The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is bracing for more earnings-induced losses this morning, with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) headed lower after incurring a $3.2 billion net loss for its fiscal fourth quarter. In fact, the tech sector as a whole is taking its lumps, with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) slumping on the heels of its sales forecast, and Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) lower on an earnings miss -- all of which is weighing heavily on Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) futures. Later this morning, traders will get to digest the latest existing home sales data and weekly crude inventories, with another major round of earnings due after the close. 

 

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

 

• Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White explores this historic first for the S&P 500 Index (SPX).
• How did these mining stocks fare amid gold's newest low? Find out here.
• BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) shareholders cheered -- and employees jeered -- this cost-cutting news.

And now, on to the numbers…

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are roughly 39 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 802,074 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 552,672 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio spiked to 0.69, while the 21-day moving average held at 0.69.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is fractionally higher at 97.34.
• Crude oil has retreated another 1.1% to $50.30 per barrel.
• Gold is down 1.1% to trade at $1,091.90 per ounce, extending its slump to new five-year lows.

 

Earnings and Economic Data

 

Today's economic calendar will feature existing home sales stats, as well as the regularly scheduled crude inventories report. American Express (AXP), Boeing (BA), Coca-Cola (KO), EMC Corp (EMC), QUALCOMM (QCOM), Angie's List (ANGI), Cirrus Logic (CRUS), SanDisk (SNDK), Texas Instruments (TXN), ARM Holdings (ARMH), AutoNation (AN), Checkpoint Software (CHKP), Cheesecake Factory (CAKE), F5 Networks (FFIV), Fortinet (FTNT), Lithia Motors (LAD), Newmont Mining (NEM), Six Flags (SIX), Thermo Fisher (TMO), Tractor Supply (TSCO), Tupperware (TUP), United Rentals (URI), and Whirlpool (WHR) are among the big names set to report. Blue Buffalo Pet Products is expected to go public under the ticker BUFF. To see what else is on this week's docket, click here.

 

Overseas Trading

 

For a breakdown of today's trading in Asia and Europe, including a fifth straight win for the Shanghai Composite, read Overseas Trading: Apple's Soft Sales Forecast Pressures Global Tech Stocks.

 

Unusual Put and Call Activity

 

 

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is staring at significant losses, due to some lackluster earnings performances -- including one by blue chip Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). Even Dow components Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) and The Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO) -- which topped quarterly expectations this morning -- are struggling to hold on to earlier gains. Elsewhere, existing home sales came in better than expected last month, home prices rose in line with estimates, crude stockpiles unexpectedly jumped -- exacerbating the commodity's downward trend -- and gold touched yet another five-year low.

 

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

 

• Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may not have missed on earnings, but the shares are getting hammered, nonetheless.
• In case you missed it, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) just flashed this signal for the first time ever.
• 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 GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRO), as the contracts are crossing at six times the usual midday rate, on the heels of a strong quarterly report. The weekly 7/24 series is extremely active today, accounting for eight of the 10 most popular strikes. At last check, GPRO has stepped back 2.2% to trade at $60.66, but since its March 10 low at $37.13, has surged over 63%.

 

One of the top gainers on the Big Board is Lifelock Inc (NYSE:LOCK), which is bouncing back from Tuesday's sell-off despite getting hit with a round of bearish brokerage attention. At last check, shares of the identity protection firm have popped 9.1% to trade at $8.89, but are still sitting on a 52% year-to-date deficit.

 

One of the biggest advancers on the Nasdaq is medical equipment maker Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG), boosted by an earnings beat and several bullish analyst notes. Currently, ISRG is up 10.6% at $558.49, and fresh off an annual high of $564.86.

 

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.2 point, or 1.4%, at 12.39.

