The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is down at midday, pressured by lackluster IBM Corp (IBM) earnings. Investors are also warily eyeing housing starts for September, which fell by a larger-than-expected margin and put added pressure on newly downgraded blue-chip Home Depot (HD). The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are firmly in the red too, despite an impressive earnings reaction from FAANG stock Netflix (NFLX). Elsewhere, oil prices are plummeting after a bigger-than-expected build in domestic inventories, with December-dated crude last seen 3% lower to trade at $69.71 per barrel. Looking ahead, traders will digest the latest Fed meeting minutes, which could provide clues to the pace of future rate hikes.

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

• This healthcare stock is suffering a post-earnings plunge.
• The courtroom win boosting this Netflix rival.
• Plus, options bulls target PayPal ahead of earnings; General Electric stock climbs after a contract win; and Campbell Soup stock sinks as a shareholder battle rages.

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:PYPL) is seeing unusual options volume today, with 24,000 calls on the tape, double the average intraday pace. Most active by far is the November 85 call, where Trade-Alert suggests new positions are being purchased. The payments processing name, wildly popular in analyst circles, reports third-quarter earnings after the close tomorrow. PYPL was last seen down 0.6% at $80.07, but is still up nearly 2% this week.

General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) stock is up 3.5% to trade at $12.51, one of the best stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today. The former Dow name is higher amid reports it scored an Iraqi power-generation contract worth $15 billion. Although GE has shed 28% in 2018, it is up roughly 10% this quarter, and flashed a rare bullish signal earlier this month.

On the other end of the spectrum is Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB), down 3.9% to trade at $36.83, one of the worst stocks on the S&P 500. Pressuring the stock lower today is news that the founder's heirs, which control a 41% stake in Campbell's, support the current board. Activist Daniel Loeb of Third Point Capital is fighting to get controlling shareholders to put the company up for sale. CPB shares have shed 23% in 2018, pressured lower by their 30-day moving average. 

U.S. stocks closed significantly higher in today's trading, with bullish sentiment stoked by impressive corporate earnings. Specifically, a strong post-report rally from UnitedHealth (UNH) helped send the Dow more than 567 points higher at its intraday peak, while traders also cheered results from big-cap names like Goldman Sachs (GS) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). Big earnings moves could continue to be a theme tomorrow, with results from Netflix (NFLX) and IBM (IBM) hitting the Street after tonight's closing bell.

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

• Founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer calls out the major VXX moving average that just jumped back into play.
• Analysts expect an earnings surprise from PayPal.
• The fracking stock with massive call volume.
• Plus, bet on a bounce for Lowe's; 2 stocks drilled after earnings; and a steel stock breakdown.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,798.42) surged 547.9 points, or 2.2%, for the day. All 30 Dow stocks closed in the black, with UNH as the top performer, finishing up 4.7%. Meanwhile, Verizon (VZ) picked up just 0.2%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,809.92) added 59.1 points, or 2.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,645.49) rose 214.8 points, or 2.9%, on the day.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 17.62) lost 3.7 points, or 17.3%, for the day. The VIX notched its third consecutive close below the crucial 21.70-22.50 area.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. Uber rival Lyft today announced its new 30-day riding subscription, which allows up to 30 free rides of up to $15 each (or more at a discounted rate) for $299 per month. The program is called the All-Access Pass, and the company said it is "the first step toward... making car ownership optional." (CNBC)
2. Another noteworthy launch today comes from Kroger (KR), which revealed that within the past week, it had begun delivering wine through a partnership with Drinks, an online winery site. The service is available in 14 states, including Florida and California. (MarketWatch)
3.  Why you should bet on a Lowe's stock bounce.
4.  Domino's and BlackRock stocks fell despite earnings beats.
5. Steel Dynamics breached crucial chart support ahead of earnings.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Ends at 2-Month High

Oil moved higher as talks collapsed between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait regarding the restarting of production in the the "neutral zone" oil fields. November-dated crude futures added 14 cents, or 0.2%, to close at $71.92 per barrel.

Gold futures remained little changed, as investors continued to seek refuge in the precious metal amid a continuously volatile market. December-dated gold added 70 cents, or 0.06%, to close at $1,231 per ounce -- its highest finish since July 31.

U.S. stocks closed lower today, as investors digested the newly released September Fed minutes -- temporarily pushing corporate earnings to the back burner. A majority of Fed officials now support a shift toward a more restrictive monetary policy, though central bankers differ over how long rates should remain high enough to constrain economic growth. In another day of volatile trading, the major equity indexes made a few forays onto positive ground, but were unable to find traction north of breakeven.

