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.

Stocks started the day higher thanks to positive Chinese economic data and tech sector strength. However, markets swung lower as the healthcare sector continued to sell off on potential policy changes taking place in Washington D.C. Negative earnings reactions for heavyweights IBM (IBM) and Netflix (NFLX) only stoked the bearish flames, with the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all settling in the red -- even as the Nasdaq-100 nabbed a new record close.

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

• Bernie bill lured XLV options bears.
• 2 retail stocks for short-term bulls.
• The analyst note that sank Shake Shack.
• Plus, the Qualcomm stock signal flashing; Expedia puts were hot; and Cronos hit with bear note.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,449.54) lost 3.1 points, or 0.01%. Intel outpaced the 18 Dow gainers, adding 3.3%. Merck & Co (MRK) paced the remaining losers with its 4.7% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,900.45) shed 6.6 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,996.08) gave up 4.2 points, or 0.05%, and closed back below the 8,000 mark.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.60) added 0.4 point, or 3.5%.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. The Fed's Beige Book underscored a tight U.S. labor market, which firms reacted to by boosting benefits and bonuses. The report also showed wages rose at a modest pace in most districts, but indicated U.S-China trade tensions negatively affected manufacturing activity. (Reuters)
2. A new Samsung phone model, the Galaxy Fold, has already broken for a handful of users, despite its lofty $1,980 price point. Only given to gadget reviewers so far, the phone's multiple screens have been disconnecting and flashing on and off, while folding on what one consumer said was a faulty hinge. (CNBC)
3.  This signal points to a possible Qualcomm stock pullback.
4.  Puts popped on Expedia stock after one airliner pulled its fares.
5.  Cronos stock was hit with a bearish analyst note. 

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Marks Third Straight Decline

Oil slipped as global output concerns offset a surprise fall in domestic crude inventories last week. May-dated crude shed 29 cents, or 0.5%, settling at $63.76 per barrel.

Gold marked its third straight close in the red, as upbeat economic data from China lessened the metal's safe-have appeal. June-dated gold closed down 40 cents at $1,276.80 per ounce -- its lowest settlement of 2019.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are trading modestly above fair value ahead of a busy day on Wall Street. In addition to a stronger-than-expected rise in March retail sales and another notable drop in weekly jobless claims -- which fell to their lowest level since September 1969 last week -- traders are also digesting an onslaught of corporate earnings reports. Included in the bunch are blue chips American Express Company (AXP) and Travelers Companies (TRV), with both names reporting bottom-line beats.

Plus, Attorney General William Barr is set to give a 9:30 a.m. ET presser ahead of the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Against this backdrop, futures on the S&P 500 Index (SPX) are slightly higher, too, though the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) is poised to retreat from yesterday's record high.

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

• 2 stocks hit by healthcare sector uncertainty.
• Qualcomm could be flashing a warning signal after its latest surge.
• Analyst: The Qualcomm-Apple settlement creates risk for this chip stock.
• Plus, Pinterest prices its IPO; and 2 post-earnings losers.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.26 million call contracts traded on Wednesday, compared to 692,802 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio fell to 0.55, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.61.
2. Pinterest, Inc. (NYSE:PINS) priced its initial public offering (IPO) at $19 per share on Wednesday -- above the expected range of $15 to $17 -- raising $1.43 billion for the social media site, and valuing the company at roughly $10 billion. Pinterest stock will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange today under the ticker "PINS." Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZM) will also go public today. After pricing its IPO at $36 per share, the video-conferencing name will start trading on the Nasdaq, using the symbol "ZM."
3. Skechers USA Inc (NYSE:SKX) stock is signaling another volatile post-earnings move, down 11.7% ahead of the bell. The shoemaker reported first-quarter earnings of 71 cents per share on $1.28 billion in revenue -- less than analysts were expecting -- and gave a weak current-quarter forecast. After tagging an annual high of $42.75 yesterday, SKX stock is set to open in levels not seen since late March.
4. Atlassian Corporation PLC (NASDAQ:TEAM) reported fiscal third-quarter adjusted profit of 21 cents per share on $309.3 million in sales, higher than consensus estimates. However, the enterprise software company said billings for the three-month period were lighter than anticipated. After closing last night at $111.19, TEAM stock is down 8.3% in pre-market trading.
5. The Fed balance sheet, business inventories, and the Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey are expected. Honeywell (HON), KeyCorp (KEY), Philip Morris (PM), SunTrust Banks (STI), and Synchrony Financial (SYF) will report earnings.

