It was a relatively quiet day on Wall Street following Monday's volatile session, with the Dow exploring a 145-point range on both sides of breakeven. In addition to a fresh batch of retail earnings -- including a positive reaction to Target's (TGT) quarterly results -- traders also digested an economic growth warning and new round of stimulus measures from China, as well as late-day reports that Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is resigning. By the close, the Dow and Nasdaq were modestly lower, while the S&P 500 settled below 2,800 for a second straight day.

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

• Why Jefferies thinks this penny stock could nearly triple.
• This early 2009 sentiment signal just flashed again.
• Don't sweat this FAANG stock slump.
• Plus, Hertz puts hot on Icahn buzz; a surging weed stock; and another down day for Tesla.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,806.63) was up 57 points at its intraday peak, before swinging to a 13-point, or 0.05%, loss. UnitedHealth (UNH) paced the 12 Dow advancers with its 2.3% surge, while Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) led the 18 decliners with its 2.1% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,789.65) closed down 3.2 points, or 0.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,576.36) gave back 1.2 points, or 0.02%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 14.76) added 0.1 point, or 0.8%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. New home sales arrived at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 621,000 in December -- down 2.4% year-over-year and up 3.7% from November. The median sales price for the month fell 7% on an annualized basis, to $318,600. For all of 2018, new home sales were up 1.5%. (MarketWatch)
2. General Electric (GE) CEO Larry Culp warned on Tuesday that the company's "industrial free cash flow in 2019 will be negative." Speaking to J.P. Morgan Securities analyst Stephen Tusa at a conference, Culp pointed to ongoing troubles in GE's power business, and said issues would remain for "a couple of years." (CNBC)
3. Carl Icahn buzz had Hertz put volume in overdrive.
4. This weed stock surged more than 10% on a bullish brokerage note.
5. Tesla extended its daily losing streak to three.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Logs Longest Losing Streak in Two Years

Oil edged lower today as Libya reopened a major oil field. April-dated crude shed 3 cents to settle at $56.56 per barrel.

A stronger U.S. dollar and China's lowered economic growth forecast sent gold to a seventh straight loss today, its longest daily losing streak since March 2017. Gold for April delivery settled down $2.80, or 0.2%, at $1,284.70 an ounce.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are below fair value this morning, as Wall Street awaits updates on U.S.-China trade talks. A Bloomberg report indicated President Donald Trump is pressuring officials in Washington to reach a deal soon in the hopes of boosting the stock market. Investors are also digesting the latest ADP employment report, which showed the U.S. added 183,000 private sector jobs in February, just below the consensus estimate, while January's total was upwardly revised to 300,000 from 213,000.

Then there's the latest trade data to digest. A Commerce Department report showed the U.S. trade deficit climbed to a 10-year high of $621 billion in 2018. For December, it rose 18.8% to a seasonally adjusted $59.8 billion, higher than anticipated. Oil prices are also pulling back, with April-dated crude futures down 1.1% at $55.92 per barrel.

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

• This S&P signal just flashed for the fourth time ever, according to Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White.
• Cowen pumped the breaks on EA's "Apex Legends."
• Call buyers placed bets during Revlon's sell-off.
• Plus, VMware pulls back after downgrade; Abercrombie & Fitch set to soar on earnings beat; and GE cash flow problems spur price-target cut.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.02 million call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 681,959 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio remained at 0.67, and the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.60.
2. VMware, Inc. (NYSE:VMW) stock is down 2.8% in electronic trading, after Goldman Sachs downgraded the virtualization name to "sell" from "neutral." VMW nabbed a record high of $183.40 on March 1 after an earnings beat, and today's pullback could find support at its 20-day moving average.
3. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) is up 14.8% before the bell after the retailer's fourth-quarter earnings and revenue exceeded analyst expectations. Same-store sales also topped estimates. ANF is set to trade at its highest point since a late-August bear gap and could topple the $22 level, recent resistance that's currently home to its 200-day moving average.
4. Shares of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) are down 6.8% in electronic trading, after the company's CEO Larry Culp yesterday warned on this year's cash flow. BofA-Merrill Lynch has responded with a price-target cut to $12 from $13, while J.P. Morgan Securities analyst Stephen Tusa called his $6 GE price target "generous." GE has added 36% year-to-date, with the stock gapping higher after GE sold its biopharmaceutical business last month, but has encountered stiff resistance at its 200-day moving average.
5. Data on mortgage applications, weekly crude inventories, and the Fed's Beige Book are all out today. Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester will speak. Quarterly earnings from Baozun (BZUN), Dollar Tree (DLTR), and Yext (YEXT) are also due.

