The Dow rallied today for a huge win, thanks to hopes that U.S.-China trade talks are on the right course. Wall Street was undisturbed by President Donald Trump declaring a national emergency to gain funds for a border wall, as the Nasdaq and S&P 500 rose, as well. Bank stocks were some of the biggest advancers, helping guide the Dow and the Nasdaq to an eighth straight weekly win -- their longest win streaks since 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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

• 3 of the worst Nasdaq stocks today.
• How call traders are playing the Tandem Diabetes rally. 
• Plus, healthcare stock flashes bear signal; why traders circled Suncor; and SAGE earnings draw speculative bets. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,883.25) rallied into the close, finishing up 443.9 points, or 1.7%. Financial giants Goldman Sachs (GS) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) led the way with gains of 3.1% and 3%, respectively. Only two of the Dow's 30 components, Apple (AAPL) and Coca-Cola (KO), ended lower, with the latter having the worse day, shedding 0.8%. The Dow's eighth consecutive weekly win yielded a 3.1% return.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,775.60) picked up 29.9 points, or 1.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,472.41) closed with a 45.5-point, or 0.6%, advance. The SPX moved up 2.5% this week, and the Nasdaq gained 2.3%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 14.91) dipped 1.3 point, or 8.1%. The VIX lost 5.2% this week.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. The Philadelphia City Council just voted that businesses accept cash as payment. The bill will now be passed to Mayor Jim Kenney. A Gallop poll showed that 25% of Americans used cash for all or most retail purchases in 2016. (USA Today)
2. Investors pored over new financial data from Uber today, as Wall Street prepares for the company's eventual public offering. The numbers showed a decline in revenue growth for the ride service specialist in 2018. (Reuters)
3. A bear signal just flashed on this healthcare stock.
4. Why Suncor Energy saw heavy options trading.
5. Call traders have jumped on SAGE Therapeutics before earnings.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Ends Strong Week with Another Win

Oil prices ended their big week on a strong note, rising alongside equities. March-dated crude futures finished with a $1.18, or 2.2%, gain at $55.59 per barrel. Oil added 5.4% for the week.

Gold prices also rose today, despite strength in the dollar. Gold dated for April delivery was up $8.20, or 0.6%, by the close at $1,322.10 per ounce. The precious metal finished the week up 0.3%.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are slipping as Wall Street anxiously awaits new information regarding trade negotiations between the U.S. and China. Another round of talks kick off today, with more senior-level officials set to meet on Thursday. Investors hope the two countries can hammer out a deal before March 1, when increased tariffs are set to go into effect. Elsewhere, Walmart (WMT) reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings, sending the shares 3% higher in pre-market trading, but that hasn't been enough to lift Dow futures into the black. 

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

• The healthcare stock flashing a bearish signal before earnings.
• A surprise C-Suite shakeup has this shipping stock sliding.
• Signal says buy Abercrombie & Fitch stock on the dip.
• Plus, McDonald's gets an upgrade; Advance Auto Parts flops; and Honda announces a factory closing. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.31 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 676,710 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.52, and the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.61.
2. McDonald's Corp (NYSE:MCD) stock is up 0.7% in pre-market trading, after an upgrade from Stephens to "overweight" from "equal-weight." The analyst cited strengthening business in the U.S. MCD stock hit an all-time-high of $190.88 in November, with subsequent pullbacks contained at the 120-day moving average. 
3. Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP) shares are 1.5% lower ahead of the bell, after fourth-quarter comparable-store sales fell short of analysts’ expectations. The company's revenue, however, matched forecasts. The car stock has found recent support at the $150 area, and just popped over its 100-day moving average -- a former area of resistance for the stock. 
4. The shares of Honda Motor Co Ltd (NYSE:HMC) are up 2.3% in electronic trading, after announcing plans to shutter the company's single British plant by 2021. Honda cited a weakening global economy, denying that the shutdown has any relation to Brexit events. HMC stock has been pacing for its worst month since 2016, down nearly 9% before today's open.
5. Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester will kick things off with remarks in the morning. The economic schedule will feature the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) housing market index. Plus, CoreCivic (CXW), FirstEnergy (FE), Herbalife (HLF), Medtronic (MDT), Noble Energy (NBL), and Sage Therapeutics (SAGE) will report earnings. 