European Stocks React to Regional Manufacturing Data

Asian markets were mostly lower today, despite reports that the U.S. and China could be looking to sign a trade deal in late May or early June. Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.8%, China’s Shanghai Composite was 0.4% lower, Hong Kong’s Heng Seng fell 0.5%, and South Korea’s Kospi saw a 1.4% decline after several reports broke out over Samsung’s new $2,000 folding phone breaking.

Europe is mixed at midday, as traders digest disappointing manufacturing data out of France and Germany, adding to anxieties over a potentially sluggish global economy. The French CAC 40 is inching 0.3% higher, the German DAX is 0.4% higher, and London’s FTSE 100 is 0.1% lower.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has erased this morning's gains, due to disappointing earnings from blue chip IBM (IBM). The healthcare sector also continues to struggle, with UnitedHealth Group (UNH) lower again on concerns about potential policy changes out of Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is lower with the Dow, though the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) is clinging to modest gains, with a rally in chip stocks helping to offset post-earnings losses from Netflix (NFLX).

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

• Analyst: These 2 pot stocks are on sale. 
• 2 restaurant stocks Morgan Stanley is talking about today. 
• Plus, bulls flock to NRG despite negative analyst attention; Uxin responds to "baseless allegations"; and THC stock falters on healthcare anxieties. 

NRG Energy Inc (NYSE:NRG)  is seeing unusual options volume today, with roughly 3,200 calls across the tape so far -- nearly six times the average intraday volume. The April 41.50 call is far and away the most popular, with the majority of contracts being bought to open ahead of tomorrow's expiration. Despite the amped-up call volume, NRG stock is down 2.8% at $40.87, on a price-target cut to $40 from $41 from Suntrust Robinson.

China e-commerce name Uxin Limited (NASDAQ:UXIN) is one of the top performers on the Nasdaq today, after saying that it "firmly denies [J Capital Research's] baseless allegations that it falsified any sales data." After losing 36% yesterday and hitting new all-time lows, the stock has erased its losses, up 47.7% at $2.88, at last check -- pacing for its best day ever. 

Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:THC) is one of the worst performers on the New York Stock Exchange this morning. The hospital operator is taking a beating on trader anxiety over the changing state of U.S. healthcare policy. THC is down 10.4% at $22.94. The security is pacing for its fifth straight loss, and is set to close below its 120-day moving average for the first time since a late-February bull gap helped it break north of the trendline. 

The suffering healthcare sector is keeping the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) in check again today, with investor anxiety ramped up over recent policy proposals from legislators. However, the Dow remains in the black at midday, with help from positive earnings reactions for Travelers (TRV) and American Express (AXP). On the other hand, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are both lower and set for weekly losses.

Elsewhere, Attorney General William Barr gave a statement on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation, saying that while there were 10 "episodes" of President Donald Trump and obstruction of justice, there is not enough evidence to press charges. 

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

• This analyst thinks Starbucks is still cool. 
• 2 golf stocks surging on "Tiger Mania." 
• Plus, options traders pile on Altria puts amid D.C. drama; the biotech stock that's tripled today; and Sleep Number stock suffers on a revenue miss.

Tobacco name Altria Group Inc (NYSE:MO) is seeing unusual options volume today, with roughly 29,000 puts exchanging hands so far -- nearly five times the average intraday volume. The April 54 put is the most popular, with the majority of contracts being bought to open ahead of tonight's expiration. MO stock is down 4.5% at $53.68 today, after U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he will introduce a bill in May that will raise the minimum tobacco-buying age to 21. 

Pharmaceutical concern Mustang Bio Inc (NASDAQ:MBIO) is by far the best performer on the Nasdaq, after a report claiming its new gene therapy can cure immunodeficiency disease XSCID, commonly called 'bubble boy disease.' MBIO shares are up 253.8% at $9.41, at last check, pacing for their best day ever.

Sleep Number Corp (NASDAQ:SNBR) is one of the worst performers on the Nasdaq, after releasing disappointing first-quarter revenue. The stock is down 14.2% at $41.21, in response, set for its worst day since February 2016. On the charts, SNBR just came off an all-time high earlier this month. Today's drop has the security trading back beneath its 30-day moving average -- which served as a recent area of support -- for the first time since January. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is lower today, but has pared sharper losses from this morning. Boeing (BA) was charged with most of the early morning damage, after a New York Times article over the weekend pointed to "shoddy production" at a factory