Just a day after exploding to the upside and snapping a long losing streak, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is poised to reverse lower, with futures sitting deep in the red. Weighing on the benchmark is a decision from the People's Bank of China to allow the yuan to depreciate against the dollar, which is overshadowing a breakthrough in Greek bailout negotiations. On the home front, traders will digest earnings from a number of notable names this morning -- including this solar stock -- as well as labor and trade data. Meanwhile, China's currency move is lifting gold and pressuring crude.

 

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

 

• Key levels that could define the market, courtesy of Schaeffer's Senior VP of Research Todd Salamone.
• Not even yesterday's broad-market tailwinds could rescue Groupon Inc (NASDAQ:GRPN) from another two-year low.
• In case you missed it, are these 25 stocks flashing a buy signal? Find out here.
• Plus … 5 things you need to know this morning -- including stocks making waves, what's happening overseas, and the latest in unusual option activity.

And now, on to the numbers…

 

 

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are roughly 130 points below fair value.

 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

 

1. Stocks in China slipped, and European markets are getting burned, following Beijing's surprise currency move.
2. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) fell nearly 9% yesterday, ending below its 10- and 20-day moving averages. Nonetheless, VIX call volume soared to triple the daily norm, as one trader rolled a ratio call spread down and out from the September 16 and 22 strikes to the October 15 and 21 strikes.
3. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) announced it will now be a subsidiary of a new parent company called Alphabet, with GOOGL shares scheduled to convert to Alphabet stock in the fourth quarter. GOOGL, which exploded higher last month after a well-received earnings report, is up nearly 6% pre-market.
   
4. Yesterday's M&A momentum is continuing this morning, amid news that Norton antivirus parent Symantec Corporation (NASDAQ:SYMC) is selling its data storage unit to an investment group, and software firm Envestnet Inc (NYSE:ENV) has agreed to purchase data mining company Yodlee Inc (NASDAQ:YDLE).
5. Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) soared 9.1% yesterday to close at $29.50, helped by a number of catalysts, including news that interim CEO Jack Dorsey and other top executives bought thousands of the company's beaten-down shares. However, the stock is set to reverse course today, with TWTR down 1.8% ahead of the bell.
   

 

 

 

Market Statistics

 

• MannKind Corporation (NASDAQ:MNKD), Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO), and Precision Castparts Corp. (NYSE:PCP) were among the equities with unusual call and put activity on Monday. For the entire list, read Unusual Options Activity: MNKD, TTWO, PCP, and DF.
• The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 706,076 call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 463,493 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.66, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.69.
• For info on currencies, commodities, trading volume, market breadth, and more, read Stock Market Stats for August 10, 2015.

 

Earnings and Economic Data

 

Nonfarm productivity, unit labor costs, and wholesale inventories will all be revealed this morning. Cyberark Software Ltd (CYBR), Cree, Inc. (CREE), JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (JASO), Fossil Group Inc (FOSL), Magic Software Enterprises Ltd. (MGIC), Myriad Genetics, Inc. (MYGN), Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (RRGB), and Symantec Corporation (SYMC) will take their turns in the earnings spotlight. To see what else is on this week's docket, click here.

After setting fire to its seven-session losing streak on Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) has resumed its sell-off, as traders react to a surprise currency move by China's central bank -- which has a number of mainland-based companies sinking. Also weighing on investor sentiment is crude oil, which is on pace to notch its lowest close of the year -- off 4.2% at $43.08 per barrel. In fact, little waves have been made by today's batch of economic data, which includes a stronger-than-expected-rise in wholesale inventories -- suggesting an upward revision to second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) could be on the horizon -- and an uptick in second-quarter productivity. At last check, though, the Dow was staring at a triple-digit loss, with all but three of its 30 components in red.

 

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

 

• The newest way to battle the algo bot, courtesy of Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner.
• Wall Street took the high road on Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) and Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB). Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)? Not so much.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

 

Among the stocks with notable put volume is JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NASDAQ:JASO), with the contracts crossing at 33 times the average intraday pace. Shares of the alternative energy concern are up 2.3% at $8.02, following better-than-expected second-quarter earnings, and it appears option traders are initiating new positions at JASO's September puts.

