannabis Inc (NYSE:ACB) is lower on sector headwinds. The company also announced today that it would be upsizing its credit facility to roughly $280 million. So far, about 7,200 puts and 26,000 calls have crossed the tape, two times what's typically seen at this point. The December 7 call is most active, with buyers expecting ACB to rebound above the $7 level by December expiration. The stock, which hit a new seven-month low earlier, is trading down 3.6% at $5.86. 

One of the best stocks today is biomaterial concern SINTX Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:SINT), which is up 73.4% at $3.07, after the firm regained compliance with the Nasdaq's listing requirements. The company also reported stronger-than-expected earnings. This surge comes just one day after hitting an all-time low of $1.40. Now, SINT stock is trading back near its mid-July highs, and is threatening to close atop its 50-day moving average for the first time since May. 

Natural gas firm Just Energy Group Inc (NYSE:JE) is one of the worst performers on Wall Street today, after reporting a surprise quarterly loss. The stock is down 28.7% to trade at $2.21, and just hit an all-time low of $2.04 earlier today.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are signaling a higher open, as upbeat trade headlines help ease the sting of yesterday's ugly stock sell-off. Earlier today, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “hopes the U.S. will meet China halfway and implement the consensus reached by the two leaders during their meeting in Osaka.”

The blue-chip index is also getting a boost from Walmart (WMT), after the retail giant reported second-quarter earnings, revenue, and same-store sales that were above analyst expectations. Elsewhere, U.S. productivity rose 2.3% in the second quarter, surpassing the 1.5% expected gain, while retail sales jumped 0.7% in July -- more than the estimated 0.3% increase.

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

• Options traders piled on these sinking stocks.
• This drug stock could see another massive rebound.
• Checking in with the financial sector after the inverted yield curve.
• Plus, more troubling headlines for GE; Alibaba set for another post-earnings pop; and Buffett boosts stake in Amazon.com.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.02 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 858,059 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.84, while the 21-day moving average climbed to 0.68.
2. General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) stock is down 5.1% in electronic trading, after the Wall Street Journal reported Bernie Madoff whistleblower Harry Markopolos accused the industrial conglomerate of fraudulent accounting. Markopolos called the company a "bigger fraud than Enron," while General Electric has issued a statement saying it "stands behind its financials." GE is set to open at its lowest point since late January.
3. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA) stock is up 5% ahead of the bell, after the Chinese e-commerce concern reported fiscal first-quarter earnings and revenue that exceeded analyst expectations. Should this premarket upside hold through the close, it will mark Alibaba's third straight positive earnings reaction, but the stock has a ways to go to reach its May 3 record high of $195.72, settling last night at $162.06. 
4. The shares of Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) are up 1.1% in electronic trading, after a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing revealed Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) boosted its stake in Amazon last quarter. AMZN has shed 12.7% in the last month, but has pulled back to a trio of historically bullish trendlines.

5. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) housing market index, industrial production, and business inventories will also be released today. Nvidia (NVDA), J.C. Penney (JCP), Nio (NIO), Tapestry (TPR), and Dillard's (DDS) will report earnings. 

China, Hong Kong Stocks Swing Higher on Tech Strength

Asian markets started the day swimming in red ink as traders reacted to a rare inverted yield curve in U.S. Treasurys. While Japan's Nikkei was still 1.2% lower at the close, China's Shanghai Composite was up 0.3% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng was 0.8% higher, led by gains in the tech sector. Additionally, data showed China's new home prices rose modestly in July. South Korea's Kospi was closed for holiday.

Stocks in Europe are lower at midday, with bank shares struggling amid sinking bond yields. China's threat of retaliatory measures against U.S. tariffs is only creating stiffer headwinds. At last check, London's FTSE 100 is off 1%, the German DAX is 0.5% lower, and the French CAC 40 is trading 0.07% below breakeven.

The Dow managed to gain today, recovering slightly from yesterday's massive sell-off. Walmart's (WMT) strong earnings report fueled the index's rise early on, and positive economic data -- including upbeat retail sales -- also piqued buyers' interest. At the same time, sharp losses from names like Cisco Systems (CSCO) and General Electric (GE) stocks capped the upside for the S&P 500 -- and kept the Nasdaq lower -- while trade tensions and a continued slide in Treasury yields also kept traders slightly on edge.

