U.S. markets closed a choppy session mixed ahead of first-quarter earnings season, which unofficially kicks off tomorrow with early morning results from big banks JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Wells Fargo (WFC). After being cautiously higher most of the morning, the Dow succumbed to pressure from UnitedHealth (UNH), which dropped on a pre-earnings price-target cut. The Nasdaq was in the red with the Dow at the close, while the S&P 500 muscled to a win in the final minutes of trading. 

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

• Which red-hot penny stock nearly tripled today.
• History says hop on Hilton Hotels.
• Pot stock pullback had puts popping.
• Plus, the retail stock with cheap options; the stock downgraded on China concerns; and sinking BBBY held key support.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,143.05) shed 14.1 points, or 0.05%. Boeing (BA) led the 16 blue-chip gainers, adding 1.4%. UNH was the biggest loser, shedding 4.3%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,888.32) closed fractionally higher, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,947.36) lost 16.9 points, or 0.2%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 13.02) slipped 0.3 point, or 2.1%. 

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. Consumers look to be purchasing more clothing and furniture at wholesale retailer Costco (COST), per its March same-store sales results released after Wednesday's close.  Total comparable sales growth came in below estimates, sending COST 1.8% lower to close at $241.24. (MarketWatch)
2. In his annual letter to shareholders, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos challenged other retailers to raise their minimum wage to $15 per hour, as it did last fall. Though not naming competitors, Bezos said, "Do it! Better yet, go to $16 and throw the gauntlet back at us. It's a kind of competition that will benefit everyone." Despite a push from Democrats to hike the federal minimum wage to the same threshold, it remains at $7.25 an hour. (CNBC)
3. This retail stock has cheap options right now.
4. Barclays downgraded this stock on China concerns.
5. Bed Bath & Beyond shares held key support amid today's sell-off.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Snaps Four-Day Win Streak

Oil took a hit in today's trading, after an International Energy Agency (IEA) report warned a slowing global economy could weigh on crude demand. May-dated crude futures shed $1.04, or 1.6%, to close at $63.58 per barrel.

Gold snapped its four-day win streak as the U.S. dollar strengthened. June-dated gold closed below the psychologically significant $1,300 per ounce mark -- down $20.60, or 1.6%, to settle at $1,293.30 an ounce.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading more than 200 points above fair value, as Wall Street reacts to blowout bank earnings. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) is also signaling a strong start, as shares of JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Wells Fargo (WFC) rise after the financial firms reported first-quarter profit beats. Walt Disney (DIS) is also creating tailwinds for the broader equities market, with the stock up 5.9% ahead of the bell, after the entertainment giant unveiled details for its Disney+ streaming service.

Traders are also keeping an eye on rising oil prices. At last check, May-dated crude was up 1.5% at $64.55 per barrel on some major M&A buzz in the energy sector, putting oil on track for a sixth straight weekly gain -- the longest such streak since 2016.

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

• Why Square stock could be set for another surge.
• Bull signal could mean major upside for this retail stock.
• One U.K. ETF saw unusual options trading after the Brexit extension.
• Plus, blue-chip buyout buzz; a biotech about to get blasted; and Allegheny Technologies issues a profit warning.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 806,635 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 536,535 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.67, while the 21-day moving average edged up to 0.61.
2. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) said it is buying oil and gas explorer Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:APC) in a cash-and-stock deal valued at $33 billion, or $65 per APC share -- a 38.9% premium to last night's close at $46.80. CVX stock is own 4.1% ahead of the bell, set to test a key level of support in today's trading.
3. X4 Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:XFOR) is down 27% in electronic trading, set to open at its lowest level since late November. The rare disease specialist announced a stock offering last night, and while the details have yet to be announced, rumors are swirling it will be priced at $11 per share -- a deep discount to last night's close at $15.10.
4. Specialty metals name Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:ATI) said it expects first-quarter profit and revenue to arrive below expectations. ATI stock is bracing for a 4% drop out of the open, but could find a floor near its 80-day moving average.
5. Import and export prices and the latest consumer sentiment data are due today. Earnings season heats up next week, with more big banks set to report.

European Stocks Up After Brexit Extension

It was another mixed day for Asian markets. The Shanghai Composite closed 0.04% below breakeven, as traders weighed better-than-expected export data against a sharp decline in imports. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was up 0.2%, however. Elsewhere, South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.4% on a promising day from Samsung Electronics, while Japan’s Nikkei tacked on 0.7%.