 

For a third straight session, Aquinox Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:AQXP) is making big moves -- and is one of the top gainers on the Nasdaq today. Since last Thursday's close at $1.79, the stock has jumped more than 1,100% -- including this morning's 15.8% pop that has AQXP lingering near $22 -- and hit a record high of $55.75 yesterday. Sparking the risk-on backdrop has been a number of fundamental developments, including well-received data on the drugmaker's bladder treatment.
​

One of the top losers on the Big Board is Intrexon Corp (NYSE:XON). Last night, the biotech reported second-quarter sales that fell short of estimates, prompting a pair of negative analyst notes. Against this backdrop, XON is off 10.6% at $51.59 -- and on track to close south of its 50-day moving average for the first time since June 1.

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) isup 1.7 point, or 14.2%, at 13.96, but stalling out near the 14 mark.

 

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.83, with puts nearly doubling calls. SPY is off 2.2 points, or 1%, at $208.39.

 

China's decision to devalue the yuan had the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) trading lower from the start, following Monday's strong showing -- with the blue-chip index down more than 262 points at its intraday low. Also reacting to the news from China was crude, which nearly closed below $43 per barrel, still settling at its lowest point in six years. Today's sell-off came even as Greece finalized bailout terms with its creditors. Among individual equities, Dow component Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) slid 5.2% to notch its lowest close since Jan. 27, after one brokerage firm soured on the iPhone parent. 

 

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

 

• For the first time in four years, the Dow experienced a "death cross," but is it really a bad omen? 
• 3 drugmakers that made big post-earnings moves. 
• Options traders are expecting a larger move than normal for this retailer, after it posts earnings tomorrow morning. 
• Plus ... Greece makes it official, yuan devaluation hits stocks, and how you can trade like Wall Street's elite. 

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,402.84) wallowed in the red throughout the day, giving back 212.3 points, or 1.2%, for its eighth loss in nine sessions. Just five of the 30 Dow components ended higher, with Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) having the best day on an 0.8% gain. AAPL's 5.2% drop paced the 25 losers. 

 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,084.07) wasn't far behind the Dow, falling 20.1 points, or 1%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,036.79) took a 65-point, or 1.3%, stumble. 

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 13.71) sprung 1.5 points, or 12.1%, to jump back above its 10- and 20-day moving averages. 

 

 

 

 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

 

1. Greece and its creditors have officially agreed on bailout terms for the fiscally strapped country. However, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said he wants the Greek parliament to meet immediately to approve the measures -- in order to receive the first tranche of aid ahead of an Aug. 20 debt deadline. (The Guardian) 
2. With his 2016 presidential campaign struggling, former Texas Governor Rick Perry has quit paying members of his campaign staff. Perry has reportedly just raised roughly $1 million for his campaign that kicked off last month. (Fox News) 
3. Several Chinese companies took a hit after the country devalued the yuan, including Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA). 
4. Thought trading stocks with computers was just for the big guys? Not anymore. 
5. 3 stocks that jumped into the M&A spotlight today. 

 

 

 

 

Commodities:

 

Crude oil got whacked by China's decision to devalue the yuan, as well as OPEC's increased supply outlook for non-member countries. In fact, with its $1.88, or 4.2%, drop, September crude closed at $43.08 per barrel -- its lowest settlement in over six years. 

 

Gold futures managed a slight gain, as some suggested Chinese investors could flock to safe-have investment amid a volatile equities market and the yuan's devaluation. At the close, December-dated gold was $3.60, or 0.3%, higher at $1,107.70 per ounce, bringing its win streak to four sessions. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is eyeing another triple-digit drop, as China's central bank made a second shocking move to drop the guidance rate for the yuan. The action has sparked fears of a possible currency war -- and sent global markets tumbling. Among individual equities, exporters with exposure to the mainland could continue to be in focus, with names such as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) headed lower once again.

Back on the homefront, traders will have a lot to digest as well, including a speech by New York Fed President William Dudley -- which is currently underway. Also, updates on job openings, crude inventories, and the Treasury budget are due.

 

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

 

• Just how dangerous was yesterday's Dow death cross? Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White takes a look.
• Beijing's currency surprise laid the smack down on China-based stocks and the energy sector.
• Option bears piled on as this automotive giant continued to stall.
• Plus … 5 things you need to know this morning -- including stocks making waves, what's happening overseas, and the latest in unusual option activity.

