U.S. stock futures are pointing to a lower open, with earnings and economic data in focus. Weekly jobless claims showed 210,000 Americans filed for unemployment benefits in the past week, matching expectations, and the Philly Fed manufacturing index rose to a three-year high in February. Still, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) looks set for a slow start to the day, and the same appears true for the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX), which could cool after Wednesday's record highs.

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

• Volatility expectations pick up ahead of one Apple supplier's quarterly report.
• Call buying has stayed popular on Tesla.
• Plus, Domino's heats up; Morgan Stanley's $13 billion bet; and Stamps.com is set to surge.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.6 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, to 717,581 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved to 0.45, and the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.54.
2. Domino's Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ) is in focus this morning as the shares rally in pre-market trading following the company's earnings release. DPZ stock is up 17.5% thanks to strong same-store sales figures and a profit beat, which sets up the pizza name for a seventh straight win and a new record high.
3. On the M&A front this morning traders are taking in news that Morgan Stanley (MS) is buying E-Trade Financial Corp (NASDAQ:ETFC) for $13 billion, in the latest shake-up of the online brokerage space. This has ETFC stock up 22% before the open, after the shares had dropped 7.6% in the past year.
4. Another big pre-market mover is Stamps.com Inc. (NASDAQ:STMP), pacing for a 37% surge at the open. The company's fourth-quarter results blew past estimates, and it gave a strong outlook, as well, setting the shares up for their best day in roughly four years.
5. AK Steel (AKS), Dropbox (DBX), Henry Schein (HSIC), Puma Biotech (PBYI), and Universal Display (OLED) will all step into the earnings confessional.

Earnings in Focus in Europe

Stocks in Asia were a mixed bag on Thursday. China’s Shanghai Composite surged 1.8%, after the country reduced its loan prime rate (LPR) -- as expected -- in an attempt to ease the economic toll the coronavirus has taken. The Nikkei in Japan muscled higher by 0.3%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 0.2%, and the South Korean Kospi dropped 0.7%.

A spate of disappointing earnings over in Europe has left the major bourses lower at midday. The French CAC 40 and German DAX are both down 0.2%, the former dampened by a weak forecast from Air France. Meanwhile, the London FTSE 100 is down 0.05%.

Stocks are suddenly selling off sharply at midday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) down almost 300 points at last check. The losses are just as deep for the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC), while gold prices surge to fresh highs amid the risk-off trading. At last check, April-dated gold futures were trading up 0.8% at $1,624.10 per ounce. Similarly, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) is making a double-digit percentage move to the upside, while the technology sector is taking one of the biggest hits so far.

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

• The buyout buzz boosting this brokerage stock. 
• Breaking down L Brands' $525 million Victoria's Secret sale. 
• Plus, bulls pick up CLVS stock before earnings; positive drug data pushes BBI stock higher; and TVTY hits four-year bottom. 

Clovis Oncology Inc (NASDAQ:CLVS) is seeing an unusual amount of bullish activity in the options pits today, just ahead of its quarterly earnings report on Monday, Feb. 24. So far, 10,000 calls have exchanged hands -- two times the intraday average -- compared to just 1,946 puts. The February 10 call is the most popular, followed by the March 13 call, with positions being opened at the latter. 

Brickell Biotech Inc (NASDAQ:BBI) is one of the top performers on the Nasdaq today, up 85.2% to trade at $3.37 after publishing positive data for its mid-stage study of its sofpironium bromide treatment in patients with axillary hyperhidrosis. BBI earlier hit a four-month high of $3.98, and is now being neatly contained by its 200-day and 140-day moving averages. 

Tivity Health Inc (NASDAQ:TVTY) is one of the worst performers on the Nasdaq today following a dismal fourth-quarter earnings report, compounded by news that the company's CEO Donato Tramuto put in his immediate resignation. The news sparked at least seven price target cuts, and several downgrades from analysts, including Cantor Fitzgerald which slashed its price target to $17 all the way from $40, and downgraded the security to "neutral" from "overweight." At last check, TVTY is trading at its lowest level since 2016, down 44.7% at $12.71. 

The Dow finished with a triple-digit loss today, its third-straight day moving at least 100 points, regardless of direction. The blue-chip index was down by almost 400 points at its session lows, hit by a sudden midday sell-off potentially triggered by lingered COVID-19 concerns. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq also closed in the red. In response, Wall Street's "fear gauge," the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) notched its highest close in weeks. 