Shanghai Composite Touches Nine-Month High

Trading was mixed in Asia today. It was another positive session for China’s Shanghai Composite, thanks mostly to the new stimulus efforts announced by the country on Tuesday. The index rose 1.6% to its highest point in nine months, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng also got a win, adding 0.3%. On the other hand, Japan’s Nikkei retreated 0.6%, and South Korea's Kospi dipped 0.2%. 

Major European benchmarks are muted so far today, weighed down by broad losses in automakers and bank stocks. London’s FTSE 100 is again the exception, last seen 0.3% higher. In Germany, the DAX is down 0.2%, while France’s CAC 40 is also slightly below breakeven, giving back 0.1%.

Stocks are lower in afternoon trading, as investors continue to digest a lackluster ADP employment report and a 10-year high in the U.S. trade deficit. In addition, Wall Street continues to await news on U.S.-China trade talks, with President Donald Trump reportedly pushing for a resolution. At last check, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), S&P 500 Index (SPX), and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are in the red, all three on pace for a third straight daily loss. 

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

• The pot stock popping on Portugal progress.
• EpiPen maker rebounds on Morgan Stanley upgrade. 
• Plus, 2 retailers making notable post-earnings moves; and the pharma stock that's doubled today.

Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) is sporting unusual options volume today, with 10,000 calls and 6,800 puts traded so far -- eight times the expected intraday amount. Most active are the weekly 3/8 30.50- and 32-strike calls, which are set to expire upon Friday's close. At last check, URBN has added 1.8%, to trade at $30.92, reversing early losses. The activity comes after the retailer reported a slight earnings beat, but warned of a possible drop in same-store sales this quarter.

In one of the top spots on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is J.Jill Inc (NYSE:JILL), last seen 13.6% higher at $6.68, after the retailer reported a fourth-quarter profit beat. JILL is pacing toward its highest close since August, and is attempting to break through long-term resistance at the $6.50 level.

Comfortably at the top of the Nasdaq today is Bio-Path Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:BPTH), soaring an unbelievable 121% at $10.21, at last check, after the pharmaceutical name said it has seen "meaningful treatment improvement" for its phase 2 study of its acute myeloid leukemia (AML) drug. BPTH shares have skyrocketed more than 500% since their low of $1.61 on Jan. 22.

Early morning reports that President Donald Trump was pushing for a U.S.-China trade deal to boost the equities market ahead of the 2020 presidential election did little to lift stocks today. Instead, traders reacted to a round of uninspiring economic data, including a bruising update on the U.S. trade deficit and lackluster jobs data.

The mid-afternoon release of the Fed's Beige Book only added to the risk-off backdrop, with the report showing "slight-to-moderate" growth in 10 central bank districts and "flat economic conditions" in St. Louis and Philadelphia in late January and February, with half the districts pointing to "slower economic activity in some sectors" as a result of the government shutdown. By the close, the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq were all down for a third straight day.