 

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.82, with puts nearly doubling calls. At last check, SPY is off 0.2% at $211.35.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is poised to extend its downward momentum following yesterday's earnings-induced hit, with futures pointed lower ahead of the bell. Quarterly reports are again in focus today, with traders digesting an earnings beat from blue chip McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) -- along with freshly slashed forecasts from fellow Dow components 3M Co (NYSE:MMM) and Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT). Elsewhere, weekly jobless claims plummeted to their lowest level in over 40 years, while the Greek parliament approved a bailout reform package after a heated debate.

 

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

 

• What "cheap" gold could mean for the S&P 500 Index (SPX).
• Lackluster quarterly results pushed these 2 stocks into negative year-to-date territory.
• High-flying Ambarella Inc (NASDAQ:AMBA) surged on bullish brokerage attention.

And now, on to the numbers…

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are roughly 2 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.04 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 638,721 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.61, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.68.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index has retreated 0.6% to 97.00.
• Crude oil is attempting to recover from Wednesday's slide, up 0.1% at $49.23 per barrel.
• Gold has advanced 0.8% to $1,100.20 per ounce.

​

Earnings and Economic Data

 

Weekly jobless claims and the Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators are on tap today. Visa (V), Amazon.com (AMZN), General Motors (GM), Under Armour (UA), Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY), Juniper Networks (JNPR), Pandora Media (P), AT&T (T), Alaska Air (ALK), Boston Scientific (BSX), Boyd Gaming (BYD), Celgene (CELG), Comcast (CMCSA), Credit Suisse (CS), Cypress Semiconductor (CY), Dow Chemical (DOW), Dr Pepper Snapple (DPS), Dunkin Brands (DNKN), Eli Lilly (LLY), E*TRADE Financial (ETFC), Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), Kimberly-Clark (KMB), LogMeIn (LOGM), PulteGroup (PHM), Raytheon (RTN), Skyworks Solutions (SWKS), Starbucks (SBUX), Southwest Airlines (LUV), TripAdvisor (TRIP), Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX), and Weatherford (WFT) are scheduled to report earnings. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here.

 

Overseas Trading

 

For a breakdown of today's trading in Asia and Europe, including upbeat import and export data out of Japan, read Overseas Trading: Chinese Stocks Take Off; Greece Passes Reforms.

 

Unusual Put and Call Activity

 

Earnings season continues to drive this week's price action, and today, well-received earnings from a number of tech names are helping to keep the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) afloat. The same can't be said for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), though, which is widening its weekly deficit following another round of poorly received blue-chip results. Meanwhile, traders are also digesting a sharp drop in weekly jobless claims ahead of next Wednesday's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy statement, and speculating on next week's slate of earnings -- which includes this notable social network name.

 

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

 

• While one Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) supplier is up 20% in the wake of its quarterly results, another is tumbling following its report.
• Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner makes a strong case for single-day VIX futures.
• 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 Under Armour Inc (NYSE:UA), with the contracts crossing at eight times the average intraday pace. The stock is up 8.8% at $97.23 -- and fresh off a record high of $97.69 -- after the athletic apparel issue's strong second-quarter earnings was met with a price-target hike to $90 from $76 at J.P. Morgan Securities. Short-term speculators are betting on the century mark to serve as a ceiling through week's end, with sell-to-open activity detected at UA's weekly 7/24 100-strike call.

 

Storage device specialist SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) is one of the biggest advancers on the Nasdaq. The stock has surged 17.7% to $63.75, thanks to a strong earnings report and subsequent round of bullish brokerage notes. However, SNDK's longer-term technical struggles have been severe, and even with this bull gap, the shares are still staring at a 35% year-to-date deficit.

 

One of the top gainers on the Big Board is Flotek Industries Inc (NYSE:FTK) -- up 39.5% at $17.81, after the oil-and-gas issue posted a surprise second-quarter profit and received a price-target hike to $23 from $17 at Stephens. Despite today's post-earnings pop, the security is running out of steam near its year-to-date breakeven mark -- a level that rejected FTK in mid-April.

 

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.2 point, or 1.4%, at 12.29.