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

• Calls are flying off the shelf for this penny stock.
• This casino stock suffered a data breach today.
• Plus, Avis Budget dominates earnings; LL subject to Reddit speculation; and Domino's logs best day ever. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 29,219.98) finished 128.1 points, or 0.4% lower for the day. Dow (DOW) paced the nine winners with a 2.5% gain, while Intel (INTC) paced the 20 laggards with a 2.5% drop. J.P. Morgan Chase (JPM) broke even.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,373.23) shed 12.9 points, or 0.4%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 9,750.97) lost on 66.2 points, or 0.7%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 15.56) gained 1.2 point, or 8.2%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Democratic Presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg -- who turned in a lackluster showing at last night's debate -- spent over $220 million on his campaign in January. According to filing with the Federal Election Commission, Bloomberg's campaign has now spent a total of $409 million since formally entering the race in late November. (Reuters)
2. Roger Stone, former advisor to President Donald Trump, was sentenced to three years in prison today for perjury before Congress. The sentencing also accused Stone of tampering with a witness, all in efforts to protect President Trump from Congressional inquiries. (CNBC)
3. Avis options are red-hot after upbeat earnings today.
4. Lumber Liquidators stock is buzzing on the internet today.
5. Blowout earnings led to Domino's stock's best day ever.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Stays Strong; Gold Gets Sixth Straight

Crude futures added gains for the second-straight day, after the U.S. reported a weekly climb in domestic crude inventories that was smaller than expected. March-dated oil added 49 cents, or 0.9% to settle at $53.78 per barrel. April-dated oil -- now the front month contract -- gained 39 cents, or 0.7% to settle at $53.88.

Gold futures logged their sixth-straight win today, as safe-haven assets unpack what's become a persistent coronavirus threat. Gold for April delivery gained $8.70, or 0.5%, to settle at $1,620.50 an ounce.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading more than 100 points below fair value, as coronavirus concerns pick back up. This comes after stocks suddenly pulled back on Thursday, with the selling set to continue on the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX), as well. As such, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) could be due for another rise, along with gold prices, while the Dow and S&P 500 are pacing for weekly losses.

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

• The Reddit speculation that sparked huge trading on Lumber Liquidators.
• How traders reacted to the Avis Budget stock surge.
• Plus, gold stock jumps; penny stock on the rise; and Dropbox eyes a comeback.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.66 million call contracts traded on Friday, to 856,216 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved to 0.51, and the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.54.
2. The rise in gold prices were able to help quarterly results from AngloGold Ashanti Limited (NYSE:AU), which is set to rise 6.5% at the open. The shares could now take aim at the $23 area that's capped their upside in the past six months. For their part, options traders at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) have been very bullish in the past 10 days, buying 10.30 calls for every put.
3. Penny stock DPW Holdings Inc (NYSEAMERICAN:DPW) is trading up 36.4% before the open, on news one of its subsidiaries received a $1.4 million order from an aerospace customer. The stock will try to make up some of its massive year-over-year losses, as it closed yesterday at $1.54, compared to a year-ago price near $80.
4. Dropbox Inc (NASDAQ:DBX) is up 16.5% in pre-market trading, thanks to the company's better-than-expected quarterly results. This has DBX pacing to trade above $20 for the first time since November, and above the 200-day moving average for the first time since August.
5. The Markit manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) and the Markit services PMI come out today. Existing home sales will also be in the spotlight. The end of the week is relatively quiet on the earnings side, with Cinemark (CNK) reporting.

Mixed Trading Overseas

Asian markets were mostly lower today, with the exception of China’s Shanghai Composite, which added 0.3%, amid reports from China’s Ministry of Commerce that work in the region has resumed rapidly, specifically in foreign trade provinces Guangdong and Jiangsu. On the other hand, South Korea’s Kospi suffered a considerable 1.5% loss after chipmaker SK Hynix said 800 employees quarantined themselves upon discovering a trainee had contact with a coronavirus patient. Elsewhere, Japan’s Nikkei dropped 0.4% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.1%.

Stocks in Europe are mostly flat midday, as investors respond to a standstill in the European Union’s budget talks, as well as anxieties over a growing number of coronavirus cases. At last check, London’s FTSE 100 is down 0.1%, the German DAX is up 0.1%, while the French CAC 40 is sitting at breakeven.

