Earnings Season Highlights

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A collection of noteworthy post-earnings reactions
Published on Apr 5, 2019 at 12:06 PM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Midday Market Check

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is headed for another day of gains, after the March jobs report helped to quell investor anxiety over the health of the economy. All eyes are still on U.S.-China trade talks, too, with President Donald Trump saying "we'll know over the next four weeks" if the two countries can reach a consensus. Against this backdrop, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is eyeing a seventh straight win, and the Dow, SPX, and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are all pacing for healthy weekly gains. 

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

Midday Market Stats Apr 5

DISH Network Corp (NASDAQ:DISH) is seeing an unusual amount of options trade today. So far, the equity has seen about 1,800 puts change hands, nearly three times the average intraday volume. Most active is the June 32.50 put, where it looks like the options are being bought to open, with traders expecting shares of the broadcasting concern to slip in the short term. At last check, DISH was trading up 1.1% at $34.18, set for its highest close since October. 

Pharma stock Trovagene Inc (NASDAQ:TROV) is near the top of the Nasdaq today, after a positive update on its early-stage leukemia treatment trial. The company also said that Lincoln Park Capital Fund plans to invest $1.5 million in the cancer drug developer. As a result, the shares are up $15.6% at $4.16, but struggling to climb atop their 200-day trendline. 

LivaNova PLC (NASDAQ:LIVN) is near the bottom of the Nasdaq today, after unveiling disappointing preliminary first-quarter earnings. LIVN stock is down 27.1% at $70.41 in response. The equity just bottomed out at an 18-month low, and dropped well below its 40-day moving average -- a recent area of support for LIVN.

LIVN Chart Apr 5

Published on Apr 1, 2019 at 4:32 PM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Market Recap

Stocks had a strong showing today, rallying out of the gate for a convincing start to the second quarter. Traders cheered signs of improving economic conditions in China and the U.S., with tech shares leading the S&P 500 and Nasdaq higher. Still, strength was seen across the board, as the financial sector, including Dow components JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and American Express, also posted impressive gains.

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

  • The Apple news that sank this semiconductor stock.
  • Why near-term call traders were bullish on WYNN.
  • One analyst thinks this biopharma could barrel higher. 
  • Plus, bullish attention for one blue chip; FAANG stock gets praised; and how UPS got a boost.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,258.42) rallied 329.7 points, or 1.3%, today. Caterpillar (CAT) paced the 24 advancing blue chips for the second day in a row, adding 3.5%, while McDonald's (MCD) was the biggest loser, falling 0.8%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,867.19) closed up 32.8 points, or 1.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,828.91) picked up 99.6 points, or 1.3%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 13.40), on the other hand, shed 0.3 point, or 2.3%.

Closing Indexes Summary April 1

NYSE and Nasdaq Stats April 1

5 Items on our Radar Today

  1. Food giant Kellogg (K) announced today it is selling its Keebler, Mother’s, and Famous Amos businesses to Ferrero Group for $1.3 billion. Ferrero -- maker of Nutella -- will also purchase five production facilities. (MarketWatch
  2. Ride-hailing service Lyft Inc (LYFT) fell below its initial public offering (IPO) price of $72 in its second day on the charts, dropping as low as $68.50 during intraday trading. The stock hit a peak of $88.60 during its public debut last Friday, March 29. (CNBC)
  3. Blue chip reacts to fresh "overweight" rating.
  4. One analyst can't shake this FAANG stock.
  5. UPS lands a Berenberg bull note.

Corporate Earnings April 1

Unusual Options Activity April 1

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Crude Follows Stocks Higher

Signs of extended declines in supplies from major crude producers helped lift oil prices today. May-dated crude futures finished up $1.45, or 2.4%, at $61.59 per barrel.

Gold prices, meanwhile, fell today during the risk-on session for equities. June gold futures closed down $4.30, or 0.3%, at $1,294.20 an ounce.