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

• The pot stock predicted to drop 90%.
• How SPY straddle traders racked up big gains.
• Wall Street bets on 2-year lows for this blue chip.
• Plus, a software stock gives up a key level; Netflix's hedge fund buzz; and an analyst says to buy Pinterest.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,578.98) added 99.6 points, or 0.4%, overcoming an earlier dip into negative territory. Of the Dow's 30 components, 19 finished higher, led by the 6.1% surge in Walmart shares. The biggest loser was Cisco Systems, down 8.6% at the close.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,847.60) managed to add 7 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,766.62) sat out today's gains, losing 7.3 points, or 0.1%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 21.18) gave back 0.9 point, or 4.2%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. New data from Canalys shows that the wearables market in North America topped $2 billion in the second quarter, growing 38% from a year before. The numbers reveal steady growth in the space, led by Apple (AAPL) and Samsung. (TechCrunch)
2. The European Central Bank (ECB) had to shut down one of its websites after a hacker gained access. Malicious software was planted on the site, though no market-sensitive information was compromised. (Reuters)
3. M&A reports sent tjos software stock through chart support.
4. The hedge fund news that put Netflix in focus. 
5. Why one analyst says to buy Pinterest.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Prices Hit Again

Oil prices were again under pressure due to global economic fears. By the close, September crude futures were down 76 cents, or 1.4%, at $54.47 per barrel.

Gold prices managed to rise today, though the renewed interest in equities capped the metal's upside. December gold futures finished up $3.40, or 0.2%, at $1,531.20 an ounce.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has tacked on nearly 265 points at midday, amid news that the U.S. will offer a 90-day reprieve to Huawei, allowing the Chinese company to buy from American suppliers. Today's gain is led by Apple (AAPL), which is surging after a discussion between President Donald Trump and CEO Tim Cook, in which Trump said Cook made a "good case" against the imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese goods. Elsewhere, traders are cheering a rebound in Treasury yields, and China's key interest rate reform to lower borrowing costs. Against this backdrop, the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) and the S&P 500 Index (SPX) are also in the black.

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

• The food service stock scaling the NYSE on activist interest. 
• 2 retail stocks raking in bullish analyst notes today. 
• Plus, option bulls hop on RIG stock; DPW quadruples; and PCG stock plummets on bankruptcy buzz. 

Energy stock Transocean Ltd (NASDAQ:RIG) is seeing an influx of bullish activity in the options pits today. So far, 18,000 calls have crossed the tape -- double the intraday average -- compared to fewer than 5,000 puts. The most popular is the September 5 call, followed by the weekly 9/6 4.50-strike call, with positions being bought to open at the latter. The stock is up 9.1% to trade at $4.58, though the catalyst for the surge in unclear. 

DPW Holdings Inc (NYSEAMERICAN:DPW) is a top stock on Wall Street today, with the shares more than quadrupling on a subsidiary's relaunch of its investment portal, Monthlyinterest.com. The shares are up 379.1% at $9.87, at last check, eyeing their first close atop the 100-day moving average in 18 months. 

One of the worst performers on Wall Street today is PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), which came under fire today after a federal judge's ruling that the company could retain sole rights to its bankruptcy claim. The judge also said the company mmust face a jury trial in California over the 2017 Tubbs fire. The stock is down 26.9% at $10.43, and pacing for its biggest one-day percentage drop since January.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading cautiously above fair this morning, following a volatile stretch for the blue-chip index that saw six triple-digit closes in the last eight days. Yesterday's U.S.-China trade optimism has dimmed, and instead investors are digesting a mixed quarterly report from trade-sensitive Home Depot (HD). While second-quarter earnings beat expectations, revenue fell just short of the consensus estimate. Plus, the company lowered its full-year sales guidance on uncertainty of the potential impact surrounding proposed tariffs on Chinese goods. HD stock is up 2.3% ahead of the bell.