And now, on to the numbers…

 

 

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are nearly 119 points below fair value.

 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

 

1. A decision by the People's Bank of China to allow the yuan to further depreciate has sent global markets sharply lower.
2. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) spiked 12.1% yesterday, hurdling its 10- and 20-day moving averages in the process. VIX calls outstripped puts by a more than 3-to-1 margin, and accounted for nine of the 10 most active strikes -- including a potentially massive call spread at the August 18 and 20 strikes.
3. General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) has been busy this year auctioning off a number of its business units. This morning, the company said it will sell its healthcare loan division to Capital One Financial Corp. (NYSE:COF) for roughly $9 billion, with the deal expected to close in the fourth quarter. GE is down 0.8% in electronic trading.
4. A third bailout for Greece could be in jeopardy, as German lawmakers indicate additional time is needed before they'll be ready to ratify a deal. Greek lawmakers are slated to vote on the measure tomorrow ahead of a meeting of eurozone finance ministers, tentatively scheduled for Friday. 
5. Fossil Group Inc (NASDAQ:FOSL) is bracing for a 10% drop out of the gate -- on track for a fresh four-year low -- after the watchmaker reported lower-than-expected second-quarter revenue and downwardly revised its full-year sales forecast. Additionally, the stock received a fresh round of bearish brokerage notes.

 

Market Statistics
​

• Gap Inc (NYSE:GPS), Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT), and Paychex, Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYX) were among the equities with unusual call and put activity on Tuesday. For the entire list, read Unusual Options Activity: GPS, CLDX, CAT, and PAYX.
• The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 775,401 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 609,468 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio jumped to 0.79, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.70.
• For info on currencies, commodities, trading volume, market breadth, and more, read Stock Market Stats for August 11, 2015.

Earnings and Economic Data

 

The Labor Department's Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) for June, weekly crude inventories, and the Treasury budget will be released today. New York Fed President William Dudley will also speak in Rochester, New York. Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO), Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (BABA), Aramark (ARMK), Macy's Inc. (M), Netease.com (NTES), News Corp (NWSA), and Wayfair (W) are all scheduled to report earnings.To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is on track for another triple-digit loss, as China's second currency move in as many days is shaking investor confidence and sparking fears of a currency war. While Beijing did step in to stop the yuan's free-fall against the dollar, it's done little to stop the bleeding stateside, with the broader S&P 500 Index (SPX) struggling to stay in the black year-to-date.

Elsewhere, oil is on the mend after an encouraging demand forecast from the International Energy Agency and word that stockpiles fell for the third straight week, while job openings dipped more than expected in June. On a related note, New York Fed President William Dudley spoke to the central bank's role in the labor market, noting, "Monetary policy can help labor markets recover by providing incentives for firms to invest and grow (but it) cannot by itself solve skill mismatches that may exist in the economy."

 

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

 

• How speculators are paying up to ease their nerves, per Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner.
• The China-based e-tailer -- and its newest partner -- swimming in red ink.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

 

 

Among the stocks with notable option volume is lighting expert Cree, Inc. (NASDAQ:CREE), with the contracts running at seven times the intraday norm. Digging deeper, buy-to-open activity may be transpiring at the weekly 8/14 26-strike call, which is CREE's most active option by far. At last check, the stock was up 5% at $26.47, but not before touching a three-year, post-earnings low of $23.36.

 

One of the top gainers on the Nasdaq is healthcare concern Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:MYGN), despite a guidance-induced round of negative analyst attention. At last check, the stock was up 7.8% at $33.51, attempting to climb into positive year-to-date territory.

 

​

One of the leading advancers on the Big Board is home furnishings specialist Wayfair Inc (NYSE:W), which has rocketed 21% higher to $46.19 -- and to a record peak of $48.47. Boosting the shares are better-than-expected second-quarter results.

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 1.9 points, or 13.8%, at 15.60.

 

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 2.76, with puts nearly tripling calls, and running at twice the average intraday clip. At last check, the SPY was down 3 points, or 1.4%, at $205.71.

