Despite a rocky start in the wake of a disappointing nonfarm payrolls report, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) moved higher in afternoon trading to close the week on a high note -- and stage its biggest reversal in four years. Specifically, the blue-chip barometer overcame a 258-point hole during a second-half surge, to settle up 200 points, and notch its first weekly win in three. Energy stocks helped to lead the recovery, as oil turned higher on reports of a drop in U.S. rig counts. Additionally, Fed Vice Chair Stanley Fischer said there are no "acute risks" currently threatening financial stability. Looking ahead, next week could get interesting, when the minutes from the Fed's latest meeting will be released and third-quarter earnings season will unofficially get underway.

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

• Gold names took off on the disappointing jobs data, so what levels should you be watching on the precious metal? 
• Why now's the time to sell premium on this gaming giant. 
• This drugmaker got demolished, and this sector peer followed suit. 
• Plus ... More on today's payrolls, an original member of Obama's cabinet resigns, and what to expect from solar stocks in the fourth quarter.

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 16,472.37) fell out of the gate, but moved higher in afternoon trading, adding 200.4 points, or 1.2%. Twenty-eight of the 30 Dow components finished with gains, led by Chevron Corporation's (NYSE:CVX) 4.1% victory. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) and Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) both closed 0.3% lower. For the week, the Dow added 1%.
 
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 1,951.36) closed in the black as well, picking up 27.5 points, or 1.4%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,707.78) ended the highest of them all, tacking on 80.7 points, or 1.7%. The SPX was 1% higher on the week, and the COMP added 0.5%. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 20.94) dipped 1.6 points, or 7.1%, closing below its 10-week moving average for the first time since mid-August. The VIX ended the week 11.3% lower. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. This morning's job data hit the Street hard, as payrolls rose less than many expected, while wages remained unchanged. Specifically, the U.S. added 142,000 jobs, with many expecting a figure above 200,000. (Bloomberg) 
2. U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan will resign from his post at year's end. Mr. Duncan -- a member of President Barack Obama's original cabinet -- created the "Race to the Top" initiative, meant to spark innovation in school districts. (​The New York Times​)  
3. A simple question: Are solar stocks doomed this quarter?
4. How Wedbush weighed in on a number of notable social media names. 
5. What had these 2 telecom stocks in the spotlight today?

Commodities:

 

A drop in U.S. drilling rigs lifted crude oil today. By the close, crude dated for November added 80 cents, or 1.8%, to settle at $45.54 per barrel. For the week, though, oil shed 0.4%. 

Gold also moved higher, snapping a five-session losing streak. December-dated gold added $22.90, or 2.1%, to end at $1,136.60 per ounce. Still, the precious metal was 0.8% lower on the week. 

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures are pointing to a strong open this morning, as traders continue to consider Friday's underwhelming nonfarm payrolls report. Amid the weak data, speculation has picked up that the Fed could wait to raise interest rates until 2016, while minutes from the committee's most recent meeting will be released on Thursday ​-- just in time for the unofficial kickoff of third-quarter earnings season. Also helping futures on the blue-chip barometer is across-the-board strength from global markets. 

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

 

• Solar stocks took off on Friday, but could be in trouble longer term.
• Option bulls think this traditional energy giant will leave the round $50 level in the dust.
• 7 key levels to watch on gold.
• Plus … 5 things you need to know this morning -- including stocks making waves and what's happening overseas.

And now, on to the numbers…

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are 124.6 points above fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

 

1. The cloudy U.S. jobs report has equities in Asia and Europe rallying. 
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 835,496 call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 560,257 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.67, while the 21-day moving average slipped to 0.77. 
3. Blue chip General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) is getting a 3.5% lift ahead of the open, on news activist investor Nelson Peltz's firm, Trian Fund Management LP, has taken a 1% stake in the company worth $2.5 billion. We'll see how this affects the stock's put-biased option traders going forward.  
4. Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) last week introduced its long-awaited Model X, an electric SUV, but this morning it's another vehicle creating buzz. Late Friday, the company reported increased sales figures for its Model S, which contributed to record third-quarter deliveries. However, TSLA is still lagging behind its 2015 sales target. 
5. Long-struggling American Apparel Inc (NYSEMKT:APP) has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In its statement, the company announced its debt will be reduced to around $135 million from $300 million under the restructuring. The stock is set to drop 24% at the open, after already sliding 89% in 2015 to close Friday at $0.11. 