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

• What this sector standout says about recession risk, courtesy of Senior Market Strategist Matthew Timpane.
• 2 semiconductor stocks Raymond James is buying.
• A bull note boosted options activity on this booming gene therapy stock.
• Plus, new Apple TV+ details; Beyond Meat gets a big upgrade; and Sarepta's DMD drug rejected.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.07 million call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 589,277 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio pulled back to 0.55, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.70.
2. Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) is in focus this morning, as reports swirl the company has committed $6 billion to content for its Apple TV+ service, higher than previous estimates of around $1 billion. Additionally, Bloomberg reported the streaming services will launch in November for $9.99 per month. AAPL is up 33% in 2019 at $210.35.
3. Beyond Meat Inc (NASDAQ:BYND) stock is up 6% ahead of the bell, after J.P. Morgan Securities upgraded the plant-based burger maker to "overweight" from "neutral" while raising its price target by $1 to $189. Analyst Ken Goldman called BYND "appealing once again" due to its potential for new food service customers. The stock is fresh off yesterday's record high of $170.77, and is up 30% in the last six months.
4. The shares of Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:SRPT) are down 17% in electronic trading, after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declined to approve the company's Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) drug, citing risk of infections. SRPT is set to open below $100 for the first time since late December, but even prior to today had shed 20% this quarter.

5. There's not much on the economic calendar today, but a flurry of retailers will throw their hat into the earnings ring, including Kohl's (KSS), TJX Companies (TJX), and Urban Outfitters (URBN), while homebuilder Toll Brothers (TOL) will also release its quarterly results. 

Semiconductors Lift South Korea; Europe Eyes Italian Election Drama     

It was a mixed finish in Asia today. Stocks in Seoul outperformed on semiconductor strength, with South Korea's Kospi gaining 1%. Japan's Nikkei also ended on the plus side, adding 0.6%. Meanwhile, China's Shanghai Composite eased back 0.1%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.2%.

It's a quiet day of trading in Europe. Investors are keeping a close eye on political turmoil in Italy, where Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini is once again pushing for a new election. At last check, the German DAX is 0.09% lower, the French CAC 40 is fractionally higher, and London's FTSE 100 is up 0.2% on as AstraZeneca pops on upbeat drug data.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has muscled atop breakeven today, erasing a triple-digit deficit, with Home Depot (HD) stock up more than 4% after earnings. However, Treasury yields have dipped as recession anxieties begin to bubble up again, sending bank stocks lower. Wall Street is also anticipating the Fed's meeting minutes for July, which are expected out tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) and the S&P 500 Index (SPX) are mixed at midday. 

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

• Why analysts are wary of these 2 stocks ahead of earnings. 
• The FDA rejection that has the brokerage bunch berating this biotech with bear notes. 
• Plus, BIDU's earnings report rocks the options pits; Cemtrex scales the Nasdaq; and the penny stock plunging on a halted trial. 

Chinese internet stock Baidu Inc (NASDAQ:BIDU) is seeing a surge in options volume today, following the firm's better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and revenue. So far, 69,000 calls and 52,000 puts have exchanged hands -- five times the intraday norm. Most popular is the September 165 put, followed by December 120 put, with contracts being opened at the latter -- possibly part of a bearish roll. The most popular call is the weekly 8/23 115-strike contract, with positions being bought to open. At last glance, BIDU is up 7.1% at $111.61. 

One of the top performers on the Nasdaq is Cemtrex Inc (NASDAQ:CETX), after posting a per-share loss of $1.59 for its fiscal third quarter, which was slimmer than last year's loss of $2.40, topping expectations. The electronics manufacturing stock is up 39.4% at $2.13, on course for its first close north of its 20-day moving average since June. 

NuCana PLC (NASDAQ:NCNA) is one of the worst performers on the Nasdaq today, following news that its late-stage metastatic pancreatic study was suspended, after futility analysis showed the primary efficacy objective was unlikely to be met. Trading was halted earlier today, but has since resumed, with NCNA down 35.1% at $4.75. The stock hit an all-time low of $4.01 today, too, and is on course for its biggest one-day drop on record. This, just one day after NuCana scored a major vote of confidence from analysts.

The Dow rallied today thanks to upbeat news around the U.S.-China relationship. The tech sector got a spark from news that the Trump administration is extending Huawei's license to do business with U.S. suppliers, and traders also cheered interest rate reform out of China. Rebounding Treasury yields also lifted sentiment on Wall Street. The winning session marks a third straight for the Dow and S&P, while the Nasdaq's win streak is still just at two -- though sentiment data suggests stocks could keep rebounding from last week's sell-off.