What looked like another tough day for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA)​ -- due to another currency decision out of China -- took an unexpected turn. The blue-chip index was down more than 275 points at its session low, but staged a severe comeback in the second half of trading. What's more, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (COMP) fared even better. The recovery was driven by the energy sector, as crude bounced from six-year lows, as well as chatter that the yuan devaluation could stall a Fed rate hike. On the data front, the Labor Department's Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) for June indicated that job openings fell, even as hiring picked up. Looking ahead, retail figures will be in focus tomorrow morning. 

 

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

 

• 7 stocks with notable Chinese exposure. 
• Which sentiment indicators hold the most weight, and which should be taken with a grain of salt? 
• With July retail figures due out tomorrow, 3 prominent retailers are also set to release earnings this week. Can they avoid the fate of Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M)?
• Plus ... Obama speaks (writes), GoPro eyes a comeback, and a tech rivalry heats up. 

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,402.51) ended just short of breakeven on the heels of a major comeback, closing just 0.3 point lower. Seventeen of the 30 Dow components closed higher, led by Exxon Mobil Corporation's (NYSE:XOM) and Intel Corporation's (NASDAQ:INTC) 1.7% jumps. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) was the biggest loser, giving back 1.5%, while Home Depot (NYSE:HD) finished flat. 

 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,086.05) managed to find its footing for a 2-point, or 0.1%, gain, avoiding negative year-to-date territory. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,044.39) followed suit, picking up 7.6 points, or 0.2%, after breaching 5,000 on an intraday basis. 

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 13.61) gave back early gains to end 0.1 point, or 0.7%, lower, after getting as high as 16.28. 

 

 

 

 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

 

1. President Obama today wrote a letter to the editor in The New York Times calling on Congress to restore the Voting Rights Act. The president was responding to a Times story that highlighted a history of efforts made to repeal the act. (The New York Times) 
2. The Treasury Department revealed a 58% increase in the government's budget deficit, compared to last July. The U.S. recorded a $149 billion deficit for July, outdoing economists' expectations of $132 billion. (Reuters) 
3. GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO) hit a rough patch -- but can it bounce back? 
4. Want more bad news? The Dow isn't the only index with a "death cross." 
5. Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) and Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) were always rivals, but one of the tech giants just took things to another level. 

 

 

 

 

Commodities:

 

Crude oil moved higher off its lowest close in six years, thanks to a better-than-expected demand forecast from the International Energy Agency. At the close, crude for September was up 22 cents, or 0.5%, at $43.30 per barrel. 

 

Once again, gold closed higher, marking the fifth day in row the precious metal has done so. Continued uncertainty surrounding global markets helped lift gold again. For December delivery, gold ended $15.90, or 1.4%, higher at $1,123.60 per ounce. 

After the Dow Jones Industrial Average's (DJIA) impressive comeback yesterday, futures are following overseas benchmarks higher, helped by an earnings beat from blue chip Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO). Meanwhile, traders are gearing up for a busy day on the economic front, with jobless claims, retail sales, and other reports in focus.

 

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

 

• Should traders sweat yesterday's bearish signal on the Russell 2000 Index (RUT)?
• Why Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) and Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) may be on a collision course.
• The solar stock that took traders on a wild ride.
• Plus … 5 things you need to know this morning -- including stocks making waves, what's happening overseas, and the latest in unusual option activity.

And now, on to the numbers…

 

 

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are more than 43 points above fair value.

 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

 

1. Stocks in China jumped as a high-ranking official went to bat for the nation's recent string of currency decisions.
2. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) popped out of the gate yesterday, but reversed lower to end on a small loss. Meanwhile, VIX option volume ran at nearly triple the expected amount, as one trader closed out a massive three-legged bullish spread at the August 16 and 18 call strikes and August 12.50 put strike.
3. Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), which recently slashed its full-year delivery forecast, announced plans to raise roughly $500 million by selling 2.1 million shares.
4. Blue chip CSCO's first earnings report under new CEO Chuck Robbins went well, with quarterly profit and sales numbers topping estimates -- sending the shares up 3.4% pre-market.
5. While IAC/InterActiveCorp's (NASDAQ:IACI) hook-up app Tinder has managed to avoid getting hacked (unlike one more controversial rival), CEO Christopher Payne is stepping down after only five months, to be replaced by founder Sean Rad.