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

• What happens when there's a  52-week low pileup?
• 2 pharma stocks popping on analyst attention.
• Fresh headwinds for Home Depot stock.
• Plus, the healthcare stock hit by earnings; the catalyst behind Roku's rally; and oil slides below $70.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,706.68) gave up 91.7 points, or 0.4%, for the day. Eighteen Dow stocks closed in the black, with Goldman Sachs (GS) as the top performer, finishing up about 3%. Meanwhile, IBM (IBM) paced the 12 losers with a 7.6% post-earnings drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,809.21) shed 0.7 point, or 0.03%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,642.70) lost 2.8 points, or 0.04%, for the day.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 17.40) today let go of 0.2 point, or 1.3%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. Today, Canada became the second country, and first industrialized country, to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had promised the recreational legalization during his campaign. (CNBC)
2. Anonymous sources told Reuters that Amazon (AMZN) is targeting Queretaro  state in Mexico for its fourth distribution center in the country. The as-yet-unconfirmed plans reportedly involve the construction of a 1-million square foot warehouse. (Reuters)
3.  Healthcare stock suffers post-earnings blow.
4.  Roku rally sparked by Mexico ban reversal.  
5.  Nucor stock looks to break earnings slump.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Breaks Below $70 as Supplies Surge

Oil futures suffered after the weekly increase in U.S. stockpiles more than tripled analyst estimates at 6.5 million barrels. November-dated crude shed $2.17, or 3%, to settle at $69.75 per barrel. 

Gold futures closed lower as the U.S. dollar firmed, with December-dated gold settling down $3.60, or 0.3%, at $1,227.40 an ounce. The precious metal extended its decline in electronic trading after the release of the Fed meeting minutes.

Losses for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) are accelerating at midday, as investors continue to fret about the hawkish Fed meeting minutes and digest a big overnight sell-off in Chinese stocks. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are also lower, as corporate earnings begin to take center stage. Elsewhere, Wall Street's "fear gauge," the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), is higher at last check, and on track to snap a four-day losing streak.

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

• This penny stock is up over 250% today.
• Bear notes and dismal data hit homebuilding stocks.
• Plus, options bears blast Target; Alcoa stock climbs after earnings; and a downgrade cripples Gap stock.

Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) is seeing unusual options volume today, with more than 5,000 puts on the tape, double the average intraday pace. Most active is the weekly 10/26 85-strike put, where Trade-Alert suggests new positions are being purchased. TGT was last seen down 0.2% at $84.23, but boasts a 29% gain in 2018 and nabbed a record high of $90.39 back on Sept. 10.

After surging earlier this month in step with aluminum prices, Alcoa Corp (NYSE:AA) stock is up 7.8% to trade at $39.59, one of the best stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today. Last night, the aluminum company reported third-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations, while announcing a $200 million share buyback plan. AA fell to an annual low of $35.13 on Oct. 11, but today is on track for its best day since April 25, 2017.

Gap Inc (NYSE:GPS), meanwhile, is down 4.7% to trade at $25.87, and earlier hit a new annual low of $25.34. Pressuring the stock lower today is a downgrade from J. P. Morgan Securities to "underweight" from "neutral," as well as a price-target cut to $24 from $30. The analyst in coverage expressed concern over margins and continuing sales weakness. Shares of GPS have now shed almost 25% in 2018, and have been guided lower by their 30-day moving average since late August.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures are trading below fair value this morning, with focus staying on yesterday's release of the Fed meeting minutes. Earnings also continue to roll through, as blue chip Travelers (TRV) released numbers this morning, and the post-close schedule is highlighted by American Express (AXP).

For economic data, 210,000 Americans filed for unemployment benefits in the past week, coming in below forecasts of 212,000 and providing more evidence of a tight labor market. Against this backdrop, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) are set to open lower, as well.