Published on Apr 5, 2019 at 4:34 PM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Market Recap

U.S. stocks logged modest gains in today's trading, driven by encouraging jobs data and news that noticeable progress is being made between the U.S. and China regarding a trade deal -- with President Donald Trump saying earlier the two countries are "rounding the turn." The Dow took a third straight gain, while the S&P 500 marked a seventh -- its longest daily win streak since October 2017. Both indexes, as well as the tech-heavy Nasdaq, logged a second weekly gain.

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

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,424.99) added 40.4 points, or 0.2%. Cheveron (CVX) was the best of the 23 blue-chip gainers, adding 1.3%. Meanwhile, Dow (DOW) was the biggest loser, shedding 4.1%. For the week, the DJI rose 1.9%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,892.74) tacked on 13.4 points, or 0.5%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,938.69) managed to add 46.9 points, or 0.6%. The indexes closed 2% and 2.1% higher for the week, respectively. 

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.82) lost 0.8 point, or 5.6%. The market's "fear gauge" shed 6.3% for the week.

closing indexes summary april 5

nyse and nasdaq stats april 5

5 Items on our Radar Today

  1. MacKenzie Bezos will maintain a 4% stake in Amazon (AMZN), as part of a divorce settlement with the company's founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. This amount of stock is reportedly worth $36.5 billion -- making Bezos one of the top four wealthiest women in the world. (MarketWatch)  
  2. Another E. coli outbreak has hit the Midwest, though the source still unidentified. Earlier today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said 72 people have been affected and eight hospitalized across five states. Without a cause pinpointed, the CDC did not have a specific food or restaurant chain for civilians to avoid. (CNBC)
  3. This pot stock is burning shorts.
  4. LYFT calls were hot on Citron Research nod. 
  5. Bullish analysts chimed in on Snap stock.

corporate earnings april 5

unusual options activity april 5

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Crude Soars 4.9% on the Week

Crude saw a notable lift in today's trading, as political tensions ramped up in oil-rich Libya. May-dated crude futures closed up 98 cents, or 1.6%, at $63.08 per barrel. For the week, crude logged a 4.9% gain. 

Gold prices suffered following this morning's jobs data. June-dated gold shed $1.30, or 0.1%, to settle at $1,295.60 an ounce for the day, and 0.2% for the week.

Published on Apr 8, 2019 at 9:03 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading below fair value, as caution sets in ahead of first-quarter earnings season. Boeing (BA) could also be a big drag on the blue-chip index today, with the newly downgraded Dow stock off 4.1% in electronic trading on news the company has slashed production of its grounded 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Against this backdrop, S&P 500 Index (SPX) futures are lower, too, with the index at risk of snapping its longest win streak since October 2017.

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

  • Why Jefferies thinks this pharma stock can double.
  • Lyft call options were hot after the stock's rocky start.
  • IPO buzz boosted this gaming stock to its best day of the year.
  • Plus, a Street-low GE price target; another bull note for Snap; and Micron gets downgraded.

us stock premarket april 8

5 Things You Need to Know Today

  1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.01 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 597,843 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio remained 0.59, and the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.61.
  2. The shares of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) are down 5.5% in electronic trading, after J.P. Morgan Securities Analyst Stephen Tusa downgraded the stock to "underweight" from "neutral," and cut his price target by $1 to a Street-low $5. GE has been hovering above $10 since a mid-March bull gap, but is set to open back in single-digit territory.
  3. RBC upgraded Snap Inc (NYSE:SNAP) to "outperform" from "sector perform," and boosted its price target to $17 from $10 -- a 43.6% premium to Friday's close at $11.84, and in line with SNAP's initial public offering (IPO) price. This is the just the latest bull note to roll in for the Snapchat parent, sending the stock up 4.5% ahead of the bell.
  4. Cowen and Company downgraded Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) to "market perform" from "outperform," and reduced its price target to $45 from $46 -- a slight premium to Friday's close at $43.32. MU stock is bracing for a 2.4% drop out of the gate, and could fall back below its 200-day moving average, a trendline that contained a post-earnings rally in late March.
  5. Factory orders are due. The earnings calendar is bare, but will heat up later this week.