 

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 0.85, with calls having the edge over puts. SPY is down 0.4 point, or 0.2%, at $210.96.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is stuck on repeat, falling for a third straight day with disappointing earnings once again to blame. The blue-chip barometer finds itself back in the red for 2015, as a more than 40-year low in jobless claims fueled expectations for a September rate hike from the Fed. Elsewhere, crude continued to move lower, while gold snapped its brutal losing streak.  

 

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

 

• The cybersecurity stock that ignited a bullish signal, and the gold name that reported a $1.8 billion loss. 
• What options traders are expecting from Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) earnings. 
• Look out: speculators may be underestimating this GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO) supplier. 
• Plus ... Jobless claims plummet, Ferrari is going public, and an idea for VIX futures.

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,731.95) got hammered again, falling as much as 146 points before closing 119.1 points, or 0.7%, below breakeven. Four of the 30 Dow components closed higher, led by Cisco Systems, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:CSCO) 1.7% gain. 3M Co's (NYSE:MMM) 3.8% earnings-induced drop paced the losers, as Travelers Companies Inc (NYSE:TRV) closed flat. 

 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,102.15) took a 12-point, or 0.6%, hit, as the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,146.41) finished 25.4 points, or 0.5%, in the red.

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 12.64) got a slight lift today -- and briefly topped 13 -- before closing 0.5 point, or 4.3%, higher. 

 

 

 

 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

 

1. Jobless claims made a bigger impact than normal today, as the number of people applying for benefits hit its lowest level since 1973. Filings fell to 255,000 for the week -- 26,000 lower than the previous week. (MarketWatch) 
2. Italian car maker Ferrari plans to file an initial public offering in the U.S. Details are still being worked out, but parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (NYSE:FCAU) is expected to own 80% of the new company. (The New York Times)
3. As bad as it's been, things may get worse for this oil-and-gas name.
4. So now we have weekly VIX futures -- but can we go shorter?
5. How this athletic apparel firm exploded to all-time highs. 

 

 

 

 

Commodities:

 

Crude took another dive today, as concerns about a supply glut continued to weigh on prices. Crude for September delivery fell 74 cents, or 1.5%, to $48.45 per barrel -- an almost four-month low. 

 

Gold futures snapped their 10-session losing streak, rebounding from five-year lows. August-dated gold picked up $2.60, or 0.2%, to finish at $1,094.10 per ounce. 

With the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy decision just hours away, futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are pointing to a positive open. The blue-chip barometer aims to hold yesterday's bullish momentum ahead of another slew of earnings, including second-quarter figures from social media titan Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB). At the same time, traders are considering today's sudden rebound in China, while awaiting pending home sales and crude inventories. It's also a big day for Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), as Windows 10 makes its long-awaited debut. 

 

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

 

• 2 sectors to watch as the Fed prepares for lift-off.  
• Is it time to ditch Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL)? Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White looks at what happens when big-caps make big moves. 
• The buzz that sent BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) soaring. 

And now, on to the numbers…

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are 46.7 points above fair value. 

 

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 794,616 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 495,239 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio moved down to 0.62, while the 21-day moving average slipped to 0.69.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is off 0.05% at 96.73.
• Crude oil is down 0.5% at $47.72 per barrel.
• Gold is off 0.05% at $1,096.10 per ounce. 

 

 

Earnings and Economic Data

 

Set for release are the pending home sales index and weekly crude inventories. The Fed will also announce its latest policy decision.

FB, MasterCard (MA), Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF), Anthem (ANTM), Apollo Global (APO), Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH),  General Dynamics (GD), Goodyear Tire (GT), Hilton Worldwide (HLT), Humana (HUM), Huntsman (HUN), Kinross Gold (KGC), Level 3 Communications (LVLT), Lifelock (LOCK), Marriott International (MAR), Noble (NE), O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY), Shutterfly (SFLY), Skechers (SKX), SolarCity (SCTY), Tableau Software (DATA), Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX), Western Digital (WDC), and Whole Foods (WFM) will report earnings. To see what else is on this week's agenda, click here. 

