The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is down nearly 250 points at midday, on track to bring its weekly winning streak of six to a halt amid mounting U.S.-China trade tensions. The Wall Street Journal earlier reported that a trade deal draft has not even yet been agreed upon, casting further doubts ahead of the March 1 deadline.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are in the red, too, with both set for their biggest weekly drop since Dec. 21. Plus, all three indexes are heading toward their third straight daily loss, their longest losing streak of 2019. Elsewhere, Wall Street's "fear gauge," the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) continues to climb, and is heading toward its first weekly gain of 2019. 

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

• The surprise that has Mattel stock surging. 
• The sinking communications stock rewarding patient short sellers.
• Plus, GE put volume spikes; Skechers soars on blowout earnings; and Qorvo issues weak guidance. 

There's notable options activity surrounding former Dow stock General Electric Company (NYSE:GE). More than 618,000 puts have changed hands, 10 times the average intraday amount and volume pacing in the 100th percentile of its annual range. Trade-Alert highlights a big bearish adjustment, where one trader likely closed a March 8-9 put spread and rolled it out to the weekly 3/8 7- and 9-strike puts. GE stock is down 3.7% to trade at $9.69, after encountering familiar resistance at its 160-day trendline earlier this week. 

Skechers USA Inc (NYSE:SKX) is one of the top stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, up 17.2% to trade at $32.16. The shoe retailer's fourth-quarter earnings beat and in-line revenue prompted price-target hikes from at least five brokerages, including one to $36 at Stifel. SKX is on track for its best day since October 2017, and is set to close above its 200-day moving average for the first time since April.

Qorvo Inc (NASDAQ:QRVO) is down 4.8% to trade at $63.41, after the Apple supplier's fourth-quarter guidance came in below Wall Street expectations due to weak smartphone demand. In response, Canaccord Genuity downgraded QRVO to "hold" from "buy," and joined three other brokerages in issuing price-target cuts -- though D.A. Davidson, BMO, and Needham raised their Qorvo target prices.

The Dow spent the entire session in the red, finishing the volatile week with another risk-off showing. Trade tensions were again the main focus, following reports that the U.S and China are still far apart from making a deal. In addition, President Donald Trump said he doesn't plan to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of a March 1 trade deadline. This caps a week that was also marked by concerns about the health of the global economy. However, the S&P 500 Index and Nasdaq managed small wins on the day, with the latter index and the Dow extending their impressive weekly win streaks.

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

• 2 gene editing stocks expected to surge 50%.
• This volatile video game stock took out a key level.
• Plus, why Schlumberger pulled back; analyst says sell this stock; and toy stocks diverge.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,106.33) closed near session highs, but still settled with a 63.2-point, or 0.3%, loss. Sixteen of the 30 Dow stocks closed in positive territory, and United Technologies (UTX) had the best day with a 1.5% gain. UnitedHealth (UNH) had the worst day, down 2.6%. For the week, the Dow eked out a 0.2% win.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,707.88) squeaked out a gain of 1.8 points, or 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,298.20) got a win of 9.9 points, or 0.1%. For the week, the SPX finished 0.1% lower, while the Nasdaq added 0.3%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 15.72) dipped 0.7 point, or 4%. The "fear index" fell 2.6% on the week.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. The average American tax refund is down 8.4% so far this year. What's more, the number of returns received and processed is down considerably, as well, compared to this time last year -- though the recent government shutdown is likely to blame for some of the decline. (Politico)
2. Health insurance executives are starting to push back on the Trump administration's proposal to pass drug discounts onto consumers. Executives from Humana today said that the White House's plan would raise premiums on many Americans. (CNBC)
3. The C-suite news that weighed on Schlumberger.
4. Analyst says to dump this restaurant stock.
5. Inside two very different days from these toy stocks. 

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil, Gold Fall for the Week

Oil prices managed a modest gain today, but fell for the week. March-dated crude futures closed up 8 cents, or 0.2%, today at $52.72 per barrel, but settled the week down 4.6%.

Gold also gained today amid the weakness in equities. Gold for April delivery was up $4.30, or 0.3%, at the close to settle at $1,318.50 per ounce. For the week, gold was down 0.3%.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are signaling a gain out of the gate, as the trade-related pessimism that plagued stocks last week has abated. Advisors to President Donald Trump have reportedly talked about a mid-March meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, after last week Trump said a meeting between the two leaders likely wouldn't happen before the March 1 deadline. In addition, lower-level trade talks will take place this week in Beijing.