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

• The construction stock in danger of more downside. 
• Inside the pre-earnings options trading on American Express.
• Teva stock just flashed a bearish signal.
• Plus, Travelers' earnings move; eBay goes after Amazon; and M&A developments in the healthcare sector.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 915,666 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 621,882 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.68, and the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.63.
2. TRV shares are trading lower in pre-market action, even after the company reported better-than-expected earnings and revenue. It's been a rough year for the shares, which have fallen from around $150 in early February to yesterday's close at $126.44. The insurance giant recently made headlines thanks to a partnership with Amazon, so maybe that could bear fruit for the company going forward.
3. Speaking of Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), eBay Inc (NASDAQ:EBAY) is suing the company for supposedly trying to recruit eBay sellers away from the e-commerce site. The accusation comes less than a month after Amazon employees were accused of taking bribes from merchants. But AMZN shares have continued to rise in 2018, while EBAY stock has struggled.
4. Today's big M&A story is Novartis (NVS) buying prostate cancer specialist Endocyte, Inc. (NASDAQ:ECYT) for just over $2 billion. ECYT shares have surged over 50% before the open as a result of the news, and the stock had already been strong prior to the announcement.
5. Today traders will also take in the Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey and the Fed balance sheet. St. Louis Fed President James Bullard will speak. It'll be a voluminous day for earnings reports, with AXP, Intuitive Surgical (ISRG), PayPal (PYPL), E*Trade (ETFC), KeyCorp (KEY), Limelight Networks (LLNW), Nucor (NUE), Philip Morris (PM), Skechers USA (SKX) and Sonoco (SON) all reporting. 

China Stocks Get Crushed

Stocks in Asia suffered in Thursday's trading, taking cues from yesterday's U.S. Fed-related market dip. Japan's Nikkei closed 0.8% lower, after data showed exports in the region unexpectedly fell last month for the first time since 2016. Plunging oil stocks and a weakening yuan -- which closed at its lowest level against the U.S. dollar since January 2017 -- pushed China's Shanghai Composite down 2.9%, near a four-year low. Lastly, South Korea's Kospi fell 0.9%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng closed 0.03% lower.

European markets are trading mostly lower at midday, as traders digest a raft of earnings reports. Among the big winners is French-based grocery name Carrefour, while a post-earnings drop for Germany's HeidelbergCement is weighing on the construction sector. At last check, London's FTSE 100 is 0.1% lower, Germany's DAX is down 0.06%. France's CAC 40, meanwhile, is enjoying a 0.3% gain.

U.S. stocks closed sharply lower in today's trading, extending the prior session's late-day Fed jitters. Heavy losses for Chinese stocks prompted weakness in big names like Caterpillar (CAT), which weighed on the Dow. And while the VIX snapped its four-day string of declines, the S&P 500 showed some resilience, battling back from its session lows in the final minutes to close just fractions of a point above its 200-day moving average.

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

• Citron says this biotech stock will fall 86%.
• The catalyst that sparked heavy Gap options volume.
• The FAANG partnership that sparked a strong open for SIRI.
• Plus, a bull signal for CLF; the "10-bagger" stock with bargain options; and a $2.1 billion drug deal.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,379.45) gave up 327.2 points, or 1.3%, for the day. Just six Dow stocks ended the day higher, with Verizon (VZ) leading the way, closing up 1.3%. Meanwhile, CAT paced the 24 losers with a 3.9% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,768.78) shed 40.4 points, or 1.4%. However, the index has now managed to close three consecutive days back above its 200-day moving average, located at 2,768.02. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,485.14) lost 157.6 points, or 2.1%, for the day.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 20.06) broke its losing streak and added 2.7 points, or 15.3%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. The Mega Millions jackpot in the U.S. has reached roughly $970 million, each day edging closer to the billion dollar mark. The next drawing is scheduled for Friday evening, with tickets priced at $2 each. The largest lottery ever won was a 2016 Powerball jackpot worth $1.586 billion. (MarketWatch)
2. Following an announcement from Apple today that a new product launch will be held in Brooklyn, New York, on Oct. 30, consumers and media are speculating on new Macbook and iPad reveals. Keeping it characteristically vague, the technology giant simply said, "There’s more in the making." (Bloomberg)
3. Mining stock nears a bullish trendline before earnings.
4. Options are on sale for this 2018 10-bagger stock.
5. The $2.1 billion deal that moved a pair of drug stocks.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Closes Higher While Oil Keeps Sliding

Crude futures fell again, moving in step with stocks as investors continued to digest this week's bearish inventories report. November-dated crude let go of $1.10, or 1.6%, to settle at $68.65 per barrel. 

Gold closed modestly higher in today's trading, bucking a stronger dollar amid turmoil in the equities market. December-dated gold futures finished up $2.70, or 0.2%, at $1,230.10 an ounce.