 

 

 

Market Statistics

• Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M), J C Penney Company Inc (NYSE:JCP), and Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) were among the equities with unusual call and put activity on Wednesday. For the entire list, read Unusual Options Activity: M, JCP, YHOO, INGN.
• The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 887,955 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 736,374 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.83, while the 21-day moving average inched up to 0.71.
• For info on currencies, commodities, trading volume, market breadth, and more, read Stock Market Stats for August 12, 2015.

 Earnings and Economic Data

 

Today's economic lineup features weekly jobless claims, retail sales, import and export prices, and business inventories. Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (AAP), Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT), CafePress Inc (PRSS), El Pollo LoCo Holdings Inc (LOCO), Kohl's Corporation (KSS), Nordstrom, Inc. (JWN), Pan American Silver (PAAS), Tribune Media Co. (TRCO), and YY Inc (YY) will announce quarterly earnings. To see what else is on this week's docket, click here.

After 17 straight days of triple-digit trading ranges, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) may be on the verge of snapping that streak. The blue-chip barometer has traded on both sides of breakeven -- but in a span of less than 90 points -- as traders weigh encouraging big-cap earnings and a global stock rally against tumbling crude and gold prices. In addition, Wall Street is digesting a bigger-than-expected uptick in weekly jobless claims, which is fueling more rate-hike-timing chatter.

 

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

 

• 3 stocks that could be ripe for a short squeeze, and the drug stock that's up 75% in August.
• The indicator suggesting fear hasn't been this palpable in years.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

 

Among the stocks with notable option volume is China-based e-commerce concern Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA). After sinking to an all-time low of $71.03 on yesterday's earnings miss, oversold BABA is on the mend -- up 2.4% at $75.14, despite another round of negative analyst notes. BABA options are trading at 1.6 times the average intraday clip, with some traders seemingly buying to open weekly 8/14 75-strike calls. These contracts will move deeper into the money the higher the stock rebounds north of $75 through tomorrow's close, when the contracts expire.

 

One of the top gainers on the Nasdaq is biotech Ocular Therapeutix Inc (NASDAQ:OCUL). After exploring year-to-date lows yesterday, the security has surged 20.6% to trade at $21.71, after Morgan Stanley initiated coverage with an "overweight" rating and a $24 price target. The stock is now on pace to end atop its 10-day moving average for the first time since July 23.

 

​

One of the top losers on the Big Board is restaurant chain Shake Shack Inc (NYSE:SHAK), which has surrendered 8.6% to sit at $59.19. The company priced a secondary offering at $60 per share -- south of yesterday's close at $64.79.

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down 0.3 point, or 1.8%, at 13.36.

 

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.42, with puts outpacing calls. At last check, the SPY was down 0.2 point, or 0.1%, at $208.76.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) struggled for direction today, as traders weighed strong blue-chip earnings and cooling yuan concerns against a sell-off in energy. Specifically, crude oil fell to its lowest close since 2009, pressured by a strengthening dollar. In addition, speculators digested the latest economic data -- including a rise in both weekly jobless claims and monthly retail sales -- and the inevitable round of subsequent rate-hike speculation. 

 

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

 

• How to trade this key SDPR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) trendline, courtesy of Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner.
• Shake Shack Inc (NYSE:SHAK) and Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) received starkly different reactions to their stock offerings. 
• Is now the time to scoop up these 3 financial stocks? 
• Plus ... Big Bird's on the move, the coffee stock getting destroyed, and 3 stocks possibly on the verge of a big move.

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,408.25) traded in a triple-digit range for the 18th straight session, but ultimately landed 5.7 points, or 0.03%, higher. Just 10 of the Dow's 30 components closed higher, with Cisco Systems, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:CSCO) 2.9% post-earnings gain leading the way. Intel Corporation's (NASDAQ:INTC) 2% loss paced the losers.

 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,083.39) wasn't able to turn positive, closing 2.7 points, or 0.1%, lower. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,033.56) also ended a seesaw session in the red, giving back 10.8 points, or 0.2%. 

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 13.49) settled 0.1 point, or 0.9%, lower, but remained above its 10- and 20-day moving averages. 