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

• Check out of this hotel stock before earnings, says signal.  
• Why Kellogg stock is crying over even more spilled milk. 
• Analyst: Ditch this restaurant stock now. 
• Plus, Tim Hortons parent reports earnings; and analysts weigh in on Tesla and Avis Budget. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.07 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 662,819 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.62, and the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.63.
2.  Burger King parent Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR)  stock is up 2.1% in pre-market trading, after reporting fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded analysts' expectations. The security enjoyed a big bull gap on Jan. 23, soaring 9.8% amid M&A chatter, and has since been consolidating atop the $62 level.
3. Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) shares are headed 2.3% higher, after Canaccord Genuity upgraded the stock to “buy” and lifted its price target to $450 from $330. Separately, the automaker reportedly cut over half of its employees at its North American delivery division. The stock attempted a recent rebound after hitting two-month lows, but was thwarted by its 40-day moving average.
4. The shares of Avis Budget (NASDAQ:CAR) are up 6.1% in electronic trading, after Goldman Sachs upgraded the car rental concern to "buy" from "sell," and hiked its price target to $35 from $30. The shares have been trading in a channel of lower highs and lows since August, but are now pacing to pop over their 60-day moving average -- a familiar area of resistance for the stock. What’s more, Avis is slated to report earnings next Thursday, Feb. 21.
5. Today's economic schedule will be relatively muted, with Aurora Cannabis (ACB), Baidu (BIDU), Chegg (CHGG), Diamond Offshore Drilling (DO), and Vipshop (VIPS) reporting earnings. 
    

Asia, Europe Markets Strong on Trade Optimism

Stocks in Asia started the week off strong, as optimism set in ahead of this week's U.S.-China trade talks. China's Shanghai Composite, closed all last week for the Lunar New Year, added 1.4%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.7%, thanks to a big day from tech giant Tencent. Elsewhere, a positive session for Samsung Electronics helped nudge South Korea's Kospi up 0.2%, while Japan's Nikkei was closed for holiday.

Markets in Europe are higher, as well, enjoying broad market tailwinds ahead of the next round of U.S.-China trade negotiations. London's FTSE 100 is up 0.8% at last check, despite lackluster data out of Britain that showed gross domestic product (GDP) last year grew at its slowest pace since 2012. The French CAC 40 is leading its regional peers with a 1.1% gain, while the German DAX isn't far behind, up 1%.

Ongoing budget negotiations in the U.S. and global trade talks were again the focus on Wall Street today. However, the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all rallied this time around on a much more upbeat news cycle, with President Donald Trump indicating another government shutdown will likely be avoided, though he said he's "not happy" about the proposed spending deal. On trade, Trump also suggested he could move back the March 1 deadline for another round of tariffs on Chinese goods, adding that China "wants to make a deal very badly." As such, stocks across the board got a lift, with the tech sector enjoying notable strength.

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

• Founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer examines the big trouble around one China ETF.
• The insurance stock that had a historic day.
• Why red-hot Chipotle could keep rising.
• Plus, EA calls hot again; stocks with unusual call activity; and cybersecurity stock sinks.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,425.76) ended near its session highs for its best close since Dec. 3, climbing 372.7 points, or 1.5%. Trade-sensitive Caterpillar (CAT) rose 2.9% to lead the 28 Down advancers, and the two blue-chip losers were McDonald's (MCD) and Walt Disney (DIS), down 0.2% each.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,744.73) rose 34.9 points, or 1.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,414.62) jumped 106.7 points, or 1.5%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 15.43) dipped 0.5 point, or 3.4%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. The number of U.S. solar industry jobs declined for a second straight year, and part of the blame could be put on President Trump's tariffs. Workers in the field fell by roughly 8,000, though the number of solar jobs is expected to rebound next year. (Reuters)
2. It appears at-home fitness technology company Peloton Interactive is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) for 2019. A Wall Street Journal report said the company is talking with banks about going public in the coming months. (Fox Business)
3. Options traders reacted to another huge day for EA stock.
4. 2 stocks that have seen unusual call trading.
5. A cybersecurity stock that got stung today.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

OPEC Update Gives Crude a Boost

Oil prices rose today, thanks to talk of bigger-than-expected production cuts from Saudi Arabia and other Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members. March crude futures were up 69 cents, or 1.3%, at the close to trade at $53.10 per barrel.