Stocks are signaling a comeback after another big sell-off yesterday. Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures are trading nearly 100 points above fair value, getting help from well-received earnings out of blue chips American Express (AXP) and Procter & Gamble (PG). Futures are also higher for the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 (NDX), setting stocks up for a potential weekly win.

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

• A 2018 10-bagger with options on sale.
• Why spread traders are hammering this drug stock.
• Volatility expectations are rising on Apple.
• Plus, PayPal earnings impress; and 2 auto stocks hit by downgrades. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 924,537 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 679,274 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.73, and the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.64.
2. PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:PYPL) is set for a major earnings win, just as analysts were expecting. The shares are up 7.4% in pre-market trading, as earnings topped expectations thanks to strong growth from the company's Venmo business. PYPL shares settled at $77.48 yesterday, down from their Sept. 13 peak of $93.70.
3. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is set to hit new lows today following a downgrade to "equal weight" from "overweight" at Morgan Stanley, which also reduced its price target to $10 from $14. The stock is already down 31% year-to-date, but options traders have remained interested in call buying.
4. Harley-Davidson Inc (NYSE:HOG) is also pacing for a lower open today after a bear note. BMO downgraded HOG stock to "market perform" from "outperform," and lowered its price target to $45 from $52. The shares have been chopping near two-year lows since May.
5. Today will feature reports on existing home sales. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic is scheduled to speak. Honeywell (HON), Schlumberger (SLB), and State Street (STT) will report earnings. Next week's earnings schedule is dominated by FAANG stocks.

Investors React to China GDP Data

Markets in Asia closed mixed today, after China's gross domestic product (GDP) report came in just below estimates. The 6.5% growth for the third quarter marked the slowest pace of expansion in over nine years, but the Shanghai Composite closed 2.6% higher after the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) announced new measures to prop up the faltering stock market. South Korea’s Kospi and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng both added 0.4%, while Japan’s Nikkei suffered a 0.6% pullback on falling machinery stocks.

Stocks in Europe are mixed in afternoon trading as disappointing earnings from the auto and travel sectors weigh heavy. Also in focus are Italian banks amid the back and forth between Rome and the European Commission, regarding Italy's "particularly serious non-compliance" with structural deficit guidelines in its 2019 budget. At last check, London’s FTSE 100 is up 0.5%, France’s CAC 40 is down 0.5%, and Germany’s DAX is just fractionally higher.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is moving higher into the weekend, boosted by well-received earnings reports from the likes of American Express (AXP) and Procter & Gamble (PG), with PG up 6.8% to lead the blue-chip index at midday. Investors are also breathing a sigh of relief over China, after the country's securities regulator announced new measures to prop up the faltering stock market. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are also firmly higher, and all three indexes are heading toward weekly wins. Elsewhere, oil prices are climbing once more, with November-dated crude futures up 1% at $69.35 per barrel, at last check. 

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

• 2 streaming stocks treated to bull notes.
• Post-earnings price-target adjustments for PayPal stock.
• Plus, options bears pile on beleaguered GameStop; Skechers races higher after earnings beat; and Bernstein is bearish on Biogen.

Echoing an options trend from last month, GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME) is seeing unusual options volume today. More than 13,000 puts are on the tape, marking five times the average intraday volume, and arriving in the 99th annual percentile. Most active is the November 14 put, where Trade-Alert suggests new positions are being purchased. GME was last seen down 2.2% at $14.74, and has shed nearly 18% in 2018. 

Skechers USA Inc (NYSE:SKX) stock is up 15.7% to trade at $30.23, the best stock on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today. Last night, the sneaker company reported third-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations, while raising its fourth-quarter revenue forecast. SKX shares are heading toward their best day in nearly a year, and are trading above their 100-day moving average for the first time since a mid-April bear gap.

Biogen Inc (NASDAQ:BIIB) meanwhile, is down 1.4% to trade at $325.70, after Bernstein downgraded the biotech name to "market perform," while trimming its price target to $341 from $373. The analyst in coverage believes the stock is relatively unlikely to outperform until the first quarter of 2020, when successful Alzheimer's drug trials could be a bullish driver. BIIB is heading toward its third straight weekly loss, and is holding just about 2% above its year-to-date breakeven level. 

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading above fair value this morning, signaling a nearly triple-digit jump for the blue-chip index. Stocks look set to follow the lead of their Chinese counterparts, which soared thanks to reports the country could introduce new stimulus measures, while President Xi also promised to support the private sector. Back in the homeland, traders are preparing for a busy week of corporate earnings releases, though today's earnings and economic slate is somewhat light.