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

• The biotech that surged 160% today.
• History suggests this blue chip could be a bargain right now.
• RBC: Intelsat stock dip is a "great buying opportunity."
• Plus, this weed stock has cheap options; GE put volume spikes; and another bear note for CVS Health.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,673.46) shed 133.2 points, or 0.5%. Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) led 21 Dow stocks lower with its 3.6% drop, while DowDuPont (DWDP) paced the nine advancers with its 1.5% gain.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,771.45) closed down 18.2 points, or 0.7%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,505.92) surrendered 70.4 points, or 0.9%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 15.74) gained 1 point, or 6.8%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) cut its world growth forecasts for 2019 and 2020, citing uncertainty over trade negotiations and Brexit. The Paris-based OECD now expects the global economy to grow at 3.3% this year and 3.4% next year -- down 0.2 percentage point and 0.1 percentage point, respectively, from its November forecasts. (Reuters)
2. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he wants the social media site to become a more "privacy-focused platform." In a Facebook blog post, Zuckerberg laid out a set of multi-year initiatives for the company, including integrated and encrypted messaging across Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram, as well as secure data storage. (CNBC)
3. This weed stock has cheap options right now.
4. The headlines that sparked heavy demand for GE put options.
5. CVS Health got hit with another bearish brokerage note.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Snaps Losing Streak; Oil Drops After EIA Update

Oil prices took a hit today after the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a larger-than-expected rise in domestic crude inventories -- and the sixth increase in seven weeks. However, April-dated crude finished well off its intraday lows -- settling down 34 cents, or 0.6%, at $56.22 per barrel -- on a bigger-than-anticipated drop in gasoline stockpiles.

Gold closed higher for the first time in eight days -- snapping its longest daily losing streak in two years. Gold for April delivery ended the session up $2.90, or 0.2%, at $1,287.60 an ounce.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is fresh off a three-day losing streak, but futures on the blue-chip index are cautiously higher today, propped up by the European Central Bank (ECB) decision to leave interest rates unchanged through the end of 2019 -- longer than previously forecast -- and launch a new longer-term loan stimulus program for banks. As far as economic data, U.S. productivity rose 1.9% in the fourth quarter, while unit labor costs increased 2%. And oil prices are set to climb, too, with April-dated crude futures up 0.9% at $56.75 per barrel.

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

• 2 travel stocks flashing buy signals.
• Options bears piled on GE after a CEO shocker.
• This weed stock has options on sale.
• Plus, American Eagle sinks on weak guidance; a big bull note for Constellation Brands; and Allergan under pressure after depression drug data.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 991,028 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 697,993 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio climbed to 0.70, and the 21-day moving average rose to 0.61.
2. American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO) stock is down 2.9% in electronic trading, after the retailer's fourth-quarter revenue fell short of expectations. The company's current-quarter earnings guidance also came in lower than expected. AEO gapped 4.4% higher yesterday, but encountered familiar resistance near its 320-day moving average.
3. Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) is up 1.6% ahead of the bell, after Credit Suisse initiated coverage on the beer maker with an "outperform" rating and $230 price target. Since falling to a nearly two-year low of $150.37 on Jan. 9, STZ has added 10%, but the overhead $175 level still lurks. 
4. Shares of Allergan plc (NYSE:AGN) are struggling in electronic trading, after the drugmaker's depression treatment failed three late-stage studies. Six price-target cuts have come through, including one to $155 from $161 at Credit Suisse. As of yesterday, AGN was clinging to its year-to-date breakeven level, and staring up at its 50-day moving average.
5. Today's slate is highlighted by weekly jobless claims, the Fed's balance sheet, and consumer credit report. Plus, American Outdoor Brands (AOBC), Barnes & Noble (BKS), Burlington Stores (BURL), Costco (COST), El Pollo Loco (LOCO), Eventbrite (EB), GNC Holdings (GNC), H & R Block (HRB), and Marvell Technology (MRVL) all step into the earnings confessional.

China's Shanghai Composite Win Streak Hits 5

Stocks in Asia failed to generate much momentum, as traders continued to await more clarity on a U.S.-China trade deal. Still, China's Shanghai Composite managed to extend its daily win streak to five, edging out a 0.1% gain on the day. Meanwhile, China’s finance minister said that despite the country’s new fiscal policies, it will not open a “floodgate” of stimulus, according to Reuters. Elsewhere, Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.9%, and a pullback in chip stocks pushed Japan’s Nikkei down 0.7%. South Korea’s Kospi joined the losers with a 0.5% retreat. 