Earnings and Economic Data

 

Today's docket features the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) non-manufacturing index, accompanied by Markit's services purchasing managers index (PMI). The lone company expected to report earnings is Container Store (TCS). To see what else is coming up on this week's docket, click here.

Ahead of Thursday night's earnings-season kickoff, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is on fire as rate-hike fears wane in the aftermath of Friday's downbeat payrolls report. In fact, the possibility the Fed may delay liftoff until 2016 sparked a strong performance overseas, as well. On the economic front, the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) services index cooled more than expected in September. In any case, the Dow's jump has the benchmark officially out of correction territory, while the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) is back in the black on a year-to-date basis.

Elsewhere, a pair of central bank heavyweights weighed in on the prospects of a 2015 rate hike. Specifically, Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren said it remains possibility -- if Friday's report proves "anomalous" -- while former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke warned higher rates could strengthen the dollar and "kill U.S. exports." 

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

 

• One biotech is surging on upbeat analyst attention, while positive drug data boosts another.
• Our founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer puts his finger on a few technical levels every trader should watch.
• 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 Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY), with the contracts crossing at 15 times the intraday norm. Digging deeper, traders are betting on end-of-week upside, buying to open the weekly 10/9 58.50- and 59-strike calls. On the charts, BBBY is up 1.9% at $58.48, helped by unconfirmed takeover chatter.

One of the biggest advancers on the Nasdaq is gene therapy specialist Spark Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:ONCE), up 25% at $54.89. Buoying the equity are positive results from a late-stage trial.

One of the top gainers on the Big Board is SandRidge Energy Inc. (NYSE:SD), as the oil-and-gas firm agreed to buy compression company Pinon Gathering Co LLC for $48 million in cash. At last check, SD has spiked 12.8% to trade at $0.40.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down 1.5 points, or 7.3%, at 19.41.
​

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.27, with puts outstripping calls. SPY was last seen up 2.7 points, or 1.4%, at $197.74.

It was a big day on Wall Street today, with all three major indexes scoring solid wins. Not only did the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) climb out of correction territory -- thanks to rallies from a pair of blue-chip heavyweights -- but the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) jumped back above its year-to-date breakeven line. Additionally, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) took a big step in proving that past can be precedent -- and extended its gains to a fifth consecutive session to notch its longest win streak since last December.

With a relatively bare economic and earnings calendar, today's pop came courtesy of a technical boost, as indexes continued to bounce off August lows. However, a handful of market-moving macro events are on this week's docket -- including hints to the Fed's recent interest-rate decision and a fresh batch of quarterly earnings -- so, more volatility is likely ahead.

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

• Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner explains why the "overbought VIX trade" still works.
• Bulls piled on Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) amid buyout buzz, while analysts weighed in on Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) following a C-suite decision.
• In case you missed it, founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer highlights the levels you should be watching to gauge whether a breakout or bear market is in the works.
• Plus ... Growth in the service sector stalls, BP plc (ADR) (NYSE:BP) notches a Justice Department record, and how Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) brushed off a bearish brokerage note.

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 16,776.43) was 326 points higher at its session peak -- and settled not too far from there, up 304 points, or 1.9%. Twenty-nine of the Dow's 30 components gained ground, led by 5.3% pops for General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) and Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT). Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) was the lone laggard, shedding 0.8%.
 
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 1,987.05) added 35.7 points, or 1.8%, while the Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,781.26) jumped 73.5 points, or 1.6%.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 19.54) gave back 1.4 points, or 6.7%, to close at its lowest level since Aug. 20.

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. The Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) non-manufacturing purchasing managers index fell to 56.9 in September from 59 in August. In July, the reading topped out at a record high of 60.3. (FOX Business)
2. The Justice Department ordered BP to pay $20 billion to settle claims regarding the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This is the largest fine in the court's history, and still needs to be approved by a federal judge. (ABC News)
3. Despite getting slapped with a price-target cut, DE jumped 6.4% on news of a big win with United Auto Workers.
4. How weekly option traders have been lining up on these 2 energy issues.
5. Stifel took note of this network equipment specialist's surge up the charts.