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

• The China stock halted after a 300% spike.
• Call traders jumped on this drugmaker's trial update.
• Plus, 3 big-name stocks on analysts' radars this morning.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.10 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 906,243 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.82, and the 21-day moving average moved up to 0.65.
2. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) is trading 1% higher in pre-market action following an upgrade to "buy" from "neutral" at Nomura. The stock has been trending lower in recent months, and upside momentum could stall in the face of the formerly supportive 320-day moving average. The company is set to report earnings after the close this Thursday, Oct. 25.
3. eBay Inc (NASDAQ:EBAY) stock has been struggling all year, losing close to 9% on Friday to hit fresh lows after an analyst downgrade. Monness Crespi Hardt and BofA-Merrill Lynch followed this up with downgrades to "neutral" from "buy" this morning, and the latter sliced its price target to $33 from $44. EBAY shares are set to drop another 1.8% at the open. Year-to-date, they're down close to 24%.
4. Another name seeing analyst attention this morning is Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG), which was upgraded to "outperform" from "sector perform" at RBC. The brokerage firm also boosted its price target to $510 from $450, citing changes to the company's menu and its new focus on delivery. On the other hand, Wedbush lowered its price target on CMG stock to $380 from $445.
5. It will be a relatively light start to a heavy earnings week, with Halliburton (HAL), Kimberly-Clark (KMB), and TD Ameritrade (AMTD) reporting.

China Stocks Lead Rally In Asia

Stocks in Asia surged today, with a significant lead coming from Chinese markets on optimism over expected stimulus measures. China's Shanghai Composite jumped 4.1% for its biggest daily gain in two years, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 2.3%. Japan’s Nikkei reversed early losses and closed 0.4% higher, while South Korea’s Kospi took home a 0.3% win.

European markets are higher at midday, with stocks in Italy leading the way after credit ratings firm Moody's gave an expected downgrade, but issued a "stable" outlook for the region. Fiat is also in focus, up 5% after the company agreed to sell its Magneti Marelli unit to Japan's Calsonic Kansei for $7.1 billion. Elsewhere, Ryanair is up 5.7% in London after earnings. At last check, London’s FTSE 100 has added 0.9%, Germany’s DAX is 0.8% higher, and France’s CAC 40 is seeing a modest 0.5% gain.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is down at midday, pivoting lower to surrender modest early gains. Despite optimism stemming from a rally in Chinese markets, the volatility that has come to define this month has flared up once again, with the blue-chip index exploring a 280-point trading range on both sides of breakeven today. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) is lower with the Dow, though the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) is in the black at last check, on track to snap a three-day losing streak. While the earnings schedule is light today, investors are bracing for an onslaught of corporate reports set to hit later this week. 

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

• The chip stock soaring on pre-earnings price-target hikes.
• An FDA decision dropping this drug stock. 
• Plus, options bulls eye Mattel; Alibaba stock rallies with China stocks; and Nektar Therapeutics stock continues to struggle.

Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) is seeing unusual options volume today. Nearly 7,000 calls are on the tape -- seven times the average intraday volume, and arriving in the 95th percentile of its annual range. Most active is the weekly 11/9 15-strike call, where Trade-Alert suggests new positions are being purchased. MAT was last seen down 1.7% at $13.98, swooning in sympathy with Hasbro (HAS), and the toymaker will report earnings after the close on Thursday, Oct 25.

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA) stock is up 4% to trade at $149.08, rallying with Chinese stocks while shaking off yet another bear note, this time from Benchmark. BABA fell to an annual low of $135.14 on Oct. 11, and has encountered stiff resistance from its 30-day moving average since late June. 

Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NKTR) is down 17.4% to trade at $39.82 -- one of the worst stocks on the S&P 500 today -- despite a discernible catalyst. NKTR moved lower at the start of October following a scathing short seller review of its primary drug NKTR-214. The biotech stock has now shed nearly 34% this month, and has racked up three straight weekly losses going into today. 

U.S. stocks closed today mixed, with the Dow staying afloat on the back of impressive blue-chip earnings -- specifically, from American Express (AXP) and Procter & Gamble (PG). The S&P spent the session dancing around breakeven, eventually closing lower alongside the Nasdaq and struggling tech stocks. Regardless, both the Dow and S&P managed to hold onto positive territory for the week, while the Nasdaq suffered its third straight week in the red.