 

Overseas Trading

For a breakdown of today's trading in Asia and Europe, including the industrial giant that sank Japan's Nikkei, read Overseas Trading: Shanghai Composite Pops; Europe Wary Ahead of Fed. 

 

 

Unusual Put and Call Activity

 

 

Despite uncertainty surrounding this afternoon's big Fed announcement, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is solidly higher -- and on track for a second straight daily win. Traders have been digesting a raft of quarterly data, especially in the social media sector -- where Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) and Yelp Inc (NYSE:YELP) are both getting burned ahead of earnings from sector peers Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) and LinkedIn Corp (NYSE:LNKD). Elsewhere, pending home sales fell for the first time in six months, and crude turned positive after a larger-than-expected decline in stockpiles last week.

 

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

 

• 2 ways to play China with options, courtesy of Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner. 
• How an interest-rate hike from the Fed could impact crude oil and gold.
• 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 Buffalo Wild Wings (NASDAQ:WLD), as contracts are crossing at 11 times the average intraday pace in the wake of the company's latest turn in the earnings confessional. Front-month strikes are most popular, led by the August 170 and 185 puts. At last check, shares of the chicken restaurant have jumped 13.4% to $194.28 -- and are approaching their early February record high of $195.83.

 

One of the leading losers on the Big Board is microblogging site TWTR, which is fresh off a disappointing earnings report. As such, the shares have plummeted nearly 13% to trade at $31.83, and earlier skimmed an annual low of $31.30.

 

One of the notable losers on the Nasdaq is cloud concern Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKAM), down 7.3% at $68.27. Weighing on the stock are a second-quarter earnings miss and a lackluster current-quarter outlook -- not to mention, a trio of price-target cuts.

 

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down 0.8 point, or 5.9%, at 12.65.

 

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.99, with puts roughly doubling calls. At last check, the SPY is up 1 point, or 0.5%, at $210.37.

It was all about earnings again today on Wall Street, which spelled trouble for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). The 30-stock index grinded lower after several big-name tickers took post-earnings dives. Elsewhere, today's promising economic news provided little solace, while crude and gold saw significant slides. The DJIA is currently pointed 1.3% lower for the week, but there are two more full days of earnings reports left to keep traders on their toes. 

 

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

 

• Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner explains the surprising truth about "momentum stocks" and beta.
• The chip maker and the Dow component with pricey pre-earnings options. 
• Options traders pounced on struggling wireless carriers -- plus, a "Sharknado" trade ahead of earnings from one cable giant. 
• Plus ... Home sales beat, major news for McDonald's fans, and what helped sink Apple? 

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,851.04) was again painted red all day, giving back 68.3 points, or 0.4%. Eleven of the 30 Dow components ended higher, led by JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s (NYSE:JPM) 1.4% advance. The 19 losers were led by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and its 4.2% post-earnings drop. 

 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,114.15) moved 5.1 points, or 0.2%, lower. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,171.77) suffered the worst fate, dropping 36.4 points, or 0.7%. 

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 12.12) traded on both sides of breakeven again, but managed another loss, falling 0.1 point, or 0.8%. 

 

 

 

 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

 

1. Existing home sales for June beat analysts' expectations, with the median price setting a record high. The 5.49 million annual rate topped the 5.40 million rate expected by economists, and marked a 3.2% jump from the previous month. (USA Today)
2. Reports are circulating that McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) may begin to offer all-day breakfast at some locations as early as October. The fast-food chain has been testing the idea in a few markets as part of its ongoing turnaround efforts. (NBC News)
3. The analyst attention that helped propel this restaurant name to record highs. 
4. Option traders were happy to see this Internet giant take a stumble. 
5. The backdrop that helped push Apple shares lower. 

 

 

 

 

Commodities:

 

Crude oil was doomed by a surprise increase in domestic inventories. Liquid gold dropped $1.67, or 3.3%, to hit $49.19 per barrel. 