Stocks are continuing their steep sell-off midday with the the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) off almost 250 points at last check as an increase in coronavirus cases stokes investor anxiety. Things don't look much better for the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC), with the later dragged lower by a struggling tech sector. All three indexes are eyeing their first weekly losses since January. Meanwhile, April-dated gold is still surging, hitting yet another fresh seven-year high, up 1.6% at $1,647.20 per ounce at last glance.

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

• Coca-Cola stock holds steady, despite coronavirus warning. 
• Why RBC is eyeing CHWY stock today.  
• Plus, Virgin Galactic puts blast off ahead of earnings; EGO stock climbs higher; and VAL stock stumbles on earnings miss. 

There's an unusual amount of bearish activity surrounding Virgin Galatic Holdings Inc (NYSE:SPCE) midday, with its quarterly earnings report due out early next week. So far, 89,000 puts have crossed the tape -- four times the intraday average -- compared to 85,000 calls, which are also running slightly hotter than usual. Most of this action is surrounding the monthly February series with the 35 and 40 contracts the most popular on the call side, with positions being opened at the former, and the 30, 32, 33, and 36 contracts on the put side. 

Eldorado Gold Corp (NYSE:EGO) is one of the best performers on the New York Stock Exchange after posting fourth-quarter earnings of 13 cents per share -- much higher than its 11 cents per share loss announced last year -- and revenue of $191.90 million, which beat analysts' estimates. EGO is trading back near its early September peak, and just toppled its 120-day moving average for the first time since early January. At last check, EGO is up 24.5% to trade at $9.46. 

Offshore drilling concern Valaris PLC (NYSE:VAL) is one of the worst stocks on the New York Stock Exchange today, down 20.4% to trade at $4.54 after reporting losses of $1.55 per share for its fourth quarter, which missed analysts' estimates. The company's reported revenue of $512.10 million did exceed expectations, however. 

U.S. stock futures are trading above fair value this morning, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) looks to snap its three-day losing streak. Traders so far are monitoring the release of the producer price index (PPI) for January, which increased more than expected for the month. Later on, investors will be met with the Fed's meeting minutes from January, as well. In the meantime, a rebound in tech names like Apple (AAPL) and Tesla (TSLA) could also help push the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) higher to start the day.

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

• Schaeffer's Quantitative Analyst Chris Prybal discusses what the S&P's six-month run could mean for stocks.
• How bulls have played Virgin Galactic's wild rise, from founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer.
• Plus, 3 stocks set for major post-earnings moves.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.48 million call contracts traded on Tuesday, to 751,922 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved to 0.51, and the 21-day moving average was 0.54.
2. The first name we recommend tracking this morning is gunfire detection specialist Shotspotter Inc (NASDAQ:SSTI). The stock is up 18% in pre-market trading thanks to its strong fourth-quarter results, which inspired a price-target hike to $44 from $30 at Craig-Hallum. This price action would put SSTI above its 200-day moving average for the first since since July. The equity had been steadily gaining since hitting annual lows in the $20 region back in October.
3. Another earnings winner this morning is Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN), as the navigation technology expert gains 7.8% before the open. Revenue and earnings per share both topped estimates for the fourth quarter, with the latter metric in particular blowing away analysts' expectations. GRMN shares had been consolidating in recent months right near the 50-day moving average and 52-week-high territory.
4. On the loser's side is Scientific Games Corp (NASDAQ:SGMS). The shares of the gambling technology company are pacing for a 14% drop at the open due to a quarterly loss. Even with the expected price action, though, SGMS would be above the $25 region that has contained pullbacks this year.
5. Data on housing starts and building permits comes out today, too. On the earnings front, focus will be turned toward Cheesecake Factory (CAKE), Hyatt Hotels (H), Immunomedics (IMMU), and Mosaic.

European Stocks Rise

Markets in Asia were mixed, as investors keep a close eye on China’s return to more normal working conditions following an extended production shutdown in the face of the deadly coronavirus outbreak. The region’s Shanghai Composite lost 0.3%, while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong tacked on 0.5%, and the Kospi in South Korea managed a nearly 0.1% win. Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei was 0.9% higher, as traders digested a 2.6% year-over-year drop in export data, which came in much lower than the 6.9% dip expected by analysts.