stock market news april 8

Boeing Supplier Safran Drops in Paris Trading

It was a mixed finish for Asian stock markets today, with traders in Hong Kong and on the mainland returning from a long holiday weekend to reports of fresh progress in U.S.-China trade talks via Beijing state media. Investors also reacted to Friday's strong U.S. jobs number, as well as a continued climb in Brent crude futures. By the close, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 0.5%, and South Korea's Kospi edged up 0.04%. On the other hand, Japan's Nikkei slipped 0.2%, and China's Shanghai Composite shed 0.05%.

European equity benchmarks are hovering around breakeven at midday. Among stocks in focus is aircraft engine producer Safran, down 1.6% in Paris on news that Boeing cut 737 MAX production. Meanwhile, U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to hold talks with European Union (EU) and Labour party leaders ahead of Friday's looming Brexit deadline. At last check, the German DAX is off 0.2%, London's FTSE 100 has edged up 0.06%, and the French CAC 40 is 0.07% higher.

Published on Apr 8, 2019 at 12:02 PM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Midday Market Check

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has continued its journey south this afternoon, down over 120 points, pushed lower by a steep decline from Boeing (BA). In addition, traders are digesting a drop in February factory orders, and are exercising caution ahead of the start of earnings season, with big banks Wells Fargo (WFC) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) set to report this Friday. Against this backdrop, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is set to snap its longest win streak since 2017.

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

  • Analyst: This stock could slide 50%.
  • The pharma stock headed for its fifth consecutive win. 
  • Plus, Snap attracts options traders after an upgrade; Biomerica scores a patent win; and the patent specialist that announced a reverse stock split. 

midday Market Stats Apr 8

Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP) is seeing unusual options volume today, with roughly 101,000 calls traded -- two times the average intraday volume. The weekly 4/12 12.50-strike call is the most popular, with a healthy number of contracts being bought to open. The social media concern is up 3.9% at $12.30, thanks to a bull note from RBC -- pacing for its third straight win and a year-to-date closing high. 

Biomerica Inc (NASDAQ:BMRA) is at the top of the Nasdaq today, on news that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) gave a Notice of Allowance to the pharma company's InFoods line of products, used to treat patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). BMRA shares are up 23.1% at $3.09, and are testing their footing atop the 200-day moving  average for the first time since late July. 

BMRA Chart Apr 8 

Marathon Patent Group Inc (NASDAQ:MARA) is near the bottom of the Nasdaq today, after the company's four-for-one reverse stock split took effect today. The equity is down 11.5% at $2.29, in response -- dropping back below its 160-day moving average after a brief surge above the trendline last week. 

Published on Apr 9, 2019 at 9:08 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

Stocks are poised for a lower open, with traders on edge after the U.S. threatened to take action against the European Union (EU) in response to its subsidies for Airbus. In a tweet this morning, President Donald Trump said the World Trade Organization found the subsidies "adversely impacted the United States, which will now put Tariffs on $11 Billion of EU products!" The EU, meanwhile, is reportedly preparing retaliatory tariffs for the U.S. over its subsidies for Boeing (BA). At last check, futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX), and S&P 500 Index (SPX) were all below fair value, with the latter index at risk of snapping its lengthy daily win streak.