European benchmarks are hovering near breakeven today following the ECB’s decision to provide new loans for banks as a way to stimulate the eurozone economy. London's FTSE 100 has come off its early lows, but remains off 0.2% on the day. Germany’s DAX is also trying to push into positive territory, last seen down 0.04%, while France’s CAC 40 is up 0.07%. 

U.S. markets are being weighed down by a downwardly revised economic growth forecast from the European Central Bank (ECB), which also unveiled a new stimulus plan and said it doesn't expect to hike interest rates until 2020. ECB President Mario Draghi warned of a "period of continued weakness and pervasive uncertainty." As such, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), S&P 500 Index (SPX), and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are all in the red and pacing for a fourth straight day of losses.

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

• The retailer unraveling on an earnings miss.
• FAANG tailwinds could boost this tech stock, according to analysts.
• Plus, Kroger stock's massive earnings blow; the top stock on the NYSE; and one of Nasdaq's worst performers.

Kroger Co (NYSE:KR) is sporting unusual options volume today, after the grocery chain issued a disappointing full-year outlook. So far, 31,000 calls and 51,000 puts have crossed the tape -- 15 times the expected rate. Most active is the April 23 put, where just over 22,000 contracts have traded. KR is down 10% at $25.49, pacing toward its lowest close since June 2018.

Rosetta Stone Inc (NYSE:RST) is at the top of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) this afternoon, after the company reported an impressive fourth-quarter revenue beat. The shares surged to a fresh eight-year high of $22, and were last seen up more than 30% at $20.95. Today's bull gap pushed the stock back above the 160-day moving average, and to a year-over-year surplus of roughly 46%.

Near the bottom of the Nasdaq today is Baozun Inc (NASDAQ:BZUN). Shares of the Chinese e-commerce firm are still reeling from yesterday's fourth-quarter profit miss. BZUN is now 8% lower to trade at $35.77, testing its 20-day moving average.

The Dow spent the entire session in negative territory, as pre-market optimism over the European Central Bank's (ECB) stimulus announcement was replaced by concern over the central bank's downwardly revised 2019 gross domestic product (GDP) forecast -- exacerbating fear over a slowing global economy. Bank stocks took a notable hit, with big-cap financial shares Goldman Sachs (GS) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) suffering notable losses. By the close, the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq were down for a fourth straight day, the longest losing streaks for the latter two since late December.

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

• Why Kroger stock sold off today.
• 2 chip stocks flash must-see bull signals.
• The sell-off isn't over for this stock, says Pivotal Research.
• Plus, Cantor thinks this penny stock could triple; UBX gained on a bullish brokerage note; and the FAANG buzz that boosted Zebra Technologies.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,473.23) fell 200.2 points, or 0.8%, for its lowest close since Feb. 14. Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) paced the 26 Dow decliners with its 2.1% drop, while Verizon (VZ) and Exxon Mobil (XOM) fared best of the four advancers -- adding 1.1% apiece.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,748.93) shed 22.5 points, or 0.8%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,421.46) surrendered 84.5 points, or 1.1%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 16.59) rose 0.9 point, or 5.4%, for its highest settlement since Jan. 30.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. U.S. households saw the biggest drop in net worth since the financial crisis in the fourth quarter, according to data from the Federal Reserve. Over the three-month period ended Dec. 31, Americans' net worth declined 3.4% to $104.3 trillion. (CNBC)
2. Huawei is taking the U.S. government to court. The Chinese telecom filed a lawsuit in a Texas court, saying a congressional ban barring U.S. federal agencies from purchasing its products is "unlawful, [and] also restricts Huawei from engaging in fair competition." (CNN)
3. Cantor Fitzgerald thinks this penny stock could triple.
4. United Biotechnology stock gained on a fresh "overweight" rating.
5. FAANG buzz boosted Zebra Technologies stock.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Drops as Dollar Gains

Oil prices rose on news the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) output sank to its lowest level in almost four years last month. Crude for April delivery gained 44 cents, or 0.8%, to settle at $56.66 per barrel.

