U.S. stock futures are trading just below fair value this morning, as investors digest July's nonfarm payrolls report. The U.S. economy added 157,000 jobs in July, lower than the 194,000 estimate, and year-over-year wage growth remained at 2.7%. The unemployment rate fell to 3.9% from 4%. Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are inching lower in response, and Wall Street is also watching trade tensions with China, after the country threatened $60 billion in retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) futures are stagnant as well, as the latter looks poised for a breather in the wake of Apple's (AAPL) historic milestone. 

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

• The Fortnite stock up more than 1,600% this year.
• This options strategy is great for nervous shareholders.
• How Schaeffer's subscribers scored a 100% profit on Goldman Sachs in four days.
• Plus, Take-Two stock soaring on a revenue beat; Symantec issues weak guidance; and Biogen announces a new share buyback program.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.23 million call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 709,735 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.58, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.63.
2. Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) stock is up 12.8% in electronic trading, after the video game maker reported quarterly revenue that exceeded expectations, thanks to strong sales from the company's "NBA 2K18" and "Grand Theft Auto" franchises. Take-Two also hiked its fiscal-year revenue outlook. In response, at least four brokerages have issued price-target hikes, including to $150 from $132 at Wedbush. TTWO stock could come within striking distance of its Feb. 1 high of $129.25, if today's gains hold.
3. On the other hand, Symantec Corporation (NASDAQ:SYMC) stock is down 13.4% ahead of the bell, after the cybersecurity firm issued current-quarter guidance that fell short of expectations. The company also announced a workforce reduction of 8%. A flurry of bear notes have ensued, including a price-target cut to $18 from $21 at Cowen. SYMC shares are on track to open at a two-year low, and had shed 25% in 2018 prior to today, gapping lower in May after the firm revealed an internal audit. 
4. Shares of Biogen Inc (NASDAQ:BIIB) are up 1.3% in electronic trading, after the biotech announced a $3.5 billion share repurchase program. Biogen stock raced to a two-year high of $388.67 on July 25, thanks to an upbeat earnings report, but since then has pulled back to its 30-day moving average. Overall, BIIB has added 20% in the last 12 months. 
5. Wall Street will also get the latest international trade data, the ISM non-manufacturing index, and the Baker-Hughes rig count today. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), Kraft Heinz (KHC), and Noble Energy (NBL) will report earnings.
 

Stocks in Europe Boosted By Tech

Stocks in Asia finished the day mixed, as trade tensions continued to weigh on investor sentiment. Japan's Nikkei eked out a gain of 0.06%, while South Korea's Kospi picked up 0.8%. On the flip side, Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.1%, and China's Shanghai Composite suffered at 1% loss after the Caixin services PMI slipped last month.

European markets are higher at midday on the back of gains in tech and impressive corporate earnings offset disappointing eurozone retail sales and PMI data. At last check, London's FTSE 100 is up 0.9% on a positive earnings reaction for Royal Bank of Scotland, Germany's DAX is 0.7% higher, and France's CAC 40 is seeing a 0.5% gain, at last check.  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is modestly higher this afternoon, thanks to a strong uptick in shares of International Business Machines (IBM). More broadly speaking, however, stocks are struggling for upside, as traders react to this morning's jobs report and another round of tariff threats out of China. But while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) and S&P 500 Index (SPX) are trailing the Dow in today's trading, they're both set for weekly wins -- though the blue-chip index will need a strong afternoon performance to avoid snapping its four-week win streak.

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

• A rare bull note for rallying Cree stock.
• How GoPro is burning option bears.
• Plus, SHAK tests chart support; Medifast keeps soaring; and Symantec's woes continue.

One name seeing notable options trading today is Shake Shack Inc (NYSE:SHAK), as a weak full-year revenue outlook weighs on the stock. SHAK shares have shed 11% to trade at $56.90, and puts are flying off the shelves, with more than 14,000 crossing so far, compared to an average daily volume of just above 2,000. Most popular by a large margin is the August 55 put, where new positions are being opened, though some of this could be selling activity. Betting on a short-term floor may not be a bad idea, with SHAK sitting near the site of a post-bull-gap consolidation from May, and its 20-week moving average.