Mixed Markets in Asia; Europe Stocks Take a Hit on Bank Index Blues

Markets in Asia were a mixed bag today, as investors await another week of trade talks between the U.S. and China. Tensions between the two flared up again yesterday after China accused the U.S. of interfering with its tech development by stoking cybersecurity concerns. China's Shanghai Composite gained 0.05%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng gave back gains in the final hour to finish 0.4% lower. Japan's Nikkei closed 0.1% higher, while South Korea's Kospi dipped 0.2%.

In Europe meanwhile, stocks are taking a hit thanks to a rough day from the banking index. London's FTSE 100 is down 0.7%, dragged lower by subpar profit numbers from financial stalwart HSBC. The French CAC 40 is down 0.4% and the German DAX is off by 0.2%, despite a strong earnings beat from trade-sensitive HeidelbergCement.  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is taking a breather today, last seen marginally lower as U.S.-China trade talks enter a second week ahead of the looming March 1 tariff deadline. Fresh off its eighth straight weekly win, the blue-chip index is shrugging off a strong day from Walmart (WMT) and its latest blowout earnings report. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) is flat at midday, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) is cautiously higher as it aims for seventh straight win, its longest winning streak since August.

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

• The $200 level has become a focal point for McDonald's stock.
• Liver drug buzz has this pharma stock soaring.
• Plus, options traders target renewed AK Steel stock rally; Citi upgrades PCG on legislation hopes; and EA pulls back. 

Options volume is accelerated on AK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE:AKS), with a bullish tilt. Over 10,000 call options have changed hands, three times the average intraday amount and a whopping 31 times the number of puts traded. Most of the action is centered at the March 3.50 and 3 calls, where it appears new positions are being opened at the former. At last check, AKS was up 5% to trade at $3.13, extending its year-to-date gain to 39%.  

Near the top of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today is PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), up 9.1% to trade at $17.39, after Citi upgraded the utility name to "buy" from "neutral" while hiking its price target all the way up to $33 -- the highest on Wall Street, and more than double Friday's close. The analyst in coverage is hopeful that upcoming legislation out of California will limit future wildfire risk and unlock upside for PCG. Although PCG has shed roughly 30% in 2019 amid bankruptcy concerns, the shares are on track to close above their 40-day moving average for the first time since early November.

On the other end of the spectrum is Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA), down 3.9% to trade at $102.66, as video game stocks across the board slump. Thanks to outstanding "Apex Legends" numbers, EA is fresh off its best week since May 2017. And despite the drop today, the video game stock has a 31% year-to-date lead, and appears to have found support at the $102 level.

Stocks erased early losses to end higher, as traders digested the latest headlines around U.S.-China trade relations. President Donald Trump helped the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all post strong closes after he suggested the March 1 tariff deadline could be moved, and said trade talks were going well. Meanwhile, Wall Street also responded to upbeat earnings out of Walmart (WMT). The risk-on session helped drive the Nasdaq's win streak to seven days -- its longest since August.