Commodities:

 

Crude oil started the week on a strong note, thanks to stimulus hopes from overseas and reports that Russia is willing to meet with both OPEC and non-OPEC oil producers. By the close, crude for November delivery was up 72 cents, or 1.6%, at $46.26 per barrel.

Gold, meanwhile, rose for a second straight session, with the December-dated contract settling up $1, or 0.1%, at $1,137.60 per ounce.

After rallying out of correction territory yesterday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is set to take a breather. Likewise, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is pointed lower on the heels of its longest winning streak of the year. Traders are treading cautiously ahead of a post-close speech from San Francisco Fed President John Williams -- a voting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) member -- as well as the unofficial start to earnings season later this week.

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

 

• Schaeffer's Senior VP of Research Todd Salamone explained why short interest is a red flag for bulls and bears alike. 
• The stock is up 2.6% pre-market -- but how were pre-earnings option traders playing PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE:PEP)?
• Analyzing the bearish bias on these 2 energy stocks. 
• Plus … 5 things you need to know this morning -- including stocks making waves and what's happening overseas.

And now, on to the numbers…

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are 32.4 points below fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

 

1. Stimulus hopes are stoking a rally in Tokyo, while German data disappointed.
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 813,612 call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 501,108 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.62, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.77. 
3. Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (USA) (NYSE:LGF) and Starz (NASDAQ:STRZA) are in advanced merger talks, the Los Angeles Times reported. STRZA has been a long-time center of Hollywood M&A chatter, with AMC Networks Inc (NASDAQ:AMCX) once a reported suitor.
4. Late Monday, DuPont (NYSE:DD) said CEO Ellen Kullman will step down from her post this month, to be temporarily succeeded by current board member Edward Breen. Kullman's departure is expected to open the door for another proxy battle with activist investor Nelson Peltz, who grabbed headlines yesterday when his Trian Fund Management LP announced a $2.5 billion stake in General Electric (NYSE:GE). DD is up 6.5% ahead of the bell.
5. AmerisourceBergen Corp. (NYSE:ABC) said it will buy PharMEDium Healthcare Holdings Inc. from privately held Clayton, Dubilier & Rice for nearly $2.6 billion in cash. ABC -- which has typically fared well on Tuesdays -- is off 1.4% in pre-market trading.
   

Earnings and Economic Data

 

News remains light today, as we will be treated to the international trade balance and a speech from San Francisco Fed President John Williams. Beverage giant PEP reported earnings, and Yum! Brands (YUM) will announce results after the close. To see what else is coming up on this week's docket, click here.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is on track for a third straight daily win -- while the broader S&P 500 Index (SPX) is struggling to reach its sixth -- as traders gear up for the start of earnings season. Helping the blue-chip benchmark to a modest lead is DuPont's (NYSE:DD) 10% surge, on news that the company's CEO plans to retire later this month. Elsewhere, the August trade deficit widened to its highest level in five months, while crude oil briefly shot above $50 per barrel -- and remains solidly higher. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reduced its 2015 global growth forecasts yet again, citing "more pronounced" downside risks.

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

 

• Based on recent history, the SPX win streak bodes well for the short term.
• After signaling a higher start, this Apple supplier is getting crushed in the wake of a multi-billion-dollar acquisition.
• 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 genetics specialist Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN), as the contracts are flying off the shelves at 36 times the usual intraday rate -- and nine times the pace of calls. Triggering the activity is the equity's guidance-induced 15% drop to $138.72 -- not to mention a new annual low of $130 -- which has the shares on the short-sale restricted list. ILMN's most active strike is the October 125 put, largely thanks to a 12,704-contract block that crossed in early trading.

The biggest advancer on the Nasdaq is chipmaker PMC-Sierra Inc (NASDAQ:PMCS), up 33.4% at $10.26 -- and fresh off a nine-year high of $10.28. The shares are benefiting from the company's newly announced $2 billion buyout.