 

 

 

 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

 

1. At least 50 people are dead after a pair of giant explosions in China yesterday. The incident occurred when a chemical plant caught fire, thought no one is sure what caused the blasts.  (Reuters) 
2. "Sesame Street" has signed a deal with HBO that gives the cable network -- owned by Time Warner Inc (NYSE:TWX) -- the exclusive rights to the TV series' new episodes. After a nine-month waiting period, though, the episodes will air on PBS, where they've aired for years. (​The New York Times​) 
3. The coffee concern that has plummeted nearly 70% since November. 
4. Traders were not amused by the reports of this smartphone maker's new partnership. 
5. These 3 popular stocks could be on the verge of a short-covering rally. 

 

Commodities:

 

A strengthening dollar and ongoing supply concerns pushed crude lower. By the close, oil for September slid $1.07, or 2.5%, to $42.23 per barrel -- its lowest close in more than six years. 

 

In similar fashion, gold moved lower as the greenback gained ground, and after the World Gold Council said demand hit a six-year low in the second quarter. Gold for December delivery settled $8, or 0.7%, lower at $1,115.60 per ounce, snapping its five-session winning streak.

After fighting to keep its head above water yesterday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is headed south ahead of the bell -- and at risk of erasing its weekly gains. Currently, traders are digesting an earnings beat from J C Penney Company Inc (NYSE:JCP), and looking ahead to a number of economic reports, including the latest consumer sentiment data. In fact, the producer price index (PPI) just hit the Street, revealing wholesale inflation rose for a third straight month. Overseas, Greece's parliament approved a third bailout pact with international lenders, putting the onus on a group of eurozone finance ministers -- gathered today in Brussels -- to rubber-stamp the deal.

 

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

 

• Following a tough session on Wednesday, find out the catalyst that helped GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO) bounce back yesterday.
• Want to get paid to buy stocks? Consider this options strategy.
• Why Transocean LTD (NYSE:RIG) and Keryx Biopharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:KERX) dropped 6% yesterday.
• Plus … 5 things you need to know this morning -- including stocks making waves, what's happening overseas, and the latest in unusual option activity.

And now, on to the numbers…

 

 

 

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are roughly 27 points below fair value.

 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

 

1. Chinese stocks closed with a modest gain as the yuan stabilized, while markets in Europe are lower after a round of unimpressive growth data.
2. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) gave up a little ground yesterday, but found a foothold atop its 10- and 20-day moving averages. Call volume roughly tripled put volume, with the day's biggest trades taking place at the deep out-of-the-money September 25 and 30 calls. 
3. After announcing a $500 million stock offering yesterday, Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) said today it has raised the total to $642.5 million, which will help the company expand its auto and energy storage businesses.
4. General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) recently took a China-related hit, and more downside could be in store, after the automaker announced a recall of more than 73,000 Chevy Cobalts in the U.S. and Canada.
   
5. Days after General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) sold its healthcare financial services unit, subsidiary GE Capital announced the sale of its U.S. online deposits business to Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS).

 

 

 

Market Statistics

 

• Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE:JWN), Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO), and Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE:FL) were among the equities with unusual call and put activity on Thursday. For the entire list, read Unusual Options Activity: SEDG, JWN, CSCO, and FL.
• The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 640,879 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 473,653 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.74, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.71.
• For info on currencies, commodities, trading volume, market breadth, and more, read Stock Market Stats for August 13, 2015.

 

Earnings and Economic Data

 

Rounding out the week are industrial production and capacity utilization stats, and the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index. In addition, Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to make a historic trip to Havana, Cuba, to raise the flag over the U.S. embassy. No notable earnings are on tap.

It's been a choppy morning for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), which has been seen on both sides of breakeven. At last check, the blue-chip barometer was struggling to hold on to earlier gains -- as well as its weekly advance. In spite of this push-and-pull action, though, the DJIA has only explored a 67-point path -- and could be on track to break its impressive triple-digit trading streak.

Traders have been digesting the latest round of economic reports -- not to mention relatively lackluster gross domestic product (GDP) readings from overseas -- which includes increases in the producer price index and industrial production, as well as a slight drop in consumer sentiment. Elsewhere, crude oil appears to have stabilized after hitting a more than six-year low earlier, with the September-dated contract up 0.1% at $42.28 per barrel.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

 

• Is the Dow on track for its most volatile year since the recession?
• What's sending this retailer soaring, and this semiconductor stock tumbling to fresh lows.
• Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

 

 

 

Among the stocks with notable call volume is WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman) Inc. (ADR) (NYSE:WX), with the contracts changing hands at 15 times the average intraday pace. The pharmaceutical firm has popped 5.4% to trade at $43.55, on reports of a $3.3 billion merger, and option bulls appear to be selling to close their now in-the-money August 40 calls ahead of next Friday's expiration.