Following yesterday’s Brexit extension, European stocks are inching higher at midday. London’s FTSE 100 is up 0.3%,  boosted by luxury automaker Rolls Royce’s deal to supply Korea’s Air Premia with engines for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets. The French CAC 40 has added 0.4% so far, and the Frankfurt DAX is 0.6% higher.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is soaring at midday, thanks to an earnings beat from JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Walt Disney's (DIS) new streaming service. However, oil giant Chevron (CVX) is keeping the Dow's gains in check, after the company inked a deal to buy Anadarko Petroleum (APC). While the Dow is still pacing for a weekly loss, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are set for a third straight weekly win.

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

• The FAANG stock facing stiff competition from Disney. 
• This pharma stock just got another "buy" rating. 
• Plus, Microsoft hits a new high; a closer look at Anadarko; and XFOR tanks on a stock offering.  

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is seeing unusual options volume today, with roughly 80,000 calls across the tape so far -- nearly three times the average intraday volume. The July 120 and 125 calls are seeing the most action, with Trade-Alert suggesting one trader is adjusting a losing short-call position. The blue chip is up 0.4% at $120.78, and just hit a new all-time-high at $120.98 earlier today. 

The oil concern Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:APC) is at the top of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), on Chevron's decision to buy the company for $33 billion, or about $65 per share. In response, APC is up 32.2% at $61.85. Today the equity is pacing for its best day ever, and just popped atop its 120-day moving average for the first time since mid-October. 

One of the worst stocks on the Nasdaq is X4 Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:XFOR), after pricing a public offering at $11 per share -- a 27.2% discount to last night's close. The stock is down 15.6% at $12.75 in response, pacing for its third consecutive week in the red. 

The Dow stood no chance against heavyweight Boeing (BA) stock in today's trading, closing 84 points lower after the aerospace giant announced a notable cut to its 737 MAX 8 production. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq showed resilience, though, thanks to Apple's (AAPL) impressive 1.6% surge, with the former bringing its daily win streak to eight -- the longest since October 2017.

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

• The China stock for short-term bulls.
• These 3 stocks were red-hot in today's trading.
• One analyst slammed Micron stock with a rare downgrade.
• Plus, bears blasted one Boeing supplier; Raymond James thinks Axon's a "strong buy"; and a CBD stock pops on Walmart buzz.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,341.02) sank 84 points, or 0.3%. Apple (AAPL) surpassed the 17 blue-chip gainers, adding 1.6%. Not surprisingly, Boeing (BA) was the biggest loser, shedding 4.4%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,895.77) added 3 points, or 0.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,953.88) pushed 15.2 points, or 0.2% higher.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 13.18) added 0.4 point, or 2.8%. 

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. A clinical trial on 11 lymphoma cancer patients out of New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital was successful in putting at least three of its patients into remission. Lead author Dr. Joshua Brody stated the so-called "vaccine" has "broad implications for multiple types of cancer,” and will widen the scope to include breast and head-and-neck cancer patients in its next study. (CNBC)
2. One day after the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, President Donald Trump is removing Director of the U.S. Secret Service Randolph Alles. The two departures come amid an overhaul of leadership at the Deparmtement of Homeland Security. (Reuters)
3. Options bears blasted this Boeing supplier.
4. Why Raymond James think's Axon's a "strong buy."
5. This CBD stock popped on Walmart buzz.

There were no earnings of note today.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Crude Closes at Multi-Month High

Continued tensions out of Libya boosted crude . The May-dated oil closed up $1.32, or 2.1%, at $64.40 per barrel -- the highest close for a front-month contract since October. 

Gold prices climbed on the back of a weakening dollar. June-dated gold added $6.30, or 0.5%, to settle at $1,301.90 an ounce.

U.S. stocks closed comfortably in the black following a strong start to first-quarter earnings season. The Dow jumped 269 points on the back of impressive results from bank giant JPMorgan Chase (JPM), while Walt Disney (DIS) had its best day since May 2009 thanks to Disney+ details. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq surged, as well, with the former settling above the 2,900 mark for the first time since Oct. 4. Although the Dow was unable to scrape its way into positive territory for the week, both the S&P and Nasdaq managed a third straight weekly win.