Gold prices closed lower as the U.S. dollar strengthened. April-dated gold shed $1.50, or 0.1%, to settle at $1,286.10 an ounce.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading 185 points below fair value, with the blue-chip index poised to extend its daily losing streak. Stocks are under a double-dose of pressure after China reported a 20% year-over-year drop in exports last month, fueling concerns about a global economic slowdown. And back home, investors are digesting the nonfarm payrolls report, which showed the U.S. added only 20,000 jobs in February, the smallest increase in since September 2017, and sharply below forecasts. Meanwhile, oil prices continue to fluctuate, with April-dated crude futures last seen down 2.7% at $55.15 per barrel.

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

• History suggests record highs may be on horizon for Boeing stock.
• Manchester United stock scored a big win after a dramatic comeback.
• One analyst thinks this pharma stock could double.
• Plus, weak guidance hits AOBC; and bearish analyst attention for Exxon Mobil and Tilray.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 940,954 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 718,836 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio climbed to 0.76, and the 21-day moving average rose to 0.62.
2. American Outdoor Brands Corp (NASDAQ:AOBC) stock is down 6.2% in electronic trading, after the gunmaker gave weak fiscal fourth-quarter guidance. AOBC is set to trade at its lowest level since a late-August bull gap. Prior to today, the shares had shed 11.5% in 2019, with their 80-day moving average providing resistance overhead. 
3. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) stock is down 2% ahead of the bell, after Cowen downgraded the energy name to "market perform" from "outperform," while slashing its price target to $75 from $100. Cowen sees lower dividend growth ahead for Exxon Mobil amid heightened capital spending. XOM has added 17.5% in 2019, and today's pullback could be contained by its ascending 20-day moving average.
4. Shares of Tilray Inc (NASDAQ:TLRY) are down 6.9% in electronic trading, after Jefferies initiated coverage on the cannabis name with an "underperform" rating and $61 price target. The analyst in coverage called Tilray's valuation as "too rich" and dependent on a murky medical marijuana outlook. It's been a largely stagnant year for the pot stock, but today's drop has the shares on track for a second straight day of big losses.
5. The Baker-Hughes rig count is due today. Navistar (NAV) will report earnings.

Chinese Export Data Crushes Asian Stocks

The huge sell-off in the Shanghai Composite paced the trading action in Asia today, with the Chinese benchmark falling 4.4% in response to the disappointing trade data. Japan’s Nikkei fell 2%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dipped 1.9%, while the South Korea Kospi closed down 1.3%. 

Not surprisingly, European stocks are under pressure at midday, as well. The weak Chinese data has pushed the FTSE 100 0.9% lower, while disappointing German manufacturing data is weighing heavy on the French CAC 40 and German DAX, which were last seen down 0.6%, and 0.7%, respectively. Traders also continue to consider the stimulus measures introduced by the European Central Bank (ECB) on Thursday, on top of ongoing Brexit discussions.

Stocks are notably lower in afternoon trading, as U.S. jobs data came in well below expectations. Specifically, the slim 20,000 job growth for February, combined with China's steep drop in exports, has the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) down triple digits. The blue-chip index -- alongside the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) -- is pacing for a fifth straight daily loss, which would mark its first since June 2018. The indexes are also set for a weekly loss, which would be the Nasdaq's first since December.

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

• FAANG stock lower on one senator's break-up plan. 
• Retail stock shocking shorts on a post-earnings bull gap. 
• Plus, one tech company's disappointing forecast; and 2 stocks at the bottom of the NYSE and Nasdaq.

Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:MRVL) is sporting unusual put options volume today, with 15,000 already across the tape so far -- 13 times the expected amount. Specifically, the April 13 put is the most active, after Marvel last night issued a disappointing first-quarter forecast. MRVL was last seen down 2.5% at $18.56, set to close beneath its 30-day moving average for the first time since its Dec. 26 low. 

Eventbrite Inc (NYSE:EB) is at the bottom of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), after the company issued a first-quarter forecast that was below estimates. No fewer than three analysts have since lowered their price targets on EB. Eventbrite stock is down 27.5% at $23.50, at last check, just off a record low of $22.36, and on pace to close back below the 50-day moving average. 

Situated at the bottom of the Nasdaq today is T2 Biosystems Inc (NASDAQ:TTOO), the medical equipment stock suffering a post-earnings plunge after a soft first-quarter forecast and revenue miss. TTOO is 20% lower at $2.50, at last glance, fresh off a record low of $2.47. Over the past six months, T2 stock has shed 55%.

The Dow plunged triple digits out of the gate, and remained in the red through the close. Stocks reacted to a round of dismal global economic data, including weak Chinese trade numbers and a dreary U.S. jobs report. Downgraded Exxon Mobil (XOM) was the worst blue chip today, with sinking oil prices only amplifying selling pressure on the energy giant.

The risk-off backdrop was seen on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, too, with the former sinking further below 2,800 and the latter snapping its longest weekly win streak since the dot-com boom. What's more all three indexes brought their daily losing streaks to five -- the first time this has simultaneously occurred since November 2016, just ahead of the U.S. presidential election.

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

• Why Stitch Fix stock could be volatile next week.
• Technical signal says to short this China stock.
• Plus, BAML targets new GME lows; a "sorry" CEO; and Costco's big day.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,450.24) was down 220 points at its intraday low, before paring this loss to 23 points, or 0.09%. Exxon Mobil (XOM) paced the 17 Dow decliners with its 1.4% drop, while Goldman Sachs (GS) led the 13 advancers with its 1.3% gain. For the week, the Dow fell 2.2%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,743.07) slipped 5.9 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,408.14) gave back 13.3 points, or 0.2%. Week-over-week, the SPX and Nasdaq declined 2.2% and 2.8%, respectively.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 16.05) topped the 18 mark in intraday action for the first time since late January, before swinging to a 0.5-point, or 3.3%, loss. On a weekly basis, the market's "fear gauge" jumped 18.3%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. The Commerce Department said housing starts increased 18.6% in January to a seasonally adjusted rate of 1.23 million units -- more than analysts were expecting -- marking the first increase in five months. Single-family building permits, on the other hand, fell 2.1% to 812,000 units, the lowest level since August 2017. (CNBC)
2. The U.S. women's national soccer team filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation for gender discrimination. The suit alleges the organization has "utterly failed to promote gender equality." (Reuters)
3. BofA-Merrill Lynch thinks GameStop is headed to new lows.
4. The CEO of this drink company said he was "truly sorry" for a dismal earnings report.
5. Costco shares rallied hard on a positive earnings reaction.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Ekes Out Weekly Win, Despite Daily Drop

Oil prices came off their intraday lows after data showed the U.S. rig count fell for a third straight week, though concern over waning global energy demand kept April-dated crude down 59 cents, or 1%, to settle at $56.07 per barrel. For the week, oil added 0.5%.

Gold gained as traders made a beeline toward safe-haven assets. Gold for April delivery jumped $13.20, or 1%, to close at $1,299.30 an ounce -- bringing its weekly gain to 10 cents.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are getting clobbered this morning, trading nearly 200 points below fair value, in the wake of a deadly crash of a Boeing (BA) 737 Max 8 airplane operated by Ethiopian Airlines over the weekend. This is the second fatal crash involving the aircraft in six months. The blue-chip index is fresh off its worst daily losing streak since June.

Futures on the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) are cautiously higher this morning, though, after Fed Chair Jerome Powell told "60 Minutes" over the weekend that "there's no reason why this economy cannot continue to expand." Elsewhere, retail sales rose 0.2% in January, handily beating the estimated 0.1% loss. 