A rare pullback in the dollar helped give gold prices a lift today. Though the gains for the precious metals were still limited, April-dated gold closed up $2.10, or 0.2%, at $1,314 per ounce.

The Dow was up more than 220 points at its session peak, with Wall Street's risk appetite fueled by some encouraging economic data. The Dow briefly pared the bulk of these gains after President Donald Trump said the U.S. will ground Boeing's (BA) 737 MAX 8 planes. However, the blue-chip index muscled back to a triple-digit gain by the close, after Britain's lawmakers voted down a no-deal Brexit. U.K. Parliament tomorrow will vote on requesting an extension to the March 29 deadline to leave the European Union.

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

• Is the VIX on the verge of a breakout?
• Why Jefferies says this biopharma is a "buy."
• Buyout buzz fueled heavy Take-Two Interactive call volume.
• Plus, beware of this blockchain name; 2 social media stocks flashing bear signals; and what sent Akari Therapeutics to the top of the Nasdaq.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,702.89) gained 148.2 points, or 0.6%. UnitedHealth (UNH) outpaced 28 Dow advancers with its 2.6% pop, while Home Depot (HD) and Walt Disney (DIS) were the two decliners, shedding 0.8% and 0.6%, respectively.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,810.92) added 19.4 points, or 0.7%, for its highest close since November, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,643.41) rose 52.4 points, or 0.7%, for its highest close since October. Both indexes brought their daily win streaks to three.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 13.41) shed 0.4 point, or 2.6%, for its lowest close since October.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. Facebook users encountered a global outage today, with the social media company's WhatsApp and Instagram services also reporting issues. In a tweet, the company said they were aware of the problems, and "working to resolve the issue as soon as possible." (CNBC)
2. Fiat Chrysler said it will recall 862,000 cars in the U.S., after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said the vehicles don't meet emissions standards. The recall runs a range of vehicles, including the Dodge Journey and Jeep Compass, and will require the catalytic converter to be replaced. (USA Today)
3. Pre-earnings warning signs are flashing on this blockchain name.
4. 2 social media stocks sounding bearish technical alarms.
5. The news that sent Akari Therapeutics to the top of the Nasdaq.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Inventories Update Fuels Oil Gains

Oil closed at its highest perch since Nov. 12, after the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said U.S. crude inventories unexpectedly fell last week. April-dated crude jumped $1.39, or 2.4%, to settle at $58.26 per barrel.

Gold gained as the U.S. dollar dropped on Brexit uncertainty. Gold for April delivery added $11.20, or 0.9%, to close at $1,309.30 an ounce.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading modestly above fair value this morning, as traders digest a raft of headlines. While China's industrial output grew at its slowest pace in 17 years in the first two months of 2019, a Bloomberg report indicated a trade meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could be pushed back to April, while Trump told reporters yesterday that he is in "no rush" to complete a trade deal. Elsewhere, investors will be looking ahead to today's Brexit vote, and keeping an eye out for Boeing (BA) news.

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

• This drug stock more than tripled yesterday.
• Pyxus stock joined the weed rally with CBD plant news.
• 2 social media stocks sounding bearish alarms.
• Plus, DG earnings trigger pullback; another bull note for Apple; and legal woes for Johnson & Johnson.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.1 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 589,729 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.52, and the 21-day moving average remained at 0.62.
2. Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:DG) stock is down 6.7% in electronic trading, after the retailer's fourth-quarter adjusted earnings and full-year profit forecast missed estimates. Revenue and same-store sales did arrive above analyst expectations, though. DG is fresh off a record high $121.27 yesterday, and had added 11.6% year-to-date.
3. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) stock is up 1.2% ahead of the bell, after Cowen initiated coverage on the FAANG name with an "outperform" rating and $220 price target. The analyst in coverage waxed optimistically on the company's services businesses and iPhone sales. This is the second bull note for Apple this week, and could take the shares above a key trendline.
4. Shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) are down 1.2% in electronic trading, after a California jury awarded $29 million to a woman who said the company's talcum powder-based products gave her cancer. Johnson & Johnson faces many more litigation pressures in the aftermath of the carcinogen reports from December.