One of the best stocks on the New York Stock Exchange is healthy living enthusiast Medifast Inc (NYSE:MED), as the shares soar to a record high after a strong quarterly update. MED stock was last seen up 24.9% at $218.50, earlier topping out at $229.20, marking a third straight post-earnings bull gap. Looking back to a year ago, Medifast was trading just above $40 per share.

Over on the Nasdaq, cybersecurity concern Symantec Corporation (NASDAQ:SYMC) is getting crushed, dropping 13.2% to trade at $18.13, touching a two-year low of $17.81 in the process. Sparking the sell-off is a weak full-year outlook, on top of the internal audit of its accounting practices that originally sent the shares gapping lower back in May. SYMC has now shed more than one-third of its value year-to-date.

U.S. stock futures are struggling for direction this morning, as investors await the next domino to fall in the tit-for-tat trade war exchanges between the U.S. and its global counterparts. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump took to Twitter to announce that "tariffs are working big time." Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading slightly below fair value, while S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) are virtually flat. Markets are also eager to digest the latest round of corporate earnings, with Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) an early winner today. 

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

• These 2 energy stocks are ripe for a rally.
• One call trader nailed IBM's stock pop.
• This lesser-known grocery stock scaled the NYSE on Friday.
• Plus, PepsiCo's CEO steps down; Intel stock gets downgraded; and SeaWorld cheers a surprise earnings beat.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.04 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 587,821 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.56, while the 21-day moving average dipped to 0.62.
2. PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) stock is up 0.8% in electronic trading, after the firm said CEO Indra Nooyi will be stepping down after 12 years with the beverage giant. Pepsi President Ramon Laguarta will succeed Nooyi. Since falling to a two-year low of $95.94 on May 9, PEP shares have rallied 22%, guided higher by their ascending 10-day and 20-day moving averages. The stock closed Friday at $116.30.
3. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) stock is down 1.7% ahead of the bell, after receiving a downgrade to "equal weight" from "overweight" at Barclays, as well as a price-target cut to $53 from $62. The analyst in coverage attributed the bearish note to steep competition for the chipmaker. INTC stock scored a 17-year high of $57.59 on June 4, but since then has given back 14% to settle Friday at $49.63.  
4. Shares of SeaWorld Entertainment Inc (NYSE:SEAS) are up 16.8% in electronic trading, after the firm reported second-quarter earnings and revenue that exceeded analyst expectations. Fueling the upbeat report was a jump in attendance numbers at theme parks. SeaWorld stock has already gained 55% in 2018, and could hit four-year highs if today's expected price action plays out. 
5. There is no notable economic data scheduled for today. However, Cardinal Health (CAH), Dynavax (DVAX), Etsy (ETSY), Hertz Global (HTZ), Marriott (MAR), Mosaic (MOS), Newell Brands (NWL), Plug Power (PLUG), Red Robin (RRGB), Tenet Healthcare (THC), Tyson Foods (TSN), Twilio (TWLO), Weight Watchers (WTW), and Zillow Group (ZG) are slated to report earnings.
 

Bank Stocks Lift Hong Kong's Hang Seng

Markets in Asia closed mostly lower in today's trading. Japan's Nikkei shed 0.08% on the back of falling bank stocks, while South Korea's Kospi succumbed to a 0.05% loss, and China's Shanghai Composite shed 1.3%. On the flip side, Hong Kong's Hang Seng managed to snap its five-day losing streak, tacking on 0.5% following well-received bank earnings. 

European markets are mixed at midday, as fears of a hard Brexit resurfaced following the U.K. Trade Secretary Liam Fox's prediction of "60-40" odds that the breakup will take place without a European Union (EU) trade deal. Germany's DAX is 0.2% higher, while London's FTSE 100 and France's CAC 40 are down 0.03%, and 0.06% loss, respectively. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has clawed its way out of the red at the session's midpoint, overcoming a 1.3% drop for Intel (INTC) after the chip stock was downgraded at Barclays. Trade tensions are keeping upside in check, though the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) and S&P 500 Index (SPX) have managed minor gains of their own at midday. Another round of upbeat earnings is also in focus, including a well-received report out of Tyson Foods (TSN).