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

• 3 reasons JPMorgan is selling Weight Watchers stock.
• One analyst's bullish prediction for PG&E shares.
• Our founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer says proceed with caution on the post-bear market Nasdaq.
• Plus, put traders circle a car stock; Citi names a new top pick; and one REIT's big court ruling.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,891.32) notched an 8.1-point, or 0.03%, win, with only 14 of its 30 components ending in the black. Walmart's 2.2% rise led the way, and the biggest losers were Coca-Cola (KO) and Nike (NKE), both falling 0.9%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,779.76) added 4.2 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,486.77) closed up 14.4 points, or 0.2%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 14.88) dipped 0.03 point, or 0.2%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Germany may go forward with using technology made by China's Huawei. The move could result in tensions between the U.S. and Germany, since the former country has banned Huawei products and is pursuing criminal charges against the company. (Engadget)
2. President Trump has taken a formal step toward making a new Space Force, today signing a directive asking the Pentagon to draft legislation to be sent to Congress. The new branch of the military could work similarly to how the Marine Corps operates under the Department of the Navy. (CNBC)
3. Put traders piled on before Avis Budget earnings.
4. Citi's "top pick" designation sparked a rally in this mining stock.
5. A court ruling led to huge trading on this REIT.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Touches Multi-Month High

Oil prices rose today, though uncertainty around global trade relations kept the gains in check. March-dated crude futures closed up 50 cents, or 0.8%, at $56.45 per barrel.

Gold prices had a strong showing, notching their highest close since April. Gold set for April delivery rose $22.70, or 1.7%, to end at $1,344.80 an ounce.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are marginally lower today, as Wall Street remains focused on U.S.-China trade talks. Specifically, President Donald Trump hinted at a possible extension to the March 1 deadline, when tariffs on Chinese imports are set to increase. Elsewhere, traders are awaiting the Federal Reserve's minutes from its January policy meeting, which could provide more insight to the central bank's next interest rate moves.

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

• The S&P level that could cause trouble this week, according to Schaeffer’s Senior V.P. of Research Todd Salamone.
• The auto stock attracting pre-earnings put traders.
• Analysts slammed this real estate stock after a court ruling.
• Plus, Henry Schein set to snap a win streak; CVS forecast disappoints; and Garmin eyes new highs. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.01 million call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 620,374 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.61, and the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.61.
2. Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ:HSIC) stock is down 7.1% in pre-market trading, after a fourth-quarter revenue miss and a disappointing profit forecast. The dental supply concern is now set to break its six-day winning streak, and flashed a bearish signal just last week. 
3. CVS Health Corp (NYSE:CVS) shares are 7.4% lower ahead of the bell, after the company’s full-year profit guidance fell short of analysts' expectations. CVS stock has been on the rebound since its December lows, but may have run into a wall at its 200-day moving average.
4. The shares of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN) are up 5.6% in electronic trading, after announcing fourth-quarter earnings and issuing a full-year revenue forecast above analysts' forecasts. The GPS maker also announced a proposed dividend hike. GRMN has staged an impressive rally in 2019 – up more than 12% -- and is now expected to hit 11-year highs today. 
5. MBA mortgage applications are on the economic schedule. Quarterly earnings from Agilent Technologies (A), Albemarle (ALB), Analog Devices (ADI), Avis Budget (CAR), Bausch Health (BHC), GoDaddy (GDDY), and Vipshop (VIPS) are also due.

Asia Boosted on Trade Optimism; Brexit Breakthrough "In God's Hands"

Asian stocks finished higher today, buoyed by optimism that a U.S.-China trade consensus could soon be reached. Investors everywhere were relieved to hear Trump once again say that the March 1 deadline was not a "magical date." In addition, a report surfaced yesterday that the U.S. had requested that China keep the yuan stable as a part of the upcoming trade deal. China's Shanghai Composite spent time on both sides of breakeven but finished 0.2% higher, while Hong Kong's Hang Sang gained 1%. Japan's Nikkei added 0.6%, while South Korea's Kospi paced its regional peers with a 1.1% win.

In Europe, markets are cautiously climbing, as exporters edge higher amid US.-China trade deal progress. London's FTSE 100 is up 0.2%, at last check, ahead of a key consumer confidence reading this afternoon. U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May will meet with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels later today, too, though Juncker warned it may not be a "productive discussion" and a Brexit breakthrough at this point was "in God's hands." Elsewhere, the German DAX is up 0.4%, while the French CAC 40 is 0.2% higher. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is clinging to marginal gains at midday, as investors await the release of the latest Fed meeting minutes. There are no new trade developments between the U.S. and China to report, although President Donald Trump has been hinting at a possible extension to the March 1 tariff deadline. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are also cautiously in the black, with the latter heading toward its eighth straight win and longest winning streak since August. Elsewhere, Wall Street's "fear gauge," the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), earlier fell to a four-month low. 