5. Jobless claims hit a one-month high of 229,000 last week, while import prices rose 0.6% last month on the back of rising oil prices. New home sales and the Fed's balance sheet are also due. As for earnings, Adobe (ADBE), Broadcom (AVGO), DocuSign (DOCU), Jabil (JBL), Pivotal Software (PVTL), and Ulta Beauty (ULTA) will report.

Europe Up Despite Brexit Drama

There was mixed trading in Asia overnight, following disappointing industrial output data out of China. This sparked a 1.2% loss in China's Shanghai Composite, though the Hang Seng in Hong Kong grabbed a 0.2% win. South Korea’s Kospi also rose, adding 0.3%, while Japan's Nikkei edged down 0.02%. 

In Europe, focus remains squarely on the latest Brexit drama, as the U.K. prepares for yet another vote on Britain’s efforts to leave the European Union (EU). Lawmakers on Wednesday rejected the idea of leaving the EU without an agreement. Despite the uncertainty, stocks are gaining, with London's FTSE 100 last seen up 0.7%, the French CAC 40 is up 0.6%, and Germany’s DAX has added 0.2%. 

U.S. stocks are mixed at midday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), S&P 500 Index (SPX), and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) all lingering around breakeven. Concerns about a delayed U.S.-China trade deal are keeping some investors on the sidelines, with Wall Street also digesting a steeper-than-expected drop in new home sales in January. Meanwhile, Boeing (BA) stock is back in the red, with members of Congress stating the 737 MAX 8 will remain grounded for "weeks." Focus also remains on the U.K., with lawmakers expected to vote on whether to delay the Brexit.

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

• Johnson & Johnson reacts to a costly asbestos verdict. 
• 3 tech giants showered in "buy" ratings.  
• Plus, call traders flock to a pharma giant; and today's best and worst performers on the NYSE.

Pharmaceutical giant Mylan NV (NASDAQ:MYL) is sporting unusual call volume today, with 25,000 contracts traded so far -- nine times the expected rate. Most active have been the March 27.50 and 28 calls, where nearly 13,000 contracts have changed hands. MYL is up 2.5% at $28.16 at last check, though the catalyst is unknown. Mylan shares gapped lower in late February after an earnings miss, but is testing support around its year-to-date breakeven.

Wageworks Inc (NYSE:WAGE) is easily the top performing stock on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, after announcing it will file its previously delayed quarterly results with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) before next Tuesday, March 19. WAGE has gapped 32.9% higher to trade at $40.03, at last check, on pace for its highest close since early November, and just shy of its 200-day moving average.

Smart & Final Stores Inc (NYSE:SFS) has plummeted to the bottom of the NYSE, last seen down 15.7% at $5.72, as analysts react to an earnings miss. Loop Capital cut its 2019 estimates for the company, while J.P. Morgan Securities cut its price target to $5.50 from $6.50. The shares are pacing for their worst session in almost a year.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is notably higher this afternoon, last seen up 200 points, as the blue-chip index rebounds in step with Boeing (BA). The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are both higher as well -- with the former north of the key 2,800 level -- as traders continue to cheer January's strong durable goods data. Wall Street is also watching a strong showing from tech stocks, and investors seem optimistic ahead of another round of Brexit votes.

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

• Streaming stock slammed with first "sell" in nearly a year. 
• The blockchain stock flashing warning signs before earnings.
• Plus, one steel stock's puts pop; and this afternoon's top and bottom NYSE stocks.

AK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE:AKS) is sporting unusual put volume today, though the driver is unknown. So far, 24,000 puts have crossed the tape -- 12 times the average intraday rate -- compared to fewer than 2,000 AKS calls. The March 4 and June 4 puts are most active, with Trade-Alert pointing to a potential roll of bearish bets. At last check, AKS is up 0.7% at $2.84. 

Comfortably at the top of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is Oaktree Capital Group LLC (NYSE:OAK), after Brookfield Asset Management (BAM) said it will buy a 62% stake in the firm. OAK is up 11.7% at $48.94 in afternoon trading, fresh off a three-year high of $49.61.

In the bottom spot on the NYSE is Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. (NYSE:NM), though the catalyst remains unclear. NM stock is set to snap a four-day winning streak, and yesterday ended atop its 80-day moving average for the first time since August. Today, however, NM is back below this trendline, down 22.2% at $2.16.