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

• The $100 million deal boosting bluebird bio shares.
• One pharma stock landed a bull note ahead of earnings.
• Plus, Twilio option volume explodes; Sprint stock surges; and fresh downside for ACADIA.

One name seeing notable options trading today is cloud communications concern Twilio Inc (NYSE:TWLO), as investors anticipate the company's upcoming second-quarter earnings, slated for after the market closes today. So far, roughly 13,000 puts have been traded compared to 7,106 calls -- representing nine times the normal intraday put volume, and triple the usual call activity. The weekly 8/10 57-strike put -- where some buy-to-open activity has been detected -- is the most popular option at midday, with 6,300 contracts on the tape so far.

Twilio stock has been an outperformer since its early February lows around $24, and was last seen up 166% year-to-date, with a leg of support coming from the rising 40-day moving average. TWLO is up 1.5% at $62.91, at last check, which means those 57-strike puts are out of the money by a wide margin.

One of the best stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today is Sprint Corp (NYSE:S), boosted by reports that regulators are eyeing its possible T-Mobile merger favorably. S stock was last seen up 8.7% at $6.11, pushing back above the $6 mark for the first time since late April. With today's pop, Sprint stock is now back in positive territory on a year-to-date basis.

One of the Nasdaq's worst performers today is ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD), after the stock was downgraded to "neutral" at Piper Jaffray this morning. ACAD has been on a long-term downtrend since late last year, and has shed 53.4% over the past 12 months. At last check, ACAD was down 6.6% at $14.22.

The Dow moved higher in today's trading, thanks to a surge out of International Business Machines (IBM). The S&P also finished modestly higher, as traders were essentially undeterred by today's weaker-than-expected nonfarm payrolls report and escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China. The Nasdaq spent the day waffling around breakeven, however, but ultimately eked out a fourth straight win.

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

• 2 biotech stocks ripe for a short squeeze.
• The travel stock upgraded after a post-earnings plunge. 
• Plus, the healthcare stock to ditch before earnings; CREE earns a fresh "buy" rating; and how GoPro shocked bears.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,462.58) gained 136.4 points, or 0.5%. All but three blue chips closed the day higher, led by IBM, which picked up 3.3%. Boeing (BA) paced the decliners with a 0.4% drop. The Dow finished the week up 0.05%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,840.35) rose 13.1 points, or 0.5%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,812.02) picked up 9.3 points, or 0.1%. For the week, the indexes finished 0.8% and 0.9% higher, respectively.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 11.64) lost 0.6 point, or 4.5%, for the day, and fell 10.7% for the week.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. Cryptocurrency powerhouse bitcoin has been in a downward spiral during the past six sessions, and one report suggests its recent blunder comes from the $400 million force-liquidation of bitcoin futures by Hong Kong exchange OKEx. (MarketWatch)
2. In light of the release of the latest nonfarm payrolls report, trucking companies are reporting a massive worker shortage. Per the American Trucking Associations, truck freight brought in $676 billion in revenue last year, but capturing new and female employees has been a challenge. (CNBC)
3. Healthcare stock that just flashed a "sell" signal before earnings.
4. Rallying Cree stock earned a rare "buy" rating. 
5. New price targets were set after a GoPro earnings beat.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil, Gold Extend Weekly Losing Streaks

Concerns about global oversupply and waning Chinese demand weighed on oil. September-dated crude fell 47 cents, or 0.7%, to close the session at $68.49 per barrel. For the week, oil shed 0.3% -- its fifth straight weekly loss.

Gold managed to finish the day higher on the back of an easing dollar. December-dated futures settled up $3.10, or 0.3%, to close at $1,223.20 per ounce. The metal did, however, suffer a fourth straight weekly loss, dropping 0.8%.

The Dow managed to shake off early losses from downgraded Intel (INTC) stock, with help from Walt Disney (DIS) shares, which muscled higher ahead of earnings. Meanwhile, the S&P and Nasdaq gained ground -- and the latter notched a fifth straight gain -- amid reports Facebook (FB) is talking to banks about offering Messenger users financial services. Strong earnings also helped stocks, with Tyson Foods (TSN) and Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA) among the notable winners.