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

• Upbeat guidance couldn't trigger a Bausch Health stock rally.
• Tesla announced yet another C-suite exit.
• Plus, options traders target a FITB pullback; TWLO stays hot; and TEVA gets downgraded. 

Options volume is accelerated on Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB), with a bearish tilt. Over 4,600 put options have changed hands, 15 times the average intraday amount and 17 times the number of calls traded. Most of the action is centered at the March 27 put, where it appears new positions are being opened. At last check, FITB was up 0.3% to trade at $27.60 and boasts a 17% year-to-date lead.  

Twilio Inc (NYSE:TWLO) is up 5% to trade at $117.64, one of the top stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, although the catalyst is unclear. TWLO dipped last week in the wake of a subpar quarterly report, although the damage was contained by its 30-day moving average. In the last 12 months, the red-hot software stock has more than tripled, and notched a record high of $119.25 today.

On the other end of the spectrum is Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE:TEVA), down 2.8% to trade at $17.52, after Mizuho downgraded the drug stock to "neutral" from "buy" while slashing its price target to $18 from $25. The analyst in coverage sees lofty investor expectations for a business that has exhibited a slow return to growth. Despite gapping lower last week in the wake of a fourth-quarter earnings miss, TEVA has still added 13.3% year-to-date.

Stocks spent most of the day cautiously higher ahead of the release of the Fed's meeting minutes. When the details of the January meeting finally hit at 2 p.m. ET, the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all dipped into negative territory, after the central bank's somewhat downbeat commentary about economic conditions, adding that it will stay patient in raising rates and likely will quit shrinking its balance sheet by year's end. The Dow eventually outperformed on the day thanks to a strong showing from trade-sensitive Caterpillar (CAT), with the blue chip benefiting from U.S.-China trade deal hopes, while the Nasdaq barely extended its historic win streak.

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

• Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White tells us what to make of rising analyst buy ratings.
• Why call volume exploded on this Chinese automaker.
• 3 reasons an analyst downgraded Pure Storage stock.
• Plus, the streaming stock hot before earnings; why bulls should look at AMD; and 2 energy stocks to watch. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,954.44) added 63.1 points, or 0.2%, to notch a third straight win. CAT paced the 18 Dow gainers with a 3.3% advance, and the biggest of the 12 losers was Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), down 3.5% on the day.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,784.70) gained 4.9 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,489.07) edged out a 2.3-point, or 0.03%, win, to extend its stretch of positive sessions to eight -- its best such streak since August.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 14.02) fell to its lowest close since early October, settling down 0.9 point, or 5.8%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. CNN is reporting that Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation is close to being over, and that Attorney General Bill Barr could announce its completion as early as next week. However, it is unclear if details of the report will be released to the public. (CNN)
2. The European Union has formally backed a change in copyright rules that would directly affect Google and Facebook. The change is meant to ensure that publishers on the company's platforms are fairly compensated for their work. (Reuters)
3. The streaming stock that saw a pre-earnings lift.
4. Why call traders should consider AMD stock.
5. 2 energy stocks that could fizzle.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil and Gold Hit New Highs

Oil prices got a lift today, tapping year-to-date highs and extending their win streak to six sessions, as worries about oversupply eased. Expiring March-dated crude futures picked up 83 cents, or 1.5%, to end the day at $56.92 per barrel.