It was a choppy day of trading on Wall Street, as traders digested dismal Chinese data and reports U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping postponed a trade meeting that was expected later this month. Lackluster U.S. housing data sent stocks to their intraday lows, though the major market indexes had nearly erased these losses by midday. While the Dow managed a win on positive days for Visa (V) and Apple (AAPL), the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed lower, snapping their three-day winning streaks.

• Credit Suisse: Ditch this energy stock.
• This stock just had its best day ever.
• How options traders won big with Procter & Gamble calls.
• Plus, the small-cap pharma stock Jefferies is buying; Intuit's bullish options signal; and the comments that boosted GE stock.

It was a flash finish for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,709.94), which maintained a 7-point, or 0.03%, gain at the close. Visa (V) and Apple (AAPL) paced the 20 Dow advancers -- adding 1.1% apiece -- while Pfizer (PFE) led the 10 decliners with its 2% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,808.48) settled down 2.4 points, or 0.09%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,630.91) gave back 12.5 points, or 0.2%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 13.50) fell to 13.16 earlier -- its lowest mark in intraday trading since Oct. 5 -- before swinging to a 0.09-point, or 0.7%, gain by the close.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. Ahead of this month's Apple event, the tech titan said it will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) the week of June 3. The tagline for this year's event is "Write code. Blow minds.", with speculation buzzing about iOS 13, macOS, and a potential Mac Pro reveal. (The Verge)
2. By a vote of 59 to 41, the U.S. Senate voted to reject President Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border to gain funding for a wall. The measure cleared the House in February, but is expected to be vetoed by Trump. Elsewhere, U.K. lawmakers voted to delay Brexit beyond the March 29 deadline, with the extension now needing approval from the European Union (EU). (MarketWatch; CNBC)
3. Jefferies called this small-cap pharma stock a "buy."
4. Intuit is flashing a bullish options signal during tax season.
5. Positive comments from CEO Larry Culp helped GE stock muscle higher.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Stronger Dollar Drags on Gold

Oil prices closed higher for a fourth straight day, to settle at their highest point since mid-November. At the close, April-dated crude was up 35 cents, or 0.6%, at $58.61 per barrel.

A strengthening U.S. dollar sent gold back below the $1,300 per ounce mark. Gold slated for April delivery gave back $14.20, or 1.1%, to settle at $1,295.10 an ounce.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are more than 130 points above fair value this morning, thanks to encouraging U.S-China trade developments. More specifically, following yesterday's reports the two countries postponed a high-level trade meeting originally slated for later this month, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang expressed optimism that a deal will be done. Additionally, Reuters reported Chinese Vice Premier Liu He spoke overnight with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

Investors are bracing for quadruple witching Friday, too, which could inject some additional volatility into the session. Elsewhere, the Empire State manufacturing survey for March fell to its lowest level in almost two years.

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

• These 3 penny stocks made huge moves yesterday.
• Buy calls on this stock during tax season.
• History says this GoPro supplier may sink.
• Plus, Facebook announces C-suite departure; Broadcom set to soar on earnings beat; and Tesla unveils Model Y SUV.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 999,100 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 649,302 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio climbed to 0.65, and the 21-day moving average remained at 0.62.
2. Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) stock is down 1.8% in electronic trading after announcing the departures of its chief product officer and WhatsApp vice president. FB has added nearly 30% in 2019, and earlier this week picked up another "buy" endorsement.
3. Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:AVGO) is up 5.1% ahead of the bell, after the Apple supplier reported fiscal first-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations. No fewer than seven price-target hikes have ensued, including one to $365 at J.P. Morgan Securities. The pre-market jump has the shares eyeing their Feb. 20 record high of $286.63. 
4. Shares of Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) are down 2.3% in electronic trading after the company unveiled its Model Y SUV last night. CEO Elon Musk said the vehicle will initially go for $47,000 and be ready by the fall of 2020, though the price is expected to drop to $39,000 by 2021. Analysts have yet to weigh in, although bear notes are already quite common for the electric car name.

5. It's a busy day on the economic front, with industrial production, consumer sentiment, the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), and Treasury International Capital (TIC) data all due. Buckle (BKE) makes up the earnings calendar.