Over in Europe, stocks are higher amid the European Union’s initial launch of a series of white paper proposals, meant to help companies in the region capitalize on their massive amounts of industrial numbers, while keeping major U.S. tech names in check. At last glance, London’s FTSE 100 is up 0.7%, the French CAC 40 has climbed 0.6%, and the German DAX has jumped 0.5%.  

The Dow stumbled into the weekend with an 227-point loss. The blue-chip index breached the 29,000 level amid resurfacing coronavirus fears, after over 800 new cases were reported overnight in China. The S&P 500 and tech-rich Nasdaq also finished sharply lower, with FAANG stocks and the chip sector among the day's notable laggards. All three benchmarks finished with weekly losses of 1% or more.

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

• Dropbox options were red hot after earnings.
• Coca-Cola gave a coronavirus update that isn't as bad as feared.
• Plus, Fitbit falls post-earnings; a big upgrade for CHWY; and SPX sounding a bullish signal. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 28,992.41) finished 227.6 points, or 0.8% lower for the day. United Technologies (UTX) paced the nine winners with a 1.1% gain, while Microsoft (MSFT) paced the 21 laggards with a 3.2% drop. For the week, the Dow ended 1.4% lower.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,337.75) shed 35.5 points, or 1.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 9,576.59) lost 174.4 points, or 1.8%. The S&P lost 1.3% on the week, while the Nasdaq closed with a 1.6% weekly loss.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 17.08) gained 1.5 point, or 9.8%. It ended the week up 24.9%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Elon Musk's SpaceX company is looking to raise about $250 million at a price of $220 a share, increasing SpaceX’s market value to around $36 billion. The company is about to enter development of three important projects; Crew Dragon, Starlink and Starship. (CNBC)
2. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yields’ week-long slump continues, as the number of coronavirus cases increased. It was also reported that the 30-year bond yield fell to 1.9%, a new record all-time low. (MarketWatch)
3. Fitbit stock took a hit after a lackluster earnings report.
4. RBC likes the risk-reward outlook of Chewy stock.
5. Here's why stocks could see more upside soon.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Stays Strong; Gold Gets Seven Straight

Crude futures snapped a two-day win streak today, after talks between Saudi Arabia and Russia broke down over a decision to cut oil production. April-dated oil shed 50 cents, or 0.9% to settle at $53.38 per barrel. For the week, black gold added 2%. 

Gold futures made it seven straight wins today, as the sliding government bond yields adds support for the safe-haven asset. Gold for April delivery gained $28.30, or 1.8%, to settle at $1,648.80 an ounce. Gold finished the week up 3.9%, its best week since June.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are pointing to a massive pullback in stocks this morning, as the blue-chip index eyes a nearly 800-point sell-off at the open. The tech sector is set to get hit the hardest due to fresh coronavirus headwinds, with the number of cases growing substantially around the globe. This is setting up equities for one of the worst days in months, while gold prices are soaring amid the risk-off atmosphere.

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

• Short sellers have their eye on Fitbit.
• Bulls bet on this hot cloud stock.
• Plus, beverage stock upgraded; coronavirus stocks rise; and a gold name eyeing fresh highs. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.49 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 1.08 million put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved to 0.73, and the 21-day moving average was 0.55.
2. Keurig Dr Pepper Inc (NYSE:KDP) was upgraded to "equal-weight" from "underweight" at Morgan Stanley, which raised its price target to $29 from $28. This is actually just below KDP's Friday close though, when the shares notched their highest close since early December. 
3. While most stocks are set to fall this morning, companies that have a hand in containing the virus could see their share price rise today. For instance, mask maker Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:APT) is set to rise more than 12%, and vaccine producer Moderna Inc (NASDAQ:MRNA) is pacing for a positive open, too.
4. Another group that will see strength today is gold miners. One name in particular that's seeing upside is Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM), pacing for a 4.7% pop at the open. This comes after NEM shares hit their highest point since 2012 on Friday.
5. The week opens with the Chicago Fed national activity index, while HP (HPQ), Intuit (INTU), Keysight (KEYS), and Shake Shack enter the earnings confessional.

International Markets Pummeled

Asian markets plummeted on Monday as coronavirus anxieties worsened. Specifically, South Korea lifted its alert on the virus to its “highest level,” after cases grew rapidly over the weekend. In response, the Kospi fell 3.9%. Meanwhile, China’s Shanghai Composite dropped 0.3%, dampened by a struggling airline sector, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 1.8%. The Nikkei in Japan was closed for holiday.