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

  • Schaeffer's Senior V.P. of Research Todd Salamone explains why a run through September stock market highs is imminent.
  • Tread lightly on this bank stock before earnings.
  • Sliding Roku stock could be due for a bounce.
  • Plus, Bank of America hikes pay; Cerner pops on buyback boost; and a sinking drug stock.

us stock premarket april 9

5 Things You Need to Know Today

  1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 846,951 call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 578,942 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio jumped to 0.68, and the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.61.
  2. Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) said it will raise its minimum wage to $17 on May 1, with a gradual increase up to $20 by 2021. The big bank also saw its price target cut to $30.50 from $31 at J.P. Morgan Securities, citing expectations for a drop in investment banking fees when the company reports earnings this Friday, April 12. After closing last night at $29.17, BAC shares are up 0.2% ahead of the bell.
  3. Cerner Corporation (NASDAQ:CERN) said it was boosting its buyback program by $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion, representing roughly 8.1% of outstanding shares, based on last night's close at $57.09. This is part of a "cooperation agreement" with activist investor Starboard Value, which also includes the electronic medical records provider appointing four new directors to the board. CERN stock is up 7% in electronic trading, set to open near $58 -- a ceiling since mid-February.
  4. Zogenix, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZGNX) stock is crumbling in pre-market trading -- down 28% -- after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it will not review the company's marketing application for its seizure drug, citing an incorrect data set and the absence of some non-clinical studies. An onslaught of bear notes has ensued, including a downgrade to "neutral" at Wedbush, and ZGNX stock is set to open at levels not seen since the start of the year.
  5. The Labor Department's Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) is expected. Another quiet day is slated for earnings ahead of the start of first-quarter earnings season.

stock market news april 9

Asian Stocks Rise With Oil Prices

Most major Asian markets finished higher today amid a resurgent conflict in Libya, which had Brent crude futures hitting new year-to-date highs overnight. Against this backdrop, Japan’s Nikkei added 0.2%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng tacked on 0.3%, and South Korea’s Kospi was up 0.1%. China’s Shanghai Composite was the only major regional market to end lower, down 0.2% at the close.

Following U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer’s threats to impose tariffs on roughly $11 billion of EU products, markets are mostly flat at midday. The French CAC 40 is 0.06% higher, while the German DAX has lost 0.2%. London’s FTSE 100 is 0.06% higher as traders eye U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit summit with French and German leaders later today.

Published on Apr 9, 2019 at 11:57 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Midday Market Check

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is down triple digits, as Boeing's (BA) 737 MAX jet troubles continue. Elsewhere, tariff threats between the European Union (EU) and the U.S. are keeping traders on the sideline, as is another downwardly revised global growth forecast from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).  Against this backdrop, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite Index (IXIC) are both in the red at midday, as well. 

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

  • The newest stock on Goldman's conviction list. 
  • Why Cowen thinks Disney's new streaming platform might surprise Wall Street. 
  • Plus, an eight-figure option bet on GrubHub; the stock eyeing a ninth straight win; and Zogenix stock crumbles on FDA news.  

Midday Market Stats Apr 9

GrubHub Inc (GRUB) is seeing unusual options volume today, with roughly 10,000 puts traded -- nine times the average intraday volume. The May 80 put is the most popular, with one trader buying to open 9,500 puts for $11 million, per Trade-Alert. The delivery concern is lower today, down 2.1% at $70.19. 

3-D imaging concern FARO Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:FARO) is among the top performers on the Nasdaq, today. The stock has added 19.8% to trade at $56.54, at last check, after the company appointed a new CEO. FARO shares are now pacing for a ninth straight gain.

One of the worst stocks on the Nasdaq is Zogenix, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZGNX). The pharmaceutical concern is down 24.9% at $38.96, at last glance, after the FDA declined a full review of the company's childhood epilepsy treatment. The stock suffered an onslaught of analyst price-target cuts and downgrades in response, including a downgrade to "neutral" from "buy" from Guggenheim. The equity is pacing for its worst day since 2015, and just dropped well below its 40-day moving average for the first time since late January. 

ZGNX Chart Apr 9

Published on Apr 9, 2019 at 4:35 PM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Market Recap

U.S. stocks finished the day in the red, with the Dow suffering a triple-digit blow on the back of trade tensions with the European Union (EU). A downwardly revised global growth forecast from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) only strengthened headwinds. Boeing's (BA) woes also weighed on the blue-chip index, with the stock sinking 1.5% after the company said it recorded zero new orders for the 737 MAX 8 after a global grounding of the aircraft. The selling was broad, too, with the Nasdaq and S&P closing lower, and the latter snapping its eight-day win streak. 