One of the leading losers on the Big Board is Container Store Group Inc (NYSE:TCS), down 16.5% at $13. The stock is reeling after the retailer announced lower-than-expected second-quarter profit and sales, and was subsequently hit with a price-target cut to $16 from $18 at Sterne Agee CRT.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.2 point, or 1.2%, at 19.77.
​

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.66, with puts outstripping calls. At last check, SPY is down 0.7 point, or 0.4%, at $197.76.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) explored a range of 119 points -- mostly to the upside -- helped by a big day for DuPont (NYSE:DD) and energy names. However, the blue-chip barometer was the exception to the rule, as lackluster trade data and a downwardly revised forecast from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) dragged the S&P 500 Index (SPX) to its first loss in six sessions. Meanwhile, a steep biotech slide sank the Nasdaq Composite (COMP), though the tech-rich index held on to its year-to-date gain. Looking ahead, traders will soon be dissecting comments from a noteworthy Fed member, as well as the unofficial start to earnings season.

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

• 25 stocks that have historically crushed it in the fourth quarter.
• The biotech that surrendered nearly half its value to explore single-digit territory for the first time in years.
• Was activist investor Carl Icahn behind today's big announcement from Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:FCX)?
• Plus ... How iPhones impacted the trade gap, Microsoft's new line of products, and big news in transcontinental partnerships.

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 16,790.19) spent time on both sides of breakeven, ultimately eking out a 13.8-point, or 0.1%, gain. Half of the Dow's 30 components ended higher, led by DuPont's 7.7% surge. UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) paced the 15 laggards, dropping 3% as healthcare stocks took a dive.
 
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 1,979.92), on the other hand, spent most of the day in the red, snapping its longest winning streak of the year. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,748.36) fared the worst of its peers, surrendering 32.9 points, or 0.7%, as biotech stocks swooned.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 19.40) struggled to pick a direction, settling with a 0.1-point, or 0.7%, drop to remain south of 20.

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. The U.S. trade gap jumped a month-over-month 15.6% in August, to a five-month high of $48.3 billion, the Commerce Department reported. A strong dollar sent U.S. exports to a three-year low, while demand for new Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhones bolstered imports.  (MarketWatch)
2. While traders in Asia cheered a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the European Union (EU) killed a 15-year trans-Atlantic data agreement that could impact several U.S. tech titans. The Obama administration weighed in, expressing concern about "the economic consequences" of the landmark ruling.  (Reuters; MarketWatch)
3. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) hosted an event in New York, unveiling a new line of products.
4. As oil prices rallied, call volume spiked on this pair of big-cap energy names.
5. Morgan Stanley weighed in on Tesla Motors Inc's (NYSE:TSLA) Model X sticker price.

Commodities:

 

Crude oil rocketed to a five-week high, after the Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicted declining oil output through the next year. In addition, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary-General Abdulla el-Badri said oil prices should bounce back amid a drop in investments, and opined that OPEC and non-OPEC members should collaborate to ease global supplies. By the close, the November-dated contract added $2.27, or 4.9%, to sit at $48.53 per barrel.

A softer dollar helped gold futures higher, with the December contract adding $8.80, or 0.8%, to sit at $1,146.40 an ounce.

After the blue-chip index's narrow win on Tuesday, futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are moving higher yet again. The major economic news for the day will likely be the report on domestic crude inventories, as oil prices continue to rise -- a development that's been a boon for global markets today. Traders will also be preparing for earnings from Alcoa Inc (NYSE:AA), slated for tomorrow, which will unofficially kick off third-quarter earnings season. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is also positioned higher, as it looks to recover from its first loss in six sessions. 

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

 

• After the index's 5-day run higher, Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White investigates whether S&P streaks create trading opportunities. 
• Bulls bombarded these 2 blue-chip energy stocks. 
• How Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) surprised Morgan Stanley. 
• Plus … 5 things you need to know this morning -- including stocks making waves and what's happening overseas.

And now, on to the numbers…

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are 79.8 points above fair value.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

 

1. Oil's bounce is lifting stock markets in both Asia and Europe. 
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 657,878 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 447,637 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.68, while the 21-day moving average stayed flat at 0.77. 
3. Beer giant Anheuser Busch Inbev SA (ADR) (NYSE:BUD) has raised its takeover offer for SABMiller to $104 billion in cash, valuing the company at roughly $64 per share. BUD has moved 2.3% higher ahead of the open -- even after SABMiller rejected the sweetened deal. 
4. Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM) is getting crushed in electronic trading, taking a 15.7% dive after the food firm cut its full-year outlook in response to weak quarterly results out of Asia. This isn't surprising, though: the company has been struggling in China for some time. 
5. Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's investment firm has increased its stake in Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) to 0.72%, bringing the royal's total stake to more than 5%. The move comes after Alwaleed spoke out against Jack Dorsey -- the company's new CEO -- only a short time ago. TWTR is 1.5% higher in pre-market trading. 