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

• Snap stock bears are eyeing record lows before earnings.
• Analyst: This penny stock could quadruple.
• Wall Street is wary of this 3-D printing stock. 
• Plus, the pharma name that landed a pre-earnings bull note; the Tesla buzz that boosted BLNK; and diving into one auto stock's sell signal.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,502.18) gained 39.6 points, or 0.2%. Twenty-three blue chips closed the day higher, led by DIS, which picked up 1.6%. IBM paced the decliners with a 1.1% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,850.40) rose 10 points, or 0.4%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,859.68) picked up 47.7 points, or 0.6%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 11.27) lost 0.4 point, or 3.2%, for the day.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. California's Mendocino Complex Fire has been named the second-largest wildfire ever recorded in the Golden State, and has made its way through roughly 273,664 acres of land -- nearly the size of Los Angeles. President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency on Sunday, while firefighters say it could take at least nine more days to contain the blaze. (Reuters)
2. City supervisors and small businesses are pushing for an end to free lunches currently provided to workers at the majority of San Francisco tech companies. Local restaurants say the lack of push to get employees out of the office during their lunch hour has taken a toll on local restaurants, and defeats the purpose behind recent Mid-Market tax breaks. (CNBC)
3. Which drug stock landed a bull note before earnings.
4. Option bulls just charged Blink (BLNK) stock on Tesla (TSLA) rumors. 
5. Play this auto stock's sell signal with put options.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Iran Sanctions Lift Oil; Gold Falls on Firm Dollar

Oil finished higher after the Trump administration vowed to reimpose sanctions on Iran, and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reps said Saudi Arabian output fell in July. September-dated crude ended 0.8%, or 52 cents, higher, to settle at $69.01 a barrel.

As the dollar continued to move higher, gold fell. December-dated gold ended $5.50, or 0.4%, lower, to finish at $1,217.70 per ounce.

U.S. stock futures are higher this morning, as trade tensions with China take a backseat to a host of corporate earnings. Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are up almost triple digits ahead of a quarterly report from media giant Walt Disney (DIS). S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) futures are climbing as well, with the former eyeing a fresh all-time high. Energy stocks are in focus, as oil prices rise on reimposed U.S. sanctions on Iran. At last check, September-dated crude futures were 1.1% higher at $69.74 per barrel.  Elsewhere, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), Wall Street's "fear gauge," is heading toward its lowest levels since January. 

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

• The levels that could slow small-cap stocks, per Schaeffer's Senior V.P. of Research Todd Salamone.
• How to play this auto stock sell signal.
• Options bulls charged BLNK stock amid Tesla rumors.
• Plus, Hertz posts a surprise earnings beat; Alibaba consolidates units; and Bausch Health cheers an earnings beat.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 883,603 call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 550,287 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.62, while the 21-day moving average climbed to 0.63.
2. Hertz Global Holdings Inc (NYSE:HTZ) stock is up 5.3% in electronic trading, after the rental car company reported a slimmer-than-expected second-quarter loss. Revenue also topped estimates. Hertz stock, which typically struggles in August, fell to an annual low of $13.40, on July 18 and had racked up a 29% year-to-date deficit as of Monday's close at $15.67.
3. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA) stock is up 1.1% ahead of the bell, after it was reported the Chinese e-commerce giant is merging its food delivery units and raising funding for the combined entity. BABA stock has given back 15% since its June 5 record high of $211.69, but still remains a chip-shot above its year-to-date breakeven level.
4. Shares of Bausch Health Companies (NYSE:BHC), formerly Valeant Pharmaceuticals, are up 3.6% in electronic trading, after the drug firm reported second-quarter earnings and revenue that exceeded analyst forecasts. The company also raised its full-year revenue guidance, citing higher sales of its bowel disorder drugs. BHC is on track to break past its 20-day moving average, a trendline that has served as resistance since late June.