Gold prices touched fresh 10-month highs again today, benefiting from the upbeat buzz around U.S.-China trade talks. However, electronic trading sent the precious metal lower after the Fed minutes were released. April gold futures finished up $3.10, or 0.2%, at $1,347.90 an ounce.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are slightly lower today, as Wall Street begins to digest an onslaught of economic data. So far, traders are reacting to the latest data on durable goods orders, with orders for core capital goods unexpectedly falling in December. In addition, the four-week moving average of weekly jobless claims rose to a new annual high, and the Philly Fed business index turned negative in February. This comes on the heels of the latest Fed meeting minutes, which highlighted the central bank's concerns about the economy. Investors also continue to eye trade talks between the U.S. and China, with high-level negotiations expected to continue through Friday.

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

• Bear signals are flashing for these 2 energy stocks. 
• 2 stocks soaring into uncharted territory after earnings. 
• The tech stock slammed by Stifel ahead of earnings.
• Plus, Nike faces scrutiny over shoe safety; Domino's earnings flop; and Foot Locker stock looks to extend its win streak. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.14 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 621,668 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.54, and the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.61.
2. Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) stock is down 1.5% in pre-market trading, after the company fell under scrutiny when Duke basketball player Zion Williamson was injured due to a Nike shoe that split during a game. NKE has been climbing back towards its Sept. 21 record high -- coming just within striking distance last week before running into familiar resistance at the $86 area. 
3. Domino's Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ) shares are 6.6% lower ahead of the bell, after the company posted disappointing fourth-quarter earnings and same-store sales growth. The stock is pacing for its fifth straight loss and just dipped below the 20-day moving average for the first time since early January. 
4. The shares of Foot Locker, Inc (NYSE:FL) are up 1.1% in electronic trading, after the athletic company announced a 10% increase in its quarterly dividend and a new $1.2 billion buyback program. FL stock is now pacing for its eighth straight win as it charts territory not seen since May 2017. 
5. The economic schedule is jam-packed today. Markit's flash composite purchasing managers index (PMI), existing home sales, weekly crude inventories, and the Fed's balance sheet are also expected. As if that's not enough, Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic will speak in the morning. Plus, Acacia Communications (ACIA), Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI), BioMarin Pharmaceutical (BMRN), Dropbox (DBX), First Solar (FSLR), Gogo (GOGO), Infinera (INFN), Intuit (INTU), Kraft Heinz (KHC), Newmont Mining (NEM), Roku (ROKU), Universal Display (OLED), and Wendy's (WEN) all step into the earnings confessional.

Asian Stocks Mixed After Fed Minutes; Europe Digests Disappointing Data 

Stocks in Asia were a mixed bag today, as investors digested the latest Fed meeting minutes, which highlighted a possible slowing of global economic growth in China and Europe. China's Shanghai Composite gave back 0.3%, after spending time on both sides of breakeven. Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.4% in the final hour, though, thanks to a surprise quarterly profit from PC maker Lenovo. Japan's Nikkei added 0.2%, while South Korea's Kospi shed 0.05%.

In Europe, markets are trading mostly lower after some unexpectedly subpar economic data. Eurozone factory output declined last month, with Markit's flash manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) cratering to a lower-than-forecast 49.2 -- in contractionary territory, and its lowest point in nearly six years. London's FTSE 100 is down 0.9% at last check, while the French CAC 40 is 0.03% lower. The German DAX is the bucking the regional trend, though, and is clinging to a 0.2% gain.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is pulling back today, down triple digits amid pressure from Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and a round of dismal economic data. Among the onslaught of data points are existing home sales, which plunged to a three-year low in January, and the IHS Markit flash manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI), which fell to 53.7 last month, the lowest reading since late 2017.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are also firmly in the red, with the latter on track to snap its eight-day winning streak. Today's struggles come despite reports the U.S. and China are starting to outline the commitments of a potential trade deal. 

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

• What Zion Williamson's shoe rip means for Nike stock.
• Wall Street braces for more Electronic Arts stock volatility.
• Plus, options bulls have lofty goals for Sprint stock; HTZ enjoys halo lift; and FCX pulls back. 