Earnings and Economic Data

 

On top of the weekly petroleum inventory report, today's docket holds the Fed's consumer credit report. Acuity Brands (AYI), Constellation Brands (STZ), Global Payments (GPN), and Monsanto (MON) will step into the earnings confessional.  To see what else is coming up on this week's docket, click here.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and S&P 500 Index (SPX) started the session solidly higher, with the former up more than 173 points at its intraday peak. At midday, however, both indexes are struggling to stay positive, with the Dow aiming for a fourth straight win and the S&P attempting to bounce back. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP) is in the same boat, turning tail along with tech stocks. Meanwhile, the latest batch of quarterly results has proven largely disappointing, while crude oil reversed course after reported increases in domestic production and supplies.

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

 

• The comments that sent Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) sharply lower.
• While buyout buzz is weighing on Pandora Media Inc (NYSE:P), traders are shrugging off a failed acquisition from this solar stock.
• 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 Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM), with the contracts crossing at 18 times the intraday norm. Sparking the interest in puts is the stock's 19% post-earnings drop to $67.60, which has it sitting on the short-sale restricted (SSR) list. Short-term bears are buying to open YUM's weekly 10/9 67-strike put, counting on more end-of-week downside for shares of the Pizza Hut parent.

One of the biggest decliners on the Nasdaq is touch screen expert Neonode, Inc (NASDAQ:NEON), following the company's disappointing revenue guidance and secondary offering pricing. At last check, NEON has plummeted 18.3% at $2.15, and is on the SSR list.

The leading loser on the Big Board is Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:NUS), thanks to the personal care firm's lackluster quarterly sales forecast. NUS was last seen 23.7% lower at $35.54, and fresh off a two-year low of $34.34.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.03 point, or 0.2%, at 19.43.
​

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.76, with puts outstripping calls. At last check, SPY has edged 0.5 point, or 0.3%, higher, at $198.31.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) tracked a nearly 200-point trading range today. Although the blue-chip barometer spent time on both sides of breakeven, the action eventually resolved to the upside, as a rebound in biotechs outweighed pressure from the energy sector. Elsewhere, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) came within a chip-shot of toppling the critical 2,000 mark for the first time since mid-September, while the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) extended its year-to-date lead.

Looking ahead, the rest of the week should be a busy one. Not only will traders be dissecting the minutes from the September Fed meeting with a fine-toothed comb, they'll also be contemplating the unofficial start of earnings season.

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

• Why Alcoa Inc's (NYSE:AA) earnings reaction could have broader implications.
• Are these 25 stocks flashing a fourth-quarter warning sign?
• The catalyst behind GoPro Inc's (NASDAQ:GPRO) record low.
• Plus ... Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) ties up some loose ends, Bill Ackman takes another swipe at Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE:HLF), and the fantasy football scandal everyone is talking about.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 16,912.29) was down 25 points at midday, before muscling back to a 122.1-point, or 0.7%, gain. The Dow has ended higher four sessions in a row, marking its best winning streak since July. Twenty-five of the Dow's 30 components closed higher, led by Merck & Co., Inc.'s (NYSE:MRK) 2.3% pop. Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) paced the five decliners with its 0.9% drop.
 
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 1,995.83) came within one point of toppling the 2,000 mark in intraday action, and settled up 15.9 points, or 0.8%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,791.15), meanwhile, outperformed its peers, adding 42.8 points, or 0.9%.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 18.40) shed 1 point, or 5.2%, to close at its lowest perch since Aug. 20.

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. NOK unveiled a number of managerial and organizational updates to its planned takeover of Alcatel Lucent SA (ADR) (NYSE:ALU). Specifically, NOK plans to combine managers from both firms, with the combined company creating four groups -- Mobile Networks, Fixed Networks, Applications & Analytics, and IP/Optical Networks. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the first half of 2016. (MarketWatch)
2. Bill Ackman's disdain for HLF has been fodder for the Street for some time, and today, the activist investor said he has "lots of new stuff, none I can report," and to "stay tuned." The comments were enough to send HLF down 7.4%, while sector peer Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:NUS) plunged on a dismal forecast.
3. Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner took a closer look at the "insider trading" allegations levied against one DraftKings employee.
4. This cybersecurity name got a lift after unveiling its newest acquisition.
5. How Saudi Arabian royalty helped prop up Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR).