5. Today will bring the Labor Department's Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and the Fed's consumer credit report. A busy day for earnings, 3D Systems (DDD), Avis Budget (CAR), Boot Barn (BOOT), Children's Place (PLCE), Crocs (CROX), Fossil (FOSL), Halozyme Therapeutics (HALO), Host Hotels (HST), Hostess Brands (TWNK), Lending Club (LC), Match Group (MTCH), Momenta Pharmaceuticals (MNTA), Papa John's (PZZA), Shutterfly (SFLY), Spark Therapeutics (ONCE), and Wendy's (WEN) are scheduled to report earnings.

 

Asian Markets, European Stocks Join Global Rally

Stocks in Asia saw big gains in today's trading, recovering from the reignited trade tensions that pressured Monday's action. The largest advances came from China's Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index, which rose 2.7%, and 1.5%, respectively. Japan's Nikkei ended 0.7% higher on the back of an impressive quarterly report from telecommunications name SoftBank Group, which added 6.5% on the day. Lastly, South Korea's Kospi managed to gain 0.6%.

European markets are also seeing notable gains at midday, led by a surge in German auto stocks that has pushed the DAX is 0.8% higher, neck and neck with France's CAC 40. London's FTSE 100 is leading the way with a 0.9% lift as the pound remains under pressure. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) and its index peers are making strong moves into positive territory today thanks to upbeat corporate earnings. With stocks trekking higher, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) earlier touched its lowest point since January, as a dearth of market-moving headlines has resulted in fairly steady gains across Wall Street. However, many traders may be holding tight ahead of a number of important primary and special elections across the U.S. today

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

• The small-cap tech stock rallying to upbeat analyst attention.
• Turtle Beach reverses course despite a big earnings beat.
• Plus, Twilio's latest bull gap; NeoPhotonics breaks out; and a bouncing construction stock.

One name seeing notable options trading today is Twilio Inc (NYSE:TWLO) once again, as roughly 25,000 calls and 19,000 puts have traded -- representing nine times the expected intraday volume. Yesterday we highlighted the bearish approach options traders were taking before earnings, but the winners today are those who went long the stock. TWLO is trading up 18.9% at $75.65, and it earlier hit a record high of $77.31. The software company impressed with its second-quarter revenue growth and issued a strong third-quarter forecast. Twilio was trading down near $24 back in February before a string of three massive bull gaps in February, May, and then today.

One of the best stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today is NeoPhotonics Corp (NYSE:NPTN), as investors applaud the company's slimmer-than-expected second-quarter loss. NPTN also received an upgrade to "buy" from "neutral" at B. Riley, which lifted its price target to $10 from $6.50. The shares are trading 20% higher at $8.23, on pace for their highest close in over a year after breaking out of recent resistance near the 320-day moving average.

Over on the Nasdaq, US Concrete Inc (NASDAQ:USCR) is also having a big day, last seen up 12.1% at $50.55 following the company's second-quarter earnings results. Today's rally comes just one session after USCR stock hit a nearly two-year intraday low of $44 -- but the stock settled Monday just north of the $45 level, which previously marked USCR's fourth-quarter lows back in 2016.

U.S. stock futures are lagging this morning, pulling back after another strong session yesterday. Investor sentiment is being weighed down by escalating trade tensions, after China announced a 25% retaliatory tariff on $16 billion of U.S. goods, most notably crude oil and cars. Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are just below fair value, as traders digest subpar earnings results from Walt Disney (DIS). S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) futures are lower as well, with their fifth and seventh straight wins, respectively, in danger. 

