Stocks are higher this afternoon, with the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) already logging intraday records on hopes of additional fiscal stimulus coming through before the end of the year. The former was boosted by gains in the utilities and materials sectors, while the major indexes all benefited from Congress coming closer to agreeing on a $900 aid package that would include stimulus checks for Americans. Elsewhere, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has tacked on 94 points at midday, thanks to a pop in Apple (AAPL) stock. Still, jobless claims hit their highest level since early September, which kept a lid on gains.

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

• Rite Aid stock records annual high on heels of surprise beat.
• With 2020 nearly over, this restaurant stock is looking for a win.
• Plus, why LEN options are flying off the shelves; one power stock surging on the NYSE; and SMP is trading at two-month lows.

One stock seeing notable options activity today is Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN), after the home construction company reported stellar fiscal fourth-quarter earnings and revenue. The equity was last seen up 7.4% to trade at $79.75, and so far today, 13,000 calls and 9,997 puts have already exchanged hands -- seven times the intraday average and volume pacing in the highest percentile of its annual range. Most popular is the January 2021 75-strike put, followed by the 72.50-strike put from the same series. Year-to-date, LEN has added 43%.

Meanwhile, one stock hovering around the top of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today is Korea Electric Power Corporation (NYSE:KEP), last seen up 12.1% at $12.11, a chip-shot from annual high territory. Longer-term, the equity has seen an impressive 84.7% bump over the last nine months. Over the last three months, the equity's 50-day moving average has helped move the equity higher.

Near the bottom of the NYSE, Standard Motor Products, Inc. (NYSE:SMP) is down 16% to trade at $45.28. Though the reason is unclear, SMP is trading at its lowest level since early October, despite being just one session removed from hitting its annual high of $55.29. Additionally, the equity looks poised to close below its 100-day moving average for the first time since the beginning of the 2020. Speaking of 2020, Standard Motor stock has shed 13.8% on the year.

Stocks are continuing to rapidly pull back from yesterday's record highs, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) down triple digits, as lawmakers rush to agree on additional fiscal stimulus measures. The blue-chip index is off 186 points at midday, despite encouraging comments regarding aid from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, as federal funding is set to lapse at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday. Elsewhere, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are modestly lower, with massive volume expected to occur as Tesla (TSLA) prepares to enter the former index based off of today's close. Lastly, all three major indexes are poised for weekly wins. 

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

• A look into 11 pot stocks that are higher on analyst charts.
• Blue-chip pharma giant stock soars on late-stage vaccine trials.
• Plus, bulls are rushing toward FireEye stock; Curo stock is thriving on M&A news; and GPRK is sinking on the NYSE.

One stock seeing notable call activity today is FireEye Inc (NASDAQ:FEYE), after it was reported that a suspected Russian hacking campaign compromised multiple government agencies, private companies and critical infrastructure entities. The intelligence based cybersecurity specialist was last seen up 10.6% to trade at $15.90, and so far today, 69,000 calls have already exchanged hands -- 12 times the intraday average and volume pacing in the highest percentile of its annual range -- versus just 5,581 puts. Most popular is the January 2021 19-strike call, followed by the December 15 call, with new positions being opened at both. FEYE is trading back above its 30-day moving average, for the first time since a bear gap sunk the equity below $13.60 earlier in December.

Meanwhile, one stock near the top of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today is Curo Group Holdings Corp (NYSE:CURO), last seen up 83.9% at $16.16, earlier hitting a two-year high of $20.81, after benefiting from the merger of Katapult and FinServe Acquisition Corp (FSRV). Longer-term, the equity has jumped an impressive 117% this quarter, with a fresh bounce off the 180-day moving average.

Near the bottom of the NYSE, GeoPark Ltd (NYSE:GPRK) is down 6% to trade at $13.02. Though the reason is unclear, GPRK is back to trading near the $13 mark, after yesterday rising to its highest level since the broader market's mid-March pullback. The equity has tacked on 35.6% over the last months, with recent support from the 10-day moving average.