 

One of the top gainers on the Big Board is Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE:JWN), which is up 5.9% at $79.38 post-earnings -- more than the options market was expecting. Unlike fellow retailer Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M), JWN's second-quarter earnings beat analysts' estimates -- news that was met with price-target hikes at Baird (to $82) and J.P. Morgan Securities (to $87).

 

One of the biggest losers on the Nasdaq is El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:LOCO), with the shares down 18.3% at $15.01 -- and fresh off a record low of $14.62. The fast-food firm last night reported lower-than-expected second-quarter revenue and projected dreary full-year same-store sales, and today's sell-off has LOCO on track for its worst day ever.

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down 0.03 point, or 0.2%, at 13.46.

 

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 2.12, with puts more than doubling calls. SPY is up 0.2 point, or 0.1%, at $208.88.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) ended its staggering run of triple-digit ranges -- albeit barely -- even as stocks enjoyed an eleventh-hour push on word of a Greek bailout deal. Specifically, the European Commission confirmed an 86-billion-euro, three-year loan to Greece. With the gains, the Dow closed the week comfortably higher, and even oil bounced from a six-year low. Looking ahead, Wall Street next week will pore over the latest Fed meeting minutes for rate-hike-timing clues, while blue chips Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) and Home Depot Inc (NYSE:HD) will headline a plethora of retail names reporting.

 

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

 

• Why these 3 biotechs exploded for insane gains while this rival took a nosedive. 
• How Shake Shack Inc (NYSE:SHAK) traders played brand-new options, and why this sector peer landed on the short-sale restricted list. 
• Has Wall Street been ignoring a "massive opportunity" in this sector? One CEO thinks so. 
• Plus ... The Stars and Stripes in Cuba, factory production ramps up, and Elon Musk ups the ante. 

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,477.40) spent most of the day dancing right above breakeven, but ended 69.2 points, or 0.4%, higher after a late-day swell. Of the 30 Dow components, 24 closed higher, with DuPont (NYSE:DD) leading the way with a 1.6% gain. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) and Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) paced the losers, each dropping 0.4%. The DJIA ended the week 0.6% higher. 

 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,091.54) also managed a modest gain, picking up 8.2 points, or 0.4%, to end near a session high. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,048.24) clawed its way out of the red in afternoon trading, ending 14.7 points, or 0.3%, higher. The SPX closed the week with a 0.7% lead, while the COMP added 0.1%. 

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 12.83) dropped 0.7 point, or 4.9%, to near a session low, settling just below its 10- and 20-day moving averages. The "fear gauge" lost 4.2% on the week. 

 

 

 

 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

 

1. For the first time in 54 years, a U.S. embassy is open in Cuba. The three Marines who took down the flag when the last embassy closed in 1961 were on hand for the ceremony, during which Secretary of State John Kerry said, "The time has come for us to move in a more promising direction," and called for "a genuine democracy" in Cuba. (The Washington Post) 
2. Industrial production for July beat out economists' expectations, thanks to particularly strong numbers from the auto market. Overall, factory production's month-over-month advance was its largest since November. (​Bloomberg​)
3. Disappointing earnings sunk this chipmaker to new lows. 
4. Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) unveiled a $500 million stock offering on Thursday -- but apparently that wasn't enough. 
5. Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner discusses why the recent insider trading bust was quite interesting. 

 

 

 

 

Commodities:

 

Crude oil fought back from its lowest close in six years, on news the U.S. will soon sell crude to Mexico. For September delivery, crude added 27 cents, or 0.6%, to settle at $42.50 per barrel. Crude oil ended the week 3.1% lower, marking its seventh straight weekly drop. 

 

Conversely, gold took a hit as the U.S. dollar strengthened. Gold for December slipped $2.90, or 0.3%, closing at $1,112.70 an ounce. The precious metal still managed to close the week 1.6% higher, however, marking its best week in almost two months.