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

• Goldman Sachs is selling this energy stock. 
• Signal says to buy calls on this cloud name.
• Plus, the ins and outs of a long straddle; a pre-earnings look at Goldman Sacks; and 2 oil stocks in the news.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,412.30) gained 269.3 points, or 1%. Walt Disney led the 24 blue-chip gainers and added an enormous 11.5%. UnitedHealth (UNH) was the biggest loser for the second day in a row, and lost 5.2%. For the week, the Dow slipped 0.05%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,907.41) added 19.1 points, or 0.7%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,984.16) tacked on 36.8 points, or 0.5%. Respectively, the indexes added 0.5% and 0.6% for the week.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.01) shed 1.01 points, or 7.8%. For the week, the VIX surrendered 6.3%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. Analyst Pierre Ferragu at New Street Research downgraded Apple (AAPL) to "sell" from "neutral" earlier, saying the "air pocket we anticipated for 2019 is real, and numbers suggest the iPhone first-hand installed base is now ex-growth." This marks the tech giant's second bear note this week. (MarketWatch)
2. SpaceX successfully launched the first revenue-generating flight of its Falcon Heavy rocket -- built using three of the firm's Falcon 9 rockets. This is the second launch for the Falcon Heavy, but the first time all three rocket boosters were landed. The event took place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (CNBC)
3.  The ins and outs of a long straddle.
4.  Taking a quick look at Goldman Sachs ahead of earnings.
5.  2 oil stocks that made news today.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Nabs Longest Week Win Streak Since 2016

Oil closed higher, buoyed by geopolitical tensions in Venezuela and Libya and Chevron's (CVX) big M&A announcement. May-dated crude futures rose 31 cents, or 0.5%, to close at $63.89 per barrel. For the week, oil added 1.3% -- its sixth straight weekly win, the lengthiest streak since early 2016.

A weakening greenback boosted gold futures in today's trading. June-dated gold closed up $1.90, or 2%, at $1,295.20 per ounce. On the week, the precious metal lost 40 cents.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading below fair value this morning, with the blue-chip index poised to take a breather after Friday's big gains. Bank earnings remain in focus today, with Goldman Sachs (GS) stock lower ahead of the bell after the financial firm reported weaker-than-expected revenue. A quarterly profit beat for Citigroup (C), meanwhile, has its shares higher in electronic trading. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) are signaling negative starts, too, with the latter set to test its footing atop the key 2,900 level.

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

• An attractive options strategy for earnings season.
• Why Wedbush thinks this real estate stock can rally 30%.
• Options volume peaked on these sinking health insurers.
• Plus, a falling weed stock; a booming biotech; and Best Buy makes history.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.28 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 688,106 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.54, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.61.
2. The shares of Aphria Inc (NYSE:APHA) are down 12% in electronic trading, after the cannabis producer swung to a loss in its fiscal third quarter. Today's pre-market move has APHA stock set to open back in single-digit territory -- and likely has short sellers cheering.
3. Biotech Bio-Path Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:BPTH) has submitted a request to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to withdraw a filing for a stock offering. After closing Friday at $15.65, BPTH stock is up 40.6% ahead of the bell.
4. Best Buy Co Inc (NYSE:BBY) has tapped current Chief Financial Officer Corie Barry as its new CEO. Barry will take the top role in June to replace current CEO Hubert Joly, who will become the executive chairman of the board. This will also mark the first time the retailer has had a woman as its CEO. BBY stock is down 1.2% in pre-market trading, on track to retreat from last week's year-to-date highs above $75.
5. The Empire State manufacturing survey and Treasury International Capital (TIC) data will be released today, while Chicago Fed President Charles Evans is scheduled for two speeches. Charles Schwab (SCHW) will report earnings.

Global Markets Mixed Ahead of Earnings in U.S.

Asian markets kicked off the week mixed, as trader optimism over strong economic data out of China began to peter out. The Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng were both down 0.3%, while Japan’s Nikkei was 1.4% higher. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.4% on a lift from Asiana Airlines, which skyrocketed after its top shareholder, Kumho Industrial, announced plans to sell its entire stake.

European markets are also mixed at midday, as traders keep an eye on the global economy, as well as trade talks between the U.S. and China. London’s FTSE is down 0.1%, the French CAC 40 is up 0.1% and the German DAX is 0.2% higher.

This morning's disappointing earnings report from Goldman Sachs (GS) continues to weigh on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), while a negative earnings reaction for fellow bank stock Citigroup (C) is dragging the S&P 500 Index (SPX) into the red. Elsewhere, traders are still digesting Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's comments that the U.S. is prepared to take "repercussions" if it does not comply with Chinese trade demands once a concrete deal is reached, but he is hopeful that the countries are "getting very close to the final round" of talks.