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

• This oil stock buy signal has never been wrong.
• 3 auto stocks getting slammed.
• Plus, the upgraded Dow stock; analysts sideline EBAY; and the oil name with pricey puts.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,444.34) tacked on 64.9 points, or 0.3%, for the day. Seventeen Dow stocks ended the day higher, with PG leading the way, closing up 8.8%. Meanwhile, Caterpillar (CAT) paced the 13 losers for the second day in a row, with a 2.7% drop. The blue-chip index added 0.4% on the week.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,767.78) shed 1 point, or 0.04%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,449.03) lost 36.1 points, or 0.5%, for the day. For the week, the S&P gained 0.02% and the Nasdaq lost 0.6%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 19.89) let go of 0.2 point, or 0.9%, in today's trading, and 6.2% for the week.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. A report out of the Wall Street Journal today said Amazon (AMZN) is honing in on the final choice for its new headquarters. Company executives have revisited a handful of the top 20 list of cities released earlier this year, and a permanent decision is expected to be made by the end of 2018. (CNBC)
2. Apple (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook earlier today publicly demanded that Bloomberg retract its China hacking story, which was released earlier this month. Cook stated there was "no truth" behind the report that compromised motherboards impacted Apple servers, though Bloomberg continues to back its publishing and sources. (MarketWatch)
3. The Dow stock upgraded on streaming potential.
4. Analysts head to sidelines on eBay stock.
5. Which oil stock is sporting pricey puts before earnings.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Falters for the Week, Surges on Day

Oil posted an impressive daily gain as concerns grew over the missing U.S. Saudi-based journalist, and amid signs of surging demand from China. November-dated crude added 47 cents, or 0.7%, to settle at $69.12 per barrel for the day, and posted a 3.1% decline for the week. 

Gold futures suffered a daily loss but managed to gain on the week, as investors continued to flock toward the precious metal for refuge from a volatile market. December-dated gold fell $1.40, or 0.1%, to close at $1,228.70 per ounce for the day, but logged a 0.5% -- and third straight -- weekly gain.

It was another unpredictable session for U.S. equity benchmarks. Today's trading started off strong out of the gate, following suit with a big day for China stocks -- but geopolitical tensions with Saudi Arabia remained at the forefront, and investors quickly turned cautious ahead of an onslaught of earnings reports slated for later this week. By the close, the major market indexes were straddling both sides of breakeven.

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

• Buy signals flash for Corning before earnings.
• Earnings speculators bet on lofty moves for Biogen stock. 
• Analyst sees big upside for Chipotle. 
• Plus, the chip stock popping pre-earnings; BMY falls; and oil futures react to Saudi news.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,317.41) fell 126.9 points, or 0.5%, for the day. Eleven Dow stocks ended the day higher, with Intel (INTC) leading the way, closing up 2.3%. Meanwhile, DowDuPont (DWDP) paced the 19 losers with a 2.5% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,755.88) shed 11.9 points, or 0.4%, to tally its fourth straight daily decline. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,468.63) outperformed by adding 19.6 points, or 0.3%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 19.64) shed 0.3 point, or 1.3%, in today's trading.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. Just days after its stock was downgraded to "equal weight" at Morgan Stanley, Ford (F) has resumed production on its Ranger pickup truck for the first time since 2011. The company also plans to begin making its Bronco model again for the first time since its discontinuation in 1996. Both initiatives are a part of the truck maker's push to follow U.S. buying trends toward more midsized vehicles. (CNBC) 
2. Yet another hurricane is headed toward North America. This time, Hurricane Willa -- presently a Category 5 storm -- is nearing the coast of Mexico, 175 miles southwest of Las Islas Marias. The National Hurricane Center said Willa is "potentially catastrophic," and may drop 18 inches of rain by Tuesday. (MarketWatch)
3.  How AMD shares managed a pre-earnings pop.
4.  Bristol-Myers Squibb stock is near annual-low territory after an FDA delay.
5.  3 stocks making monster moves.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Edges Higher on Saudi Arabia Reassurance

Oil futures reversed early losses and closed slightly higher, as Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid Al Falih said the country has "no intention" of staging a repeat of the 1973 oil embargo. The expiring November crude futures contract picked up 5 cents, or 0.07%, to settle at $69.17 per barrel for the day. Crude for December delivery edged up 8 cents, or 0.1%, to settle at $69.36 per barrel.

Gold closed today's session slightly lower, pressured by a strengthening U.S. dollar. December-dated gold futures fell $4.10, or 0.3%, to close at $1,224.60 per ounce.