 

Gold's struggles continued today, making it 10 losing sessions in a row. Futures for August delivery fell $12, or 1.1%, to $1,091.50 per ounce. 

Despite a momentary slip into the red at the open following a round of disappointing earnings, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) spent the entire session in the green. Although the index pared a portion of these gains as Wall Street digested the latest policy statement from the Fed -- which left the door open for a possible September rate hike -- buyers stepped in during the final stretch to push the DJI to a second consecutive triple-digit gain. Tomorrow, the case for an impending rate hike could be further strengthened with the advance reading on second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) due. Additionally, social media stocks will continue to demand attention, with earnings from Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) and LinkedIn Corp (NYSE:LNKD) in focus.

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

 

• 3 stocks set to pop in August -- and 3 set to drop.
• Short sellers were keeping a close eye on Ambarella Inc (NASDAQ:AMBA) and Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE:HLF) for two very different reasons.
• Should you bench these 4 stocks with ties to Tom Brady?
• Plus ... The Fed is keeping a close eye on the labor market, Procter & Gamble Co (NYSE:PG) names a new chief, and Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) hits a fresh low.

 

It was a fifth straight triple-digit day for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,751.39), with the 30-stock index tracking a nearly 148-point range -- and settling with a 121.1-point, or 0.7%, gain. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) led the 26 advancers with its 2.1% pop, following the launch of Windows 10. DuPont (NYSE:DD), meanwhile, paced the three decliners with its 0.8% loss. UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) was unchanged.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,108.57) added 15.3 points, or 0.7%, and closed back above the 2,100 mark for the first time since last Thursday. Elsewhere, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,111.73) tacked on 22.5 points, or 0.4%.

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 12.50) shed 0.9 point, or 7%, to close at its lowest level in a week.

 

   

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

 

1. In its latest monetary policy update, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted unanimously to leave interest rates unchanged. However, the central bank said the economy was "expanding moderately" following a first-quarter slowdown, and the "underutilization of labor resources has diminished since early this year" -- although it is still looking for "further improvement in the labor market." (Reuters via Schaeffer's Investment Research)
2. David Taylor -- current president of PG's global beauty, grooming and healthcare division -- will replace A.G. Lafley as CEO, effective Nov. 1. Lafley will remain chairman of the board. (USA Today)
3. TWTR hit an annual low of $31.06 in intraday action, after discouraging comments from the company's CEO -- and a round of downbeat analyst attention -- pressured the shares.
4. Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner offered up a quick lesson in how to play China with options.
5. A disappointing turn in the earnings confessional sent Yelp Inc (NYSE:YELP) tumbling to levels not seen in more than two years.

 

 

Commodities:

 

Crude oil popped today -- notching its second-biggest daily percentage gain of the month -- following a bigger-than-expected drop in inventories. At session's end, crude for September delivery was up 81 cents, or 1.7%, at $48.79 per barrel.

 

Uncertainty surrounding the Fed's next rate hike sent the dollar higher -- and gold lower today. By the close, August-dated gold was off $3.60, or 0.3%, at $1,092.60 per ounce. After the Fed statement, however, gold turned higher in electronic trading.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) headed lower out of the gate and hasn't looked back, as traders digest lackluster gross domestic product (GDP) figures, as well as the possibility of a September interest-rate hike. Leading the Dow lower is blue chip Procter & Gamble Co (NYSE:PG), which is off 3.5% on lower-than-expected quarterly sales and weak guidance for the upcoming fiscal year. On the economic front, first-time jobless claims rose less than predicted last week.

 

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

 

• Social media stocks got roughed up yesterday, and Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) is following suit.
• 3 pharmaceutical names making massive moves.
• 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 Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK), as the contracts are being exchanged at 17 times the usual intraday rate. At last check, the tech issue was up 5.6% at $6.96, following an earnings beat. Diving deeper on the options front, data from the International Securities Exchange (ISE) shows a massive sweep of October 8 calls was bought to close earlier.