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

• Bio-Path stock is skyrocketing on an SEC update
• The FAANG rumors sinking this streaming stock. 
• Plus, options traders hop on URBN stock; Fibrocell Stock soars; and the weed stock down after earnings.  

Urban Outfitters Inc (NASDAQ:URBN) is seeing unusual options volume today, with roughly 15,000 calls across the tape so far -- nearly 14 times the average intraday volume. The May 34 call is by far the most popular, with Trade-Alert pointing to sell-to-open activity. If so, the trader expects URBN to remain south of $34 through May options expiration. At last check, URBN shares were up 1% at $31.88. 

One of the top performers on the Nasdaq is Fibrocell Science Inc (NASDAQ:FCSC), after the gene therapy concern announced plans to commercialize its skin disease treatment. The stock is up 61.8% at $2.89, in response -- set to break a four-day losing streak. FCSC is pacing for its best day since 2012, as well as its highest close in over nine months.

Canadian cannabis concern Aphria Inc (NYSE:APHA) is one of the worst stocks on the New York Stock Exchange, after the company posted disappointing fiscal third-quarter earnings and revenue. Today, the equity is on pace to finish well below its 50-day moving average, as well as recent support in the $9 region. The equity is down 12.5% at $8.84, at last glance. 

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading above fair value, thanks to positive earnings reactions for blue chips UnitedHealth (UNH) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). Dovish comments from Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren could also be creating tailwinds, with the central banker saying last night, "It's appropriate for interest rates to be paused right now." The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) are poised for positive starts, too, in what looks to be an up day on Wall Street.

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

• Schaeffer's Senior V.P. of Research Todd Salamone takes a look at the most extreme VIX positioning since 2017.
• How options traders reacted to this sinking drug stock.
• FAANG stock flashing buy signal before earnings.
• Plus, more on those blue-chip earnings reports; and a Bank of America revenue miss.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 869,422 call contracts traded on Monday, compared to 497,774 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.57, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.61.
2. UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) reported adjusted first-quarter earnings of $3.73 per share on $60.31 billion in revenue -- more than analysts were expecting. The health insurer also boosted its 2019 earnings forecast, which Cantor Fitzgerald called "notable." UNH shares plunged more than 10% last week on concerns over potential legislative action against the sector, but the Dow stock is up 3% in electronic trading.
3. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) said adjusted first-quarter earnings arrived at $2.10 per share, while revenue landed at $20 billion, with both figures exceeding consensus estimates. The consumer products and pharmaceutical giant also raised its 2019 adjusted sales growth forecast, in part due to strong demand for cancer drugs Darzalex and Imbruvica. After closing last night at $136.52, JNJ stock is 1.7% higher ahead of the bell.
4. First-quarter adjusted profit for Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) came in at a stronger-than-anticipated 71 cents per share, but revenue for the three-month period fell short -- slipping to $23 billion. BAC stock settled last night at $29.84 -- a chip-shot away from its Aug. 8 annual high of $31.91 -- but is down 2% in pre-market trading.
5. Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan will speak, while industrial production data and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) housing market index are due. IBM (IBM), BlackRock (BLK), Progressive (PGR), and WesBanco (WSBC) will report earnings.

Asian Stocks Higher as U.S.-China Trade Talks Continue

Asian markets ended higher today, as trade talks between the U.S. and Japan commenced, and on reports that the U.S. and China are nearing a deal. Despite Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda’s negative comments that "some sort of protectionism" around global trade could put the world economy at even greater risk, Japan’s Nikkei tacked on 0.2%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was 1.1% higher, and China’s Shanghai Composite tacked on 2.4%. Asiana Airlines continued to lift South Korea’s Kospi, too, which gained 0.3%.

European stocks are all slightly above breakeven at midday, as traders anticipate U.S. corporate earnings and the European Central Bank meeting. London’s FTSE 100 is up 0.5%, and the French CAC 40 has inched 0.1% higher. The biggest gainer so far is the German DAX, up 0.7% after retail concern Zalando predicted a first-quarter operating profit.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is off its intraday highs, but remains comfortably above breakeven, with help from blowout earnings from Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). However, while UnitedHealth Group (UNH) stock initially moved higher after earnings, it's now the worst blue chip at midday, as health insurers sink on concerns about proposed changes to the industry rebate system. Elsewhere, dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials are also boosting stocks. Against this backdrop, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are higher as well. 