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

• The best sectors for contrarians right now, per Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White.
• Elon Musk's Tesla tweet caused options to fly off the shelves.
• Nike stock has room to run.
• Plus, Amazon introduces curbside pickup; Lumentum nabs a big earnings win; and Snapchat's daily active users drop.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 963,316 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 617,763 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.64, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.63.
2. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) stock is up 0.8% in electronic trading, after the e-commerce giant introduced grocery pickup at select Whole Foods stores. The curbside pickup could happen within 30 minutes of Prime Now users placing their order. AMZN stock nabbed a record high of $1,880.05 on July 27, and yesterday notched its second-highest close ever, landing at $1,862.48.
3. Lumentum Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:LITE) stock is up 8.8% ahead of the bell, after the optics name reported fiscal fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that vastly exceeded analyst expectations. The company also issued an upbeat outlook. LITE stock is on track to trade above its 80-day moving average for the first time since the company's CFO departure in early June. 
4. Shares of Snap Inc (NYSE:SNAP) are down 3.3% in electronic trading, after the Snapchat parent's second-quarter earnings beat forecasts, but daily active users dropped. The firm also issued weaker-than-expected revenue guidance. SNAP shares have added nearly 20% in the past three months, but appear to have run out of steam near their 100-day moving average.

5. The MBA mortgage index, weekly crude inventories report, and a speech from Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin are expected on later today. Stepping into the earnings confessional will be ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), Booking Holdings (BKNG), Cars.com (CARS), CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP), CVS Health (CVS), DepoMed (DEPO), Dillard's (DDS), e.l.f. Beauty (ELF), Horizon Pharma (HZNP), Monster Beverage (MNST), Mylan (MYL), New York Times (NYT), Roku (ROKU), SINA (SINA), Twenty-First Century Fox (FOXA), Weibo (WB), and Yelp (YELP).

Trade Worries Weigh On Asian Markets

Asian markets finished the day mixed, as trade worries continued to escalate. Among the losers were Japan's Nikkei, which finished 0.08% lower, and China's Shanghai Composite, which suffered a 1.2% loss. On the flip side, Hong Kong's Hang Seng brought in 0.4%, and South Korea's Kospi managed a 0.06% gain.

Stocks in Europe are higher in afternoon trading, shaking off the weight of poor earnings out of the retail and healthcare sectors. At last glance, London's FTSE 100 is up 0.8%, France's CAC 40 is 0.03% higher, and Germany's DAX is seeing a 0.3% gain.

Stocks are struggling for upside at midday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) last seen modestly lower. The recent tariff news out of China is seemingly the main headwind -- but Walt Disney's (DIS) poor earnings performance is weighing on the Dow in particular, as the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) have managed narrow gains at midday amid solid tech earnings. Sliding oil prices are also in focus, with September-dated crude futures trading down $2.38, or 3.44%, at $66.79 per barrel. 

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

• Twinkie maker gets toasted.
• This heavily shorted retailer made one analyst's "Best Ideas" list.
• Plus, more Dropbox put buying, and two tech stocks making huge moves.

One name seeing notable options trading today is Dropbox Inc (NASDAQ:DBX), as traders continue to pick up puts ahead of the cloud company's earnings release tomorrow evening. Leading the way in today's action is the August 30 put, with most contracts crossing near the ask price, hinting at buy-to-open activity. If that's the case, these bears expect the equity to fall below $30 in the coming weeks. DBX shares are trading down 1.9% at $30.93, testing support at the 20-day moving average.

One of the best stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today is 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD), as a huge earnings beat lifts the shares up 35.2% to trade at $18.35 -- and they earlier touched a new 52-week high of $18.70. DDD entered 2018 trading in single-digit territory, and more upside could be ahead as short sellers cover their positions.

Elsewhere, CyberArk Software Ltd (NASDAQ:CYBR) is one of the biggest gainers on the Nasdaq, jumping 15% to trade at $71. The shares even tagged a three-year peak of $71.25 earlier, as Wall Street cheers the cybersecurity specialist's earnings beat. Today's rally brings CYBR's year-to-date lead north of 70%, yet half the analysts in coverage have just "hold" ratings.

 

U.S. stocks finished the day with healthy gains, with the Dow up triple digits to log its highest close since February, and the S&P 500 landing its highest close since the Jan. 26 record high. The Nasdaq, meanwhile, scored a sixth straight gain, marking its longest winning streak since March. Also noteworthy, the VIX, or the stock market's "fear gauge," fell to its lowest close since January. Another day of impressive corporate earnings helped push markets higher in today's session, though focus shifted to Tesla (TSLA), which was temporarily halted after CEO Elon Musk said he might take the company private.