 

One of the worst losers on the Nasdaq is Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:WFM), which has fallen 11% to trade at $36.34, and earlier skimmed a three-year low of $35.82. Weighing on shares of the organic grocer are disappointing quarterly results and a subsequent round of negative analyst attention.

 

One of the top winners on the Big Board is Skechers USA Inc (NYSE:SKX), up 14.3% at $146.78 -- and fresh off an all-time peak of $147.29. Unlike WFM, the shoe retailer reported better-than-expected earnings and received a number of price-target hikes, in response.

 

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 0.01 point, or 0.1%, at 12.51.

 

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 2.00, with puts doubling calls. The SPY was last seen off 1 point, or 0.5%, at $209.74.

 

As a busy week comes to an end, futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are pointed lower. With the blue-chip index currently up 1% for the week -- and 0.7% for the month -- the Dow could do battle with its looming 200-day moving average, docked at 17,768.01, in today's session. This trendline hasn't been bested on a daily closing basis since last Wednesday, July 22.

Meanwhile, traders continue to consider yesterday's gross domestic product (GDP) miss, and weigh the odds of a September rate hike following the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) Wednesday statement on the economy. As far as today's data goes, the employment cost index (ECI), the Chicago purchasing managers index (PMI), and the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index will all be revealed. 

 

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

• How traders are betting on Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) to gain 21% -- in the next month. 
• Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) and Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) left this sector peer in the dust. 
• 2 commodity stocks that took it on the chin on Thursday.

And now, on to the numbers…

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are roughly 7 points below fair value. 

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 931,308 million call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 468,036 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.50 -- its lowest since June 10 -- while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.67.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is down 0.2% at 97.37.
• Crude oil is off 1.9% at $47.61 per barrel.
• Gold is down 0.8% at $1,079.90 per ounce. 

 

 

Earnings and Economic Data

 

The ECI, Chicago PMI, and consumer sentiment data headline today's economic roster. As for earnings, the week closes out with Exxon Mobil (XOM), Immunogen (IMGN), Phillips 66 (PSX), Royal Caribbean (RCL), Seagate Technology (STX), and Tyco International (TYC). 

 

Overseas Trading

 

For a breakdown of today's trading in Asia and Europe, including China's worst month in years, read Overseas Trading: Shanghai Stocks Wrap Up Brutal July. 

 

Unusual Put and Call Activity

 

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) has fluttered above and below breakeven today, but is currently sitting on a gain -- despite intense pressure from a pair of energy names and mostly downbeat data. Specifically, blue chips Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) and Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) are selling off on dreary earnings numbers, while crude has tanked below $48 per barrel. Meanwhile, consumer sentiment slipped and the employment cost index posted its smallest gain on record, while the Chicago purchasing managers index (PMI) topped expectations.

 

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

 

• Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner breaks down the good, the bad, and the ugly on Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR).
• M&A rumors have this beverage stock flirting with highs, while earnings season has claimed its latest social media victim.
• 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 touchscreen expert Synaptics, Incorporated (NASDAQ:SYNA), with the contracts running at five times the expected intraday clip. The shares plunged 7.7% out of the gate on disappointing earnings and guidance -- as well as a number of price-target reductions -- but was last seen just 1.4% lower at $78.13. SYNA's most active strike is the August 80 call, where a block of 2,000 contracts was apparently sold earlier.

 

One of the top gainers on the Nasdaq is Medivation Inc (NASDAQ:MDVN), up 10.8% at $107.45 -- and back in positive year-to-date territory. The drugmaker's shares are getting a lift from news of a 2-for-1 stock split.

 

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One of the leading losers on the Big Board is Ocwen Financial Corp (NYSE:OCN), thanks to downbeat quarterly results. The mortgage lender was last seen 22.3% lower at $9.14, and has lost over 39% in 2015 -- in no small part due to OCN's early 2015 legal wranglings.

 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is off 0.3 point, or 2.1%, at 11.87.

 

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.89, with puts almost doubling calls. At last check, the SPY is up 0.5 point, or 0.2%, at $211.30.