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

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,150.58) sank 190.4 points, or 0.7%. Walt Disney (DIS) led the mere four blue-chip gainers, adding 1.7%. Caterpillar (CAT) was the biggest loser, shedding 2.5%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,878.20) lost 17.6 points, or 0.6%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,909.28) fell 44.6 points, or 0.6%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 14.28) added 1.1 point, or 8.4%. 

closing indexes summary april 9

nyse and nasdaq stats april 9

5 Items on our Radar Today

  1. The Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys, or JOLTS, showed job openings fell by 538,000 in February to 7.09 million, the biggest monthly drop since 2015. January's JOLTS report was upwardly revised to 7.63 million, while the quits rate stood at 2.3% for the ninth straight month. (Bloomberg)
  2. In part of its latest "Restock Kroger" plan, the grocery giant has begun revamping its leadership. Specifically, Kroger has named Mary Ellen Adcock senior vice president of retail operations, Joe Grieshaber senior vice president of merchandising, and Robert Clark senior vice president of supply chain, manufacturing and sourcing, effective May 1. (MarketWatch)
  3.  Cowen upgraded Disney stock on high streaming service expectations.
  4.  2 drug stocks that made notable moves today.
  5.  Needham: Buy this penny stock.

There were no earnings of note today.

unusual options activity april 9

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Surged to Nearly 2-Week High

Crude prices retreated from five-month highs, as Russia signaled support to ease supply cuts and tensions in Libya flared. May-dated crude fell 42 cents, or 0.7%, to settle at $63.98 per barrel.

Gold futures climbed after the IMF global growth forecast was lowered for 2019, and the U.S. dollar weakened. June-dated gold added $6.40, or 0.5%, to settle at $1,308.30 an ounce.


Published on Apr 10, 2019 at 9:08 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading modestly above fair value ahead of a busy day on Wall Street. Inflation data has already been released, with the consumer price index (CPI) rising 0.4% in March -- the biggest jump since January 2018.

Congressional testimony from several big bank bosses, including JPMorgan Chase (JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon and Goldman Sachs (GS) CEO David Solomon, will also be in focus as the financial firms get set to report earnings over the next week. Later this afternoon, Wall Street will be watching for the release of the minutes from the March Fed meeting, at which the central bank suspended its rate-hike program for the remainder of the year.

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

us stock market preopen

5 Things You Need to Know Today

  1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 912,676 call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 525,321 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.51, and the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.61.
  2. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) stock is up 2.7% in electronic trading -- less than the options market was anticipating -- after the airline reported a better-than-expected first-quarter profit of 96 cents per share, and gave an upbeat outlook for current-quarter profit. After closing last night at $56.95, DAL stock is set to test the $58 level today, which marked last week's highs.
  3. BMO upgraded Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) to "outperform" from "market perform," marking the second bull note the Dow stock has received this week ahead of tomorrow's investor day. DIS shares are up 0.8% in pre-market trading, after notching their highest close of the year at $116.86 last night.
  4. Helius Medical Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:HSDT) shares are bracing for a 58% drop out of the gate, set to open at a record low of $2.59 per share. This pre-market price move comes after the neurotech company said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has denied a request for clearance of its Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS), citing a lack of sufficient data.
  5. Weekly crude inventories and the Treasury budget are due. Fed Chair Jerome Powell is set to address the House of Representatives Democratic Caucus three-day annual retreat. Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) will report earnings.

stock market news april 10

European Stocks Higher Ahead of Draghi

It was a mixed day for Asian markets, after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its global economic guidance Tuesday, citing trade uncertainty and a slowing world market. China’s Shanghai Composite eked out a 0.07% win, Japan’s Nikkei ended 0.5% lower, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was down 0.1%. South Korea’s Kospi saw the biggest gains, up 0.5%, boosted by chip stock SK Hynix.