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

• 2 pharma stocks expected to soar.
• CVS call options were hot before earnings.
• 3 healthcare names that got destroyed today.
• Plus, the blue chip with room to run; Array Biopharma's FDA nod; and the cybersecurity concern scoring analyst love.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,628.91) gained 126.7 points, or 0.5%. Twenty-two blue chips closed the day higher, led by Caterpillar (CAT), which picked up 2.1%. Meanwhile, Apple (AAPL) paced the eight decliners with a 0.9% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,858.45) rose 8 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,883.66) picked up 24 points, or 0.3%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 10.93) shed 0.3 point, or 3%, for the day.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. Just one day after reporting better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and revenue, SeaWorld Entertainment (SEAS) announced it will be cutting 125 jobs as part of a company-wide restructuring. The firm said it will provide "severance benefits and transition assistance" for those impacted. (MarketWatch)
2. D.A. Davidson analyst Tom Forte is predicting Amazon's (AMZN) push into the travel and gas station industries. Alongside his reiterated "buy" rating for the FAANG stock, Forte acknowledged that rival Costco (COST) sees at least 10% of its profit come from gas stations, and "Amazon could sell consumers not only the airline tickets and hotel accommodations, but also everything they need for their trip." (CNBC)
3. Nike (NKE) stock could have more room to run.
4. Array Biopharma (ARRY) just scored an FDA nod.
5. A rallying cybersecurity stock backed by analysts.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Rebounds on Softening Dollar

Oil logged another day of gains after the Trump administration's sanctions on Iran went into effect. September-dated crude finished up 0.2%, or 16 cents, to settle at $69.17 per barrel.

Gold managed to eke out a win after the dollar softened against a basket of foreign currencies. December-dated gold futures finished 60 cents, or 0.5%, higher, at $1,218.30 an ounce.

Stocks finished the day mixed, with the Dow and S&P ending lower on disappointing  Walt Disney (DIS) earnings and a rough day for energy stocks. Lingering concerns about the tariff war with China also weighed on the indexes. The Nasdaq, on the other hand, ended higher on a good day for tech and FAANG stocks, extending its longest win streak since March. The VIX -- Wall Street's "fear index" -- fell for a fifth straight day, to its lowest point since January.

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

• A bullish signal is flashing for this restaurant stock.
• Amazon unveiled Whole Foods' latest Prime perk. 
• 2 car stocks ripe for downgrades. 
• Plus, the surging weed stock; TWNK's earnings slam; and why Dropbox stock put options were on fire.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,583.75) shed 45.2 points, or 0.2%. Fifteen blue chips closed the day higher, led by McDonald's (MCD), which picked up 1.8%. Meanwhile, DIS paced the remaining decliners with a 2.2% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,857.70) lost 0.8 point, or 0.03%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,888.33) picked up 4.7 points, or 0.06%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 10.85) shed 0.08 point, or 0.7%, for the day.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. After Elon Musk's string of tweets about taking Tesla (TSLA) private, Wall Street was quick to chime in. Analysts at Bernstein said they're "as confused as anyone else," while Piper Jaffray said a deal to go private "is unlikely to succeed in the very near term, if it succeeds at all." Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reportedly made inquiries into the tweets. (MarketWatch; CNBC)
2. The Trump administration will reportedly lay off roughly 40 workers at the Office of Financial Research (OFR), in an attempt to cut costs. Critics of the OFR -- an agency developed after the financial crisis to identify looming risks -- say it is unnecessary and a waste of money. (Reuters)
3. Bulls blitzed this weed stock on a trial approval.
4. Hostess Brands (TWNK) stock was slammed on an earnings miss.
5. Pre-earnings puts were hot on Dropbox stock.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Falls After Slimmer-than-Expected Stockpiles Drop

Oil took a turn for the worse in today's trading, plunging to nearly seven-week lows, following a smaller-than-expected drop in U.S. crude inventories. September-dated crude finished down 3.2%, or $2.23, to settle at $66.94 per barrel.

The U.S. dollar and bond yields weakened, sending gold higher for the second day in a row. December-dated futures finished $2.70, or 0.2%, higher, at $1,221 an ounce.