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

• 2 drug stocks analysts think can triple.
• The blue chip option bears are targeting before earnings.
• How traders are playing the Kohl's quarterly report.
• Plus, stock hit by bankruptcy news; electronics stock surges; and Aramark jumps on a new stake.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,135.79) added about 250 points, or 1%. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) and American Express (AXP) were the only Dow losers, losing 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively. Cisco Systems (CSCO) paced the 28 advancing blue chips, adding 3.3%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,923.65) gained about 35 points, or 1.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,002.81) tacked on 106.8 points, or 1.4%, to mark its first finish above 8,000 since Aug. 13.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 16.88) lost 1.6 points, or 8.6%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. More data shows that Americans are spending more eating out at restaurants. Industry sales are expected to top $863 billion in 2019, which would represent an all-time high and a 3.6% gain from a year earlier. (CNBC)
2. Social media companies Twitter (TWTR) and Facebook (FB) both said they found concerted efforts of fake accounts from China attempting to manipulate protesters in Hong Kong. Services for both companies are forbidden in mainland China. (The Verge)
3. Bankruptcy buzz hits PG&E again.
4. The electronics stock that rallied to fresh highs.
5. Aramark spiked thanks to a move from a high-profile investor.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Gains with Stocks

Oil prices rose today alongside equities, following a drone attack on an oil facility in Saudi Arabia. October-dated crude futures added $1.33, or 2.4%, to $56.14 per barrel.

Gold, meanwhile, moved lower today, as traders turned to riskier assets. December-dated gold futures fell $12, or 0.8%, to end at $1,511.60 an ounce. 

U.S. stocks took a breather today, ending the recent relief rally for the Dow and its index peers. For the Dow and S&P, today's pullback snapped a three-day win streak, while the Nasdaq's two-day rise is over, as well, with tech and financial stocks among the hardest hit during the session. The Dow's decline comes despite a strong earnings performance from blue chip Home Depot (HD), while recession fears again came into focus ahead of tomorrow's highly anticipated Fed meeting minutes.

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

• 3 reasons an analyst likes Beyond Meat shares. 
• The Abbvie upgrade that sparked weekly options trading.
• Options traders grow bullish on Apple.
• Plus, Kohl's falls after earnings; Cigna's M&A buzz; and 2 biopharmas move on FDA buzz.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,962.44) finished near session lows, dropping 173.4 points, or 0.7%. Home Depot paced the three Dow winners with a 4.4% rise, while Dow (DOW) was the worst of the 27 losers, giving back 5.4%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,900.51) lost 23.1 points, or 0.8%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,948.56) fell 54.3 points, or 0.7%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 17.50) rose 0.6 point, or 3.7%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. Companies in North America increased their spending by 19% on industrial robots in the second quarter, compared to a year earlier. Robot sales have grown in recent years as the unemployment rate has remained low, and the price of robots has been decreasing. (Reuters)
2. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC) voted to revise the Volcker Rule, asking regulators to make changes to restrictions around how banks trade securities with their own funds. More specifically, they're examining the definition for "proprietary trading," hoping to allow banks more flexibility in making short-term investments. (CNBC)
3. Inside the Kohl's earnings pullback.
4. The M&A rumors that led to increased Cigna options trading.
5. 2 biopharma stocks that moved on FDA news.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Bounces Back During Stock Slide

Oil prices hovered near breakeven today ahead of tomorrow's domestic crude inventory release. October crude futures, the most-trade series today, dipped 1 cent to end at $56.13 per barrel.

Gold edged higher today amid the weakness in equities. December-dated gold added $4.10, or 0.3%, and closed at $1,515.70 an ounce.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are pointing to triple-digit gains this morning, getting a shot in the arm from a round of upbeat retail earnings. After the blue-chip index snapped its three-day winning streak yesterday, investor fears of a faltering domestic economy are being temporarily assuaged by blowout quarterly reports from Target (TGT) and Lowe's (LOW). Both retailers reported second-quarter earnings and same-store sales numbers that topped expectations, while TGT also upped its full-year profit guidance. Later today, Wall Street will eye release of the latest Fed meeting minutes, looking for clues about future monetary policy.