Commodities:

Crude oil erased an early lead, after the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a surprise climb in weekly inventories and domestic production. At the close, November-dated crude was down 72 cents, or 1.5%, at $47.81 per barrel -- black gold's first loss in four sessions.

Gold futures rose for a fourth straight day, with gold for December delivery settling up $2.30, or 0.2%, at $1,148.70 per ounce.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is set to open lower, following Wednesday's triple-digit win -- which marked the fourth consecutive daily gain for the blue-chip barometer. It should be an interesting day on the Street, with the minutes from the Fed's September meeting set for release this afternoon. Traders will also be preparing for third-quarter earnings season, which unofficially begins after the close, while keeping an ear turned toward speeches from regional Fed presidents John Williams and Narayana Kocherlakota. 

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

 

• How Alcoa Inc's (NYSE:AA) earnings reaction tonight could foreshadow fourth-quarter returns. 
• The 3 names that helped lead a biotech bounce. 
• The foreign investor that just upped his stake in Twitter Inc (NASDAQ:TWTR). 

And now, on to the numbers…

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are 45.29 points below fair value. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

 

1. The Chinese stock market returned from holiday in a big way. 
2. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 726,649 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 600,156 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.83, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.77. 
3. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) will take on Wall Street newcomer Etsy Inc (NASDAQ:ETSY) with Handmade, a new marketplace for artisan crafts.  This is just the latest strategic move from AMZN, which boasts a 74.6% year-to-date lead. ETSY, meanwhile, is off 2.7% ahead of the open. 
4. Casino firm Caesars Entertainment Corp (NASDAQ:CZR) announced an amended restructuring plan. The new plan is supported by 80% of senior bondholders. Amid its bankruptcy concerns, CZR has shed half its value in 2015. 
5. Not surprisingly, Domino's Pizza, Inc.'s (NYSE:DPZ) fiscal third-quarter earnings disappointed the Street, as the pizza company feels the effects of its $6 million liability charge. Pre-market trading has the shares 3.6% in the red. 

Earnings and Economic Data

 

In addition to the Fed minutes, weekly jobless claims will also be released today. AA will unofficially kick off third-quarter earnings season when it reports quarterly results after the closing bell sounds. Joining AA in the earnings spotlight are DPZ, International Speedway (ISCA), and Ruby Tuesday (RT).  To see what else is coming up on this week's docket, click here.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is waffling ahead of this afternoon's Fed minutes release and the unofficial start of earnings season, with the benchmark last seen slightly higher. Notably, a gain today would extend the Dow's winning streak to five sessions. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP), meanwhile, is decidedly lower as tech and healthcare stocks sink. On the economic front, weekly jobless claims fell more than expected -- and to a nearly 42-year low -- while a handful of retailers will be reporting September sales figures throughout the day.

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

 

• Is Wall Street beginning to throw in the towel on Groupon Inc (NASDAQ:GRPN)?
• All you need to know about the newly launched CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) weekly options.
• Plus ... Checking in on the VIX, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.

Among the stocks with notable option volume is computer hardware firm EMC Corporation (NYSE:EMC), with the contracts running at seven times the average intraday rate. Currently, the stock is up 3.3% at $26.81, amid reports of a potential buyout. According to the International Securities Exchange (ISE), one short-term trader initiated a bull call spread at the October 27 and 28 strikes, perhaps to bet on a bid between $27 and $28 for EMC. 

One of the notable decliners on the Big Board is burger joint Shake Shack Inc (NYSE:SHAK), thanks to a newly announced secondary offering. At last check, the stock was down 6.7% at $45.22.

Among the leading losers on the Nasdaq is drugmaker Pacific Biosciences of California (NASDAQ:PACB), down 8.6% at $7.13. Today's pullback may have been in the cards, though, as PACB's huge rally in recent sessions had lifted its 14-day Relative Strength Index to 82 -- firmly in overbought territory.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.1 point, or 0.8%, at 18.54.
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Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.60, with puts outpacing calls. At last check, SPY was off 0.1 point, or 0.1%, at $199.29.