Options volume is accelerated on Sprint Corp (NYSE:S). Over 13,000 call options have changed hands, 10 times the average intraday amount and more than five times the number of puts traded. Nearly all of the action is centered at the March 7 call, which is possibly being purchased for a volume-weighted average price of $0.10. If this is the case, breakeven for the call buyers at March options expiration is $7.10 (strike plus premium paid). Sprint stock is up 1.7% to trade at $6.42 at last check, but has not traded above $7 since late 2017.

Hertz Global Holdings Inc (NYSE:HTZ) is up 9.5% to trade at $18.88, one of the top stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today. The car rental name is enjoying a halo lift from sector peer Avis Budget (CAR) and a positive reaction to its fourth-quarter earnings beat. Since bouncing off a familiar floor in the $13 area to start 2019, HTZ has gained 38%. 

On the other end of the spectrum is Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:FCX), down 2.8% to trade at $13.07. The copper stock is taking a breather after a three-day winning streak, but is still set for its fourth straight weekly win. The recent surge is attributed to a string of bull notes, although that momentum appears to have been stalled at the shares' 200-day moving average.

A mostly downbeat round of economic data resulted in a risk-off session on Wall Street today, which only compounded concerns about the economy highlighted by yesterday's Fed meeting minutes. On top of a surprise drop in core capital goods orders in December, as well as disappointing numbers from the housing space, the manufacturing sector also flashed weakness with its PMI reading. Meanwhile, others likely maintained a wait-and-see approach as headlines suggest the U.S. and China have an outline for a trade deal. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all closed in the red on the day, the latter snapping its eight-day win streak.

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

• A long-term moving average could spark an Intercontinental Exchange rally. 
• Behind Stifel's big Biogen downgrade.
• Plus, Mylan flashes a bearish signal before earnings; the blue chip slapped with subpoenas; and the cybersecurity stock that sold off.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,850.63) gave back 103.8 points, or 0.4%, with 21 of the 30 blue chips closing in the red. Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) had the worst day, dropping 1.9%. Microsoft (MSFT) was at the top of the Dow, gaining 2.1%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,774.88) closed down 9.8 points, or 0.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,459.71) lost 29.4 points, or 0.4%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 14.46) added 0.4 point, or 3.1%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. It appears share buybacks are going to hit another all-time high in 2019. Last year saw more than $1 trillion in total corporate buybacks. The irony, of course, is that lawmakers this year have been proposing ways to curtail the growing trend. (CNBC)
2. More companies are pulling their ads from YouTube as the child exploitation controversy continues. AT&T (T) is one notable company to remove its advertising from the video platform. (TechCrunch; Reuters)
3. The bearish setup forming around Mylan shares. 
4. Johnson & Johnson was slapped with subpoenas.
5. The shares of this cybersecurity firm sold off today.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Inventories Report Drags Down Oil Prices

Another rise in domestic crude inventories weighed on oil prices today. April-dated crude futures fell 20 cents, or 0.4%, to $56.96 per barrel.

Gold prices fell today, likely in reaction to yesterday's somewhat dovish Fed minutes. Gold for April delivery gave back $20.10, or 1.5%, to end at $1,327.80 an ounce -- the metal's steepest one-day slide since August.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are up over 100 points today, on hopes that a trade resolution between the U.S. and China is in sight. Ahead of the March 1 tariff deadline, and after weeks of lower-level trade talks, President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will meet in Washington, D.C., today. Elsewhere, Wall Street looks ahead to a number of speeches from Fed leaders, who could weigh in on the recent batch of ugly economic data.

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

• The drug stock that just doubled.  
• What this bearish trendline could mean for Mylan before earnings. 
• Behind the worst day in years for this pizza stock. 
• Plus, Wayfair soars on an earnings beat; Citigroup stock gets a good review; and Roku shares a sunny forecast. 