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

• it's best to sell stocks after this yield-curve signal, according to Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White.
• Options bulls piled on 2 pharma stocks that earned FDA nods.
• This Shake Shack bull signal has never been wrong.
• Plus, URBN rises despite mixed earnings; more opioid-related trouble for Cardinal Health; and Walmart sues Tesla.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 845,798 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 587,627 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.69, while the 21-day moving average climbed to 0.71.
2. Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) stock is lower in electronic trading, after the retailer reported second-quarter revenue and same-store sales figures that missed their mark. No fewer than five price-target cuts have come through, the lowest coming from Wedbush to $20. URBN has shed 37% in 2019 and fell to a two-year low of $19.63 last Thursday, Aug. 15.
3. Cardinal Health Inc (NYSE:CAH) stock is down 1.3% ahead of the bell, after warning in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing that opioid-related lawsuits will hurt its business. The company has been named as a defendant in over 2,500 lawsuits. CAH bounced off its six-year low of $41.03 from Aug. 7, but remains below its year-to-date breakeven level.
4. The shares of Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) are down in electronic trading, after Walmart (WMT) filed a lawsuit against the car company, alleging negligence due to repeated fires in Tesla's solar energy systems that are installed in several Walmart stores. TSLA is up 2.7% week-to-date through Tuesday's close at $225.86.
5. Data on existing home sales and weekly crude inventories are due out. Earnings from L Brands (LB) and Nordstrom (JWN), are slated for release.

European Stocks Climb on Merger Optimism

It was a mostly higher finish in Asia today, as traders looked ahead to this afternoon's release of the U.S. Fed meeting minutes. Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.2% on a strong day for property developer China Resources Land. South Korea's Kospi also tacked on 0.2%, while China's Shanghai Composite eked out a fractional gain. Japan's Nikkei wasn't so resilient, shedding 0.3% on weakness in auto stocks.

European markets are boasting big gains at midday, as automakers pop on reports a Fiat Chrysler-Renault merger may be back on the table. Traders are also eyeing the resignation of Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and a German bond auction, where the country sold 30-year bonds at a negative yield for the first time ever. At last check, the French CAC 40 is up 1.5%, the German DAX is 1.2% higher, and London's FTSE 100 is flirting with a 1.1% lead.

Stocks seesawed today, trading on both sides of breakeven, with investors mostly monitoring updates from the Jackson Hole symposium. With Fed Chair Jerome Powell due to speak tomorrow, multiple regional Fed presidents said they don't see the need for more rate cuts at the moment. Traders also reacted to another brief inversion of the yield curve and disappointing manufacturing data. In all, the Dow managed a solid gain thanks to Boeing's (BA) big day, though the S&P and Nasdaq struggled to gain momentum.

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

• Ulta Beauty stock flashes a bull signal week before earnings.
• The famous investor picking up GameStop shares.
• While Overstock.com options popped on its CEO exit, a solar stock also fell on big executive news.
• Plus, traders see a floor for L Brands; Nordstrom soars; and an e-commerce stock gets analyst love.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,252.24) traded down more than 100 points during the day, but managed a 49.5-point, or 0.2%, win. Half of the Dow's 30 components closed higher, led by BA's 4.2% pop. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) was the biggest loser, dropping 3.1%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,922.95) lost 1.5 points, or 0.05%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,991.39) gave back 28.8 points, or 0.4%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 16.68) rose 0.9 point, or 5.6%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. Apple (AAPL) is reportedly planning to introduce new Pro iPhones in the coming weeks. The tech giant may also unveil new iPads and MacBooks in September. (CNBC)
2. Borrowing to pay for capital investments increased among U.S. companies in July. Companies borrowed $9.4 billion in the month, up $1.2 billion from last year. (Reuters)
3. The technical floor traders see for L Brands stock.
4. Investors cheered Nordstrom's strong earnings.
5. One e-commerce stock Stifel likes.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Supply Surplus Concerns Weigh on Oil

Oil prices tumbled today on demand fears. October crude futures finished down 33 cents, or 0.6%, at $55.34 per barrel.

Gold prices dipped following today's Fed comments. God for December delivery was down $7.20, or 0.5%, at $1,508.50 an ounce at the close.