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

• Goldman has high hopes for this tech company's earnings. 
• 2 drug stocks climbing on FDA buzz. 
• Plus, calls are hot on McDermott contract; RNN stock soars; and the biotech tanking on drug data. 

McDermott International Inc (NYSE:MDR) is seeing unusual options volume today, with roughly 12,000 calls across the tape so far -- nearly seven times the average intraday volume. The January 2020 10-strike call is by far the most popular, with most positions likely being bought to open. MDR stock is up 10.8% at $10.13, after the oil concern inked a contract with Qatargas. 

One of the top performers today is Rexan Pharmaceuticals Inc (NYSEAMERICAN:RNN), on a pancreatic cancer drug development and commercialization agreement with BioSense Global. The pharma stock is up 42.5% at $7.64, at last check, and earlier traded as high as $9.14. RNN is pacing for its best day since 2014, but is still set to close beneath its 80-day moving average -- a trendline not tackled since before a late-January bull gap. 

Wave Life Sciences Ltd (NASDAQ:WVE) is one of the underperformers on the Nasdaq today, on poorly received data for its muscular dystrophy treatment. WVE shares have plummeted 28% to $24.48, at last check, and earlier touched a new annual low of $22.90.

U.S. markets suffered today, kicking off the holiday-shortened week on a negative note. The Dow and S&P 500 closed lower on the back of disappointing big bank earnings from the likes of Goldman Sachs (GS) and Citigroup (C), while the Nasdaq joined its peers in the red. Looking ahead, investors are eyeing another round of notable earnings releases tomorrow, and a potential update on U.S.-China trade talks following Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's comment that the two are "getting very close" to a deal. 

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

• This weed stock just had its worst day of 2019. 
• Call traders swiped right on Match stock. 
• A pre-earnings look at Johnson & Johnson.
• Plus, the streaming stock hit by Amazon rumors; the FAANG stock flashing a buy signal; and C-suite shake-up drops Best Buy stock.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,384.77) shed 27.5 points, or 0.1%. UnitedHealth (UNH) led the 16 advancing blue chips, adding 3.1%. Meanwhile, GS paced the 14 losers with a 3.8% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,905.58) lost 1.8 points, or 0.06%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,976.01) let go of 8.2 points, or 0.1%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.32) added 0.3 point, or 2.6%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. Paris' iconic Notre Dame Cathedral broke out in a massive fire today, causing its famous spire structure to collapse. The official cause remains unknown, but the nearly 1,000-year-old cathedral has been undergoing structural repair. U.S. President Donald Trump was quick to respond, suggesting that "flying water tankers" could subdue the blaze. (MarketWatch)
2. Adding to the longevity and repercussions of Boeing's (BA) 737 Max 8 grounding, United Airlines extended cancellations of the aircraft to early July from June. American Airlines (AAL) has pushed cancellations even further, halting all 737 Max 8 flights through Aug. 19. (CNBC)
3.  Amazon has become a major threat to this streaming name.
4.  This FAANG stock flashed a buy signal before earnings.
5.  Best Buy shares fell on CEO shake-up.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil, Gold Retreat

Oil ended the day in the red, on reports a Russian official voiced concern over the country's participation in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC) production cuts. May-dated crude futures dropped 49 cents, or 0.8%, settling at $63.40 per barrel.

U.S.-China trade progress sent gold lower. June-dated gold closed down $3.90, or 0.3%, at $1,291.30 per ounce -- its lowest settlement in over a week.

Stocks finished the day higher, with the Dow seeing a late push from a Reuters report that said the Federal Aviation Administration's review board deemed Boeing's (BA) software fix for its 737 Max aircraft to be "operationally suitable" -- news that sent BA stock up 1.7%. A bearish reversal for UnitedHealth Group (UNH) kept a lid on the index's gains, though, as the insurance giant's earnings beat was offset by concerns over potential regulatory changes to the industry. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 also marked daily gains, with the former closing above the 8,000 mark for the first time since Oct. 3.