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

• This pharma stock sank to the bottom of the Nasdaq on Friday.
• Wall Street targets new lows for GameStop stock.
• Big Lots' big earnings beat shocked shorts.
• Plus, FireEye gets upgraded; Tesla raises prices; and Nvidia buys Mellanox.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 929,767 call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 693,735 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.75, and the 21-day moving average remained at 0.62.
2. FireEye Inc (NASDAQ:FEYE) stock is up 3.7% in electronic trading, after J.P. Morgan Securities upgraded the cybersecurity specialist to "overweight" from "neutral." The brokerage waxed bullishly on the company's potential for billings growth.
3. Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) stock is up 0.9% ahead of the bell, after the company announced it was raising the prices of its higher-end vehicles by 3%, on average. The $35,000 price of its Model 3 will remain the same, though. Tesla stock has shed 14.6% already in 2019, and recently encountered stiff resistance at its 40-day trendline. 
4. Shares of Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) are up 1.5% in electronic trading, after the chipmaker acquired Mellanox Technologies (MLNX) for $6.8 billion, its largest deal in history. The move represents an effort by Nvidia to expand into a more data center-driven market. Despite some bearish analyst attention before Valentine's Day, NVDA has added 21% since its Christmas Eve bottom at $124.46.
5. Business inventories are on tap today. Reporting earnings will be PetIQ (PETQ) and Stitch Fix (SFIX).

Asian Stocks Rebound, Bank Merger Lifting Europe

Asian stock markets were able to recover today, despite growing worries about the state of the global economy. China’s Shanghai Composite snapped back from Friday’s heavy selling to finish up 1.9%, getting help from People’s Bank of China Governor Yi Gang, who suggested more could be done to support lending activity. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng followed with a 1% gain, and Japan’s Nikkei added 0.5%. In South Korea, the Kospi managed a 0.03% win. 

Stocks in Europe are also rising at midday. Traders are considering news that financial giants Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank have agreed to discuss a potential merger. Meanwhile, investors are awaiting Tuesday’s key vote in the U.K., which will decide if its Brexit deal will be accepted. Against this backdrop, London's FTSE 100 and the German DAX are both up 0.3%, and France’s CAC 40 is sporting a 0.2% lead. 

Stocks are higher this afternoon, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) in the black despite major losses for Boeing (BA) stock. Bolstering the index is FAANG stock Apple (AAPL), which is up more than 3% after a fresh "buy" rating. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are also comfortably higher at midday. With a push from this morning's impressive retail sales data, all three indexes are set to break their recent five-day losing streak.

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

• Stocks haven't done this since Trump was elected.
• Schaeffer's Senior V.P. of Research Todd Salamone took to CNBC to explain how Fed remarks could aid the S&P 500.
• Plus, puts surge on Men's Warehouse parent; the Wall Street Journal's latest victim; and the Nasdaq's top performer.

Puts are popping for Tailored Brands Inc (NYSE:TLRD), with 17,000 traded so far today. The volume is 66 times the expected intraday pace, with the March 13 put leading the way by a long shot. This bearish surge comes just ahead of the company's quarterly report, expected after the close on Wednesday, March 13. TLRD stock has suffered several bear gaps peaking around $36 in May, and is down 49% year-over-year. At last glance, the stock is up 0.6% at $11.83.

Care.com Inc (NYSE:CRCM) is at the bottom of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and has gapped 15% lower trade at $19.64, after a critical Wall Street Journal article stated the company (on multiple occasions) has falsely reported care providers as being state-licensed. CRCM has now fallen more than 21% this month, and is back below the $20 level since for the first time since early January.

The top stock on the Nasdaq today is Seres Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:MCRB),after the company announced its collaboration with AstraZeneca (AZN) to research cancer therapy drugs. MCRB is up 45% at $7.42, at last check, bringing its year-to-date lift to an impressive 75%.