Trade Headlines Boost Asia, Europe Digests Brexit Fallout

It was a positive session for Asian stock markets, as investors digested the latest trade-related headlines and a central bank decision in Japan. In China, leaders approved a new law meant to prevent the forced transfer of technology from foreign companies -- something that’s been a major sticking point in U.S.-China trade negotiations. In response, China's Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 1% and 0.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) left its accommodative monetary policy unchanged, sparking an 0.8% gain from the Nikkei. South Korea’s Kospi rounded out the region with a 1% win. 

Unsurprisingly, Brexit is still the top focus for European shareholders, as lawmakers in the U.K. voted to push back the March 29 deadline for leaving the European Union by at least three months. Following this, London’s FTSE 100 is trading up 0.6%, while the French CAC 40 and German DAX are both up 0.9%. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is higher at midday, as investors continue to cheer encouraging U.S.-China trade updates. Chip stocks are also notably higher, thanks to strong earnings from Broadcom (AVGO), which has the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) well into positive territory. Meanwhile, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) -- or the stock market's "fear gauge" -- is pacing for its lowest close since early October. For the week, all three indexes are on pace for notable wins. 

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

• Drug stock ascending on FDA approval. 
• KeyBanc sees 25% upside for this FAANG stock.
• Plus, ADBE's surging options volume; the soaring software stock; and one of today's worst performers on the S&P.

Adobe Inc (NASDAQ:ADBE) is sporting unusual options volume today, with 33,000 calls and 30,000 puts traded so far -- six times the expected rate. Most active have been the soon-to-expire March 255 and 260 calls, where over 6,000 contracts have changed hands. ADBE is down 5% at $253.98 at last check, after giving dismal current-quarter guidance.

Telaria Inc (NYSE:TLRA) is outperforming on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, last seen up 7.5% at $5.73, though the catalyst is unclear. The software stock gapped higher in late February on strong earnings, and touched a five-year peak of $5.95 on Feb. 27. Further, the stock has nearly doubled year-to-date and is trading well north of its 200-day moving average.

Appliance name Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) is one of the worst performers on the S&P 500 Index and at the bottom of the NYSE today, though the driver is still unclear. The shares are down 5.8% at $132.90 in afternoon trading, and are set to breach their 50-day moving average for the first time since early January.

The Dow explored a 453-point range on both sides of breakeven, eventually settling near its session highs as an analyst-induced surge for Apple (AAPL) offset Boeing's (BA) really bad day. An unexpected rise in January retail sales and Nvidia's (NVDA) well-received M&A news only strengthened bulls' resolve, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq spending the day in positive territory. By the close, all three indexes had snapped their five-day losing streaks -- something that hadn't been seen since just ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

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

• This penny stock popped on positive Parkinson's update.
• Goldman: Drop this oil stock.
• Options traders made a rare run on this drug stock.
• Plus, a top trader's take on S&P 2,800; Cowen eyes more upside for Nike; and 3 of today's big movers.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,650.88) was down 242 points at its session low, before swinging to a 200.6-point, or 0.8%, gain. Apple (AAPL) led the 29 Dow advancers with its 3.5% pop, while Boeing (BA) was the sole blue chip that closed lower, shedding 5.3%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,783.30) gained 40.2 points, or 1.5%. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,558.06) outpaced its peers, adding 149.9 points, or 2%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 14.33) tumbled 1.7 points, or 10.7%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. The White House sent its fiscal 2020 budget to Congress earlier. The record $4.75 trillion budget includes a 5% increase in military spending and $8.6 billion for border wall funding, while detailing big cuts to education and Social Security programs. The Democratic-controlled House has already said they would not pass President Donald Trump's budget proposal. (The New York Times)
2. Barrick Gold said it withdrew its $18 billion bid for Newmont Mining, ending the hostile takeover attempt. Instead, the two major gold producers agreed to combine their Nevada operations as part of a joint venture. (CNBC)
3. Our Senior V.P. of Research Todd Salamone took to CNBC to talk about the S&P and 2,800.
4. Cowen boosted its Nike price target further into record-high territory.
5. These 3 stocks made big moves in today's trading.

There are no earnings of note.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Stages Unsuccessful Test of $1,300

Oil prices gained ground on reports Saudi Arabia was considering reducing crude oil exports next month and Venezuela exports have declined after a massive power outage. At the close, oil for April delivery was up 72 cents, or 1.3%, at $56.79 per barrel.

Gold was turned away at the psychologically significant $1,300 mark following a round of upbeat economic reports. April-dated gold fell $8.20, or 0.6%, to settle at $1,291.10 an ounce.