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 869,622 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 572,259 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.66, and the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.61.
2. Wayfair Inc (NYSE:W) stock is up 17.7% in pre-market trading, after the online furniture retailer announced sales and earnings results that topped analysts' expectations. The shares of W found a recent ceiling in the $122 area, but are set to break out and hit levels not seen since early October today.
3. Citigroup Inc (NYSE:C) shares are 1.1% higher ahead of the bell, after Jefferies upgraded the financial services company to "buy" from "hold." The stock staged a bounce off its late-December lows, but this week took out its 120-day moving average for the first time since October. 
4. The shares of Roku (NASDAQ:ROKU) are up 5.8% in electronic trading, after the streaming company announced earnings that beat estimates. Roku also issued well-received current-quarter sales guidance. The security is now attempting to close a Nov. 8 bear gap, and is already up 68% year-to-date. 
5. The economic schedule will feature several Fed speakers. New York Fed President John Williams, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard, Fed Vice Chair Richard Clarida, and Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker will all speak as part of the 2019 U.S. Monetary Policy Forum in New York. The Baker-Hughes rig count is also due out. AutoNation (AN) and Cabot Oil & Gas (COG) will report earnings.

Asia, Europe Mostly Higher Amid High-Level Trade Talks 

Stocks in Asia were mostly higher to close out the week. All eyes remain on Washington, with Liu He scheduled to meet with Trump later today. China's Shanghai Composite added 1.9%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.7% in a last-minute push. South Korea's Kospi joined the winners circle with a 0.08% gain thanks to a bump from Samsung Electronics. However, Japan's Nikkei bucked the regional trend and finished down 0.2%, as chip stocks traded lower in sympathy with the Nasdaq Composite's Thursday drop. 

Over in Europe, gains for trade-sensitive stocks are setting the tone as investors await fresh developments between the U.S. and China. London's FTSE 100 is pacing the region with a 0.7% gain, while France's CAC 40 is up 0.5%, powered by a 17% post-earnings surge from consultant firm Sopra Steria Group. The German DAX is up 0.5%, too, as traders shrug off a four-year low in the Ifo business climate index.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is confidently higher today, up triple digits as optimistic investors await news from this afternoon's trade talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He. The blue-chip index is headed toward its ninth straight weekly win, its longest weekly winning streak since 1995.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are also higher, on pace to extend their weekly winning streaks of four and nine, respectively -- which would mark the Nasdaq's longest since 2009. Oil prices are getting a lift on hopes for a trade resolution, too, with April-dated crude up 0.8% at $57.42 per barrel.

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

• Morgan Stanley is calling a big Intel stock rally.
• Roku stock is heading toward a record weekly win streak.
• Plus, options bears pour it on Kellogg stock; CPB hit with sector peer headwinds; and record highs for INTU after earnings beat. 

Options volume is accelerated on cereal maker Kellogg Company (NYSE:K). Nearly 9,000 put options have changed hands, 10 times the average intraday amount and volume pacing in the 100th annual percentile. Most of the action is centered at the March 55 put, but there is spread activity detected at the January 2020 40- and 50-strike puts. At last check, Kellogg stock was down 4.3% to trade at $55.79, breaching its year-to-date breakeven level.

Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB) is down 8.3% to trade at $32.49, one of the worst stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today. The Pepperidge Farm parent is being dragged down by sector peer Kraft Heinz (KHC), which is getting pummeled after the firm gave dismal 2019 guidance, unveiled a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) subpoena, and slashed its dividend. CPB is now dangerously close to its Jan. 2 six-year low of $32.04, and has erased its year-to-date lead.

On the other end of the spectrum is Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU), up 6.4% to trade at $249.19, the top stock on the S&P 500 today. The tax company reported fiscal second-quarter earnings that exceeded the consensus estimate. No fewer than six bull notes have followed, including a price-target hike to $272 from $245 at Jefferies. INTU, one of the best stocks to own in February, earlier tapped a record high of $250.16, with its rising 10-day moving average cushioning pullbacks in the past month.