European markets were higher at midday after the European Central Bank (ECB) announced that it’s leaving interest rates steady. The announcement comes ahead of an anticipated talk from ECB President Mario Draghi, slated for this afternoon. As a result, the French CAC 40 is up 0.3% and the German DAX is up 0.5%. London’s FTSE 100 is just fractionally higher, as traders anxiously eye this evening’s Brexit summit, in which U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May will formally request an extension from the European Union (EU).

Published on Apr 10, 2019 at 4:30 PM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Market Recap

The U.S. stock market closed higher, as investors digested the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) March meeting minutes, released mid-afternoon, which showed the central bank supports no rate changes this year. This forecast -- down from the two rate hikes projected in December -- is a reaction to concerns over a slowing global economy, Brexit uncertainty, and the U.S.-China trade spat. While the Dow muscled to a win on tailwinds from big bank Goldman Sachs (GS), the S&P 500 gained ground on the back of a positive earnings reaction for Delta Air Lines (DAL).

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

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,157.16) scraped together 6.6 points, or 0.03%. Goldman Sachs (GS) led the 19 blue-chip gainers, adding 1.2%. Boeing (BA) was the biggest loser, shedding 1.1%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,888.21) managed a 10-point, or 0.3%, gain, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,964.24) added 55 points, or 0.7%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 13.30) shed 1 point, or 6.9%. 

closing indexes summary april 10

nyse and nasdaq stats april 10

5 Items on our Radar Today

  1. Following reports she was failing to find adequate monetary support for her presidential campaign, Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren's team shared that 135,000 donations brought in $6 million in the first quarter. This number pales in comparison to Democratic front runner Bernie Sanders, however, who is said to have gained $6 million in his first day alone. Warren is known for critiquing big dollar donations. (CNBC)
  2. The consumer price index (CPI) today revealed that the cost of living increased a notable amount in the month of March. Specifically, the number grew 1.9%, with most Americans paying more for gas and rent. (MarketWatch
  3. Which pot stock just grew higher on a plant expansion.
  4. Stay cautious of this surging housing stock
  5. Citigroup: This retailer is ready to rumble.

corporate earnings april 10unusual options activity april 10

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Marks Fourth Straight Gain

Oil prices rose, as news of a big drawdown in gasoline stockpiles offset a data that showed domestic crude inventories hit their loftiest peak since November 2017. May-dated crude added 63 cents, or 1%, to settle at $64.62 per barrel.

Gold marked a fourth straight gain, after the European Central Bank (ECB) struck a dovish tone in its policy announcement. June-dated gold tacked on $5.60, or 0.4%, to settle at $1,313.90 an ounce.

Published on Apr 11, 2019 at 9:14 AM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Opening View

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are struggling for direction this morning, with traders taking a cautious stance before the start of first-quarter earnings season, which unofficially kicks off tomorrow with an onslaught of big bank earnings. At last check, the blue-chip index was signaling a modestly higher open, after the Wall Street Journal indicated Beijing was considering offering concessions in opening its cloud-computing sector to foreign companies as U.S.-China trade talks continue.

Inflation data is also in focus this morning, with the producer price index (PPI) climbing a more-than-expected 0.6% last month, while core PPI -- which strips out food and energy prices -- was unchanged. Traders are watching oil prices, too, with May-dated crude last seen down 1.2% at $63.82 per barrel.