The spread of the coronavirus in northern Italy has led to cancelled events and quarantine, devastating European markets at midday. The French CAC 40 and the Frankfurt DAX have both given up 3.7%, while the London FTSE 100 is down 3.3%.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is eyeing its biggest one-day drop in months at midday, off over 800 points, as anxieties surrounding the coronavirus spike over reports of cases spreading outside of China at an alarmingly rapid pace. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) isn't far behind, struggling as the semiconductor sector and Apple (AAPL) suppliers fail to gain traction. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) is also seeing considerable losses at the midway mark. Gold is continuing its climb, however, as spooked investors turn to the haven. So far, gold for April delivery is up 1.6% at $1,675.50 per ounce.

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

• The Credit Karma buzz sparking a massive sell-off for Intuit stock. 
• Beyond Meat stock shaken on beefed up competition. 
• Plus, bears blast TCOM after rescheduled earnings report; ENLV stock pops on coronavirus update; and AEMD's SEC suspension expires. 

Trip.com Group Ltd (NASDAQ:TCOM) is seeing an uptick in bearish activity in the options pits today, with 12,000 puts across the tape so far -- two times the intraday average. The March series is seeing the most attention, with the 30, 31, and 32 put contracts being the most popular. This comes just a few days after TCOM rescheduled its fourth-quarter earnings announcement for March 18. 

One of the best stocks on the Nasdaq today is Israel-based drug maker Enlivex Therapeutics Ltd (NASDAQ:ENLV), which is up 56.6% to trade at $14.72 on plans  to ramp up manufacturing on its sepsis treatment Allocetra, following a reported coronavirus case in Israel. The jump has ENLV eyeing its biggest one-day percentage jump in nearly a year, and at last check, the equity is trading at its highest level since early October -- set to topple its 120-day moving average. 

Aethlon Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEMD) is one of the worst performers on the Nasdaq today after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Order of Suspension of Trading, which suspended the stock from trading for a period of 10 days, expired. At last glance, AEMD is down 14.7% to trade at $2.20, now looking up at former support at its 20-day moving average. 

The Dow was on the wrong side of history today, turning in a 1,031-point loss, its third-worst single-session drop ever. The blue-chip index has now given up its year-to-date gains in just one day, as COVID-19 continues to spread to more countries outside of China. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq turned in equally ugly setbacks, the latter suffering its steepest single-day drop in years. As global markets panic, Wall Street's "fear gauge," the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) logged its highest close since December 2018.

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

• Lyft and Uber weekly options are all the rage lately.
• This restaurant stock bucked the broad market sell-off.
• Plus, a Foot Locker earnings preview; Beyond Meat's new rival; and a big bull note for KDP. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 27,960.80) finished 1,031.6 points, or 3.6% lower for the day. Verizon (VZ) was the best of the 30 blue-chips in the red, shedding 0.4%, while UnitedHealth (UNH) was the worst-performing, losing 7.8%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,225.89) shed 111.9 points, or 3.4%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 9,221.28) lost 355.3 points, or 3.7%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 25.03) gained 8 points, or 46.6%. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. As coronavirus spreads global panic, finance mogul Warren Buffett warns investors not to buy/sell stock based on today’s news. In a wide-ranging three-hour interview, Berkshire Hathaway's CEO questions whether a couple days of plunging stocks will effect American businesses long-term. (CNBC)
2. President Donald Trump announced that violators of U.S. sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector will face harsh punishments. This sanctions campaign was issued in the hopes of dissuading customers that are helping Caracas hide the origin of their oil. (Reuters)
3. Keep an eye on this trendline ahead of Foot Locker earnings.
4. A new rival sent Beyond Meat stock lower today.
5. Morgan Stanley is a fan of Keurig Dr Pepper stock.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Drops; Gold Logs Highest Finish Since 2013

Crude futures fell in step with the broader market today, as the coronavirus outbreak weighs on energy demand. April-dated oil shed $1.95, cents, or 3.7% to settle at $51.43 per barrel.

Gold futures made it eight in a row today, as investors flock to safe-haven assets amid the global sell-off. Gold for April delivery gained $27.80, or 1.7%, to settle at $1,676.60 an ounce. It was gold's highest finish since early 2013. 