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

• The weed stock roasted by short seller Citron.
• 2 reasons to be bearish on CAT stock.  
• Skechers puts are popular before earnings.
• Plus, 2 stocks react to PlayStation buzz; drug stocks higher on FDA notes; and bulls back this popular beauty name.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,452.66) added 67.9 points, or 0.3%. Boeing (BA) led the 21 advancing blue chips, adding 1.7%. On the flip side, UnitedHealth (UNH) paced the nine losers with a steep 4% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,907.06) gained 1.5 point, or 0.05%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,000.23) tacked on 24.2 points, or 0.3%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.18) shed 0.1 point, or 1.1%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. One day after Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral suffered a massive fire, multiple offers for donations to rebuild the historical structure have poured in. Among those pledging donations are Apple (AAPL), L'Oreal, and LVMH. (CNBC)
2. Paper stocks took a hit today, after BofA-Merrill Lynch analyst George Staphos downgraded International Paper (IP) and its peer Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) to "neutral" from "buy." At the close, IP was down 4.6% at $44.91, while PKG shares were off 3.5% at $97.94. (Barron's, via MarketWatch)
3. 2 stocks making moves on the back of PlayStation 5 buzz.
4. FDA notes pushed these 2 drug stocks higher.
5. This beauty stock is backed by bulls.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Marks Lowest Settlement This Year

Oil prices bounced back ahead of tomorrow's U.S. inventories update. May-dated crude added 65 cents, or 1%, settling at $64.05 per barrel.

Rising bond yields combined with near record highs in the stock market sent gold lower in today's trading. June-dated gold closed down $14.10, or 1.1%, at $1,277.20 per ounce -- its lowest settlement of 2019.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are signaling a higher open, as traders digest data that showed the Chinese economy grew at a faster-than-anticipated pace in the first quarter. Back at home, corporate earnings continue to pour in, with Netflix (NFLX) stock up after earnings, while Intel (INTC) shares are surging on the blue chip's plans to exit the 5G smartphone modem business, and Qualcomm (QCOM) looks set to build on Tuesday's Apple-inspired surge. Against this backdrop, futures on the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) are above fair value, too, with all three indexes closing in on record highs.

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

• Why small-caps could stall this options expiration week, courtesy of founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer.
• Put volume peaked on this plummeting healthcare stock.
• Outperforming Oracle stock seems overdue for upgrades.
• Plus, a sinking tech stock; record Netflix subscriber growth; and more on Qualcomm's brow-raising rally.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.09 million call contracts traded on Tuesday, compared to 638,821 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio rose to 0.58, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.61.
2. The shares of SINA Corp (NASDAQ:SINA) are 3.4% lower in pre-market trading, on news Chinese authorities have temporarily suspended several of the online media company's products, including its news app, after it violated internet regulations. SINA stock was up 18.8% year-to-date at last night's close, but is staring up at stiff resistance from its 200-day moving average.
3. After closing last night at $359.46, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) stock is 3.4% higher ahead of the bell. The streaming name reported better-than-expected first-quarter profit and revenue, and said paid streaming subscribers rose to a record 148.86 million in the first three months of 2019. A weak current-quarter forecast hasn't stopped analysts from boosting their NFLX price targets, with both Credit Suisse and J.P. Morgan Securities lifting their target prices to $450.
4. Qualcomm, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) stock is up 8.6% in electronic trading, set to build on yesterday's 23.5% surge. The chipmaker said it signed a six-year patent license deal with Apple (AAPL), after the iPhone maker agreed to settle a legal dispute with QCOM on Tuesday. A round of bull notes have poured in, as well, with the tech shares eyeing levels not seen since November 2014.
5. St. Louis Fed President James Bullard and Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker will speak, while international trade data, MBA mortgage applications, weekly crude inventories, and the Fed's Beige Book are due. Abbott Labs (ABT), Alcoa (AA), E*TRADE (ETFC), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), Pier 1 Imports (PIR), PepsiCo (PEP), Skechers (SKX), Textron (TXT), United Continental (UAL), and U.S. Bancorp (USB) will report earnings.

China's GDP Unexpectedly Grew in Q1

An unexpected 6.4% surge in China’s gross domestic product for the first quarter of 2019 helped the Shanghai Composite end up 0.3%, though Hong Kong’s Hang Seng inched 0.02% lower, and South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.1%. Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei tacked on 0.2%, even as the country posted its first trade deficit in three years last month.

European stocks are mostly higher at midday, as traders await European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi’s post-meeting press conference. London’s FTSE 100 is 0.1% lower, after business distribution giant Bunzl tanked on disappointing revenue growth, while the French CAC 40 is 0.3% higher. The German DAX has risen 0.3% on media reports that ING has made an unofficial bid to take over Commerzbank – the financial concern was higher as a result.