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

us premarket trading on april 11

5 Things You Need to Know Today

  1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 830,752 call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 515,616 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.62 and the 21-day moving average dropped to 0.60
  2. Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) stock is down 3.6% in pre-market trading, after a Nikkei report indicated the electric car maker and Panasonic are suspending plans to expand their Gigafactory 1 on weakening demand for Tesla vehicles, with the Japan battery maker reviewing additional investment in the joint venture. After closing last night at $276.06, TSLA stock could revisit its year-to-date lows in today's session.
  3. Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBY) reported a fiscal fourth-quarter adjusted earnings beat of $1.20 per share on in-line revenue of $3.3 billion. However, the home furnishings retailer said same-store sales for the three-month period slumped a bigger-than-anticipated 1.4%, and gave a weak current-quarter profit forecast. As a result, BBBY stock is bracing for a 12.2% slump out of the gate, but could find support near a late-March bull gap in the $17 region.
  4. J.P. Morgan Securities cut its price target on WW International, Inc. (NASDAQ:WTW) stock to $12 from $14, saying daily active user (DAU) data suggests risk to the weight management specialist's 2019 profit forecast. WTW stock is down 6.3% ahead of the bell, set to retreat further from a historically bearish trendline.
  5. New York Fed President John Williams and St. Louis Fed President James Bullard will speak, while data on weekly jobless claims showed a larger-than-expected drop. The Fed's balance sheet will be released, as well. Fastenal (FAST) and Rite Aid (RAD) will report earnings.

stock market news april 11

Inflation Data Pressures Chinese Stocks

Asian markets ended mixed today, as traders digested the European Union's (EU) Brexit extension, as well as confirmation from U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that the U.S. and China have “pretty much agreed on an enforcement mechanism” for a future trade deal. Despite this, China’s Shanghai Composite fell 1.6% on consumer inflation data that touched five-month highs. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng ended lower too, with a 0.9% loss, while Japan’s Nikkei tacked on 0.1%, and South Korea’s Kospi finished flat.

Despite increasing anxiety over the global economy, U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May’s approved Brexit extension had European markets narrowly in the black at midday. London’s FTSE 100 is up 0.1%, the French CAC 40 is 0.8% higher, and the German DAX has gained 0.3%.

Published on Apr 11, 2019 at 12:07 PM
Updated on Mar 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM
  • Midday Market Check

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is cautiously higher, up nearly 30 points at midday. The index is getting a boost from bank stock JPMorgan Chase (JPM) ahead of tomorrow's earnings release, and Boeing (BA) is on pace to snap a four-day losing streak. However, UnitedHealth (UNH) is keeping the Dow's gains in check, with the shares lower on negative analyst attention.

Elsewhere, traders are monitoring progress between Beijing and Washington, and continue to digest the latest inflation data. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are struggling to stay atop breakeven, with Tesla (TSLA) lower on reports it's freezing spending on its Gigafactory, and energy stocks lower with oil prices. Front-month crude was last seen 1.6% lower at $63.57 per barrel. 

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

  • This high-flying pharma stock is ripe for a short squeeze.
  • 2 outperforming stocks in analyst crosshairs. 
  • Plus, analysts and options bears pile on X stock; the fintech stock that's doubled; and WW stock gets slapped with a bear note.  

Midday Market Stats Apr 11

United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) is seeing unusual options volume today. So far, roughly 58,000 puts have crossed the tape -- nearly six times the average intraday volume. It looks like the May 15 put is the most popular, with the majority of contracts being bought to open. The steel concern just hit a new two-year low of $16.57 earlier today, and is now down 3% at $16.73, on a double downgrade to "underperform" from BofA-Merrill Lynch. It's U.S. Steel's second major downgrade this week.

Fruit juice concern Future Fintech Group Inc (NASDAQ:FTFT) is by far the best stock on the Nasdaq, after the Chinese company announced a new subsidiary to expand its logistics network. As a result, the shares are 175% higher, at $2.15 a share, pacing for their best day in over 14 years. Plus, FTFT stock is set to finish atop its 320-day moving average for the first time since January 2018. 

FTFT Char Apr 11

One of the worst stocks on the Nasdaq is WW International Inc (NASDAQ:WTW) -- formerly Weight Watchers -- after J.P. Morgan Securities cut its price target to $12 from $14. The analyst sees downside risk to 2019 earnings guidance, based on a declining daily active user (DAU) count. As a result, the equity just hit a new two-year low of $17.55, and is down 12.9% at $17.90, at last glance. 

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