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading above fair value this morning, as U.S. stocks prepare to gain back some of Monday's monster losses, which sent the blue-chip index spiraling more than 1,000 points. While coronavirus headlines continue to swirl, traders this morning are also monitoring earnings updates, namely from Dow component Home Depot (HD) and fellow retail stock Macy's (M). Against this backdrop, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) are set for positive opens, as well.

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

• Schaeffer's Senior V.P. of Research Todd Salamone explains the headwinds hitting the tech space.
• Why this stock shot higher on coronavirus buzz.
• Plus, PANW stock nosedives; Lumber Liquidators makes big moves; and a Tesla stock note.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.38 million call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 962,711 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio moved to 0.70, and the 21-day moving average was 0.56.
2. Software name Palo Alto Networks Inc (NYSE:PANW) is getting hammered before the open, down more than 14%, following the company's quarterly results. PANW's full-year outlook was weaker than expected, and the shares could now fall close to 52-week-low territory as a result, while a number of bear notes have also come through. 
3. Another volatile name this morning is Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc (NYSE:LL), which is set to add 21% at the open. The floor retailer posted a quarterly profit compared to a loss in the same period a year ago, and this should have the stock back in double-digit territory. The intraday price action will be closely monitored, considering all the recent online speculation around LL.
4. This morning in Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) watch, Jefferies just released a note downgrading the shares to "hold" from "buy" citing uncertainty around the company's batter business model. At the same time, the brokerage firm boosted its price target to $800 from $600. TSLA closed Monday at $833.79.
5. Today will bring the Case-Shiller home price index, the FHFA home price index and the consumer confidence index. On the earnings docket will be Caesars Entertainment (CZR), Salesforce (CRM), Toll Brothers (TOL) and Virgin Galactic (SPCE).

European Stocks Move Lower Again

It was a mixed bag for Asian markets today. Japanese investors returned from yesterday’s holiday to increased coronavirus panic on Tuesday, causing the Nikkei to shed a whopping 3.3%, while the Shanghai Composite in China lost 0.6%. South Korea’s Kospi managed to recover some of yesterday’s steep losses to finish up 1.2%, brushing off a drop in consumer confidence to six-month lows. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong, meanwhile, added 0.3%.

European stocks are spiraling at midday, amid news that the World Health Organization (WHO) sent a mission to support Italian authorities dealing with the spreading coronavirus outbreak in the country. The London FTSE 100 is down 0.5%, while the French CAC 40 and the German DAX have both shed 0.3% so far, the latter slipping on weak export data for the fourth quarter.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) this morning was on pace to recoup some of its massive 1,031-point sell-off on Monday, but has since turned lower around midday, brushing off a post-earnings pop from Home Depot (HD). Despite this rebound attempt, coronavirus anxiety is still high, with investors fretting over a possible spread in the outbreak from Italy to the U.S. Now, the blue-chip index is eyeing a triple-digit loss at the midway mark. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) and the S&P 500 Index (SPX) have also pared this morning's gains, with notable losses of their own.

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

• Behind Mastercard's dismal coronavirus predictions. 
• Why General Electric stock is in focus today. 
• Plus, options bulls bank on Yelp stock; VVPR posts growth in H2; and TUP stock falls out after earnings. 

There's an unusual amount of bullish activity surrounding Yelp Inc (NYSE:YELP) amid a report that the online review company more than doubled the growth of diners seated in 2019, thanks to its Waitlist product. So far, 22,000 calls have crossed the tape, compared to just 394 puts. Most popular is the March 36 call, followed by the 35 call in the same series, with positions being opened at both. At last check, YELP is up 3.5% at $33.54.

VivoPower International PLC (NASDAQ:VVPR) is one of the best performers on the Nasdaq today after announcing $31.4 million in revenue for the second half of 2019 -- up 63% since this time last year. The solar power concern is now up 64.4% at $1.96, toppling recent pressure at its 200-day moving average, and eyeing its highest close in over seven months. 

Disappointing preliminary full-year results have Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE:TUP) during today's trading. The equity is one of the worst on the New York Stock Exchange after the firm posted preliminary 2019 earnings per share of $1.35 to $1.70, which missed estimates. Tupperware blamed core market weakness, but added that full-year sales are expected to line up with its previously provided forecast. The stock is now trading at its lowest point on record, breaching a recent floor near the $5.50 region. At last check, TUP is down 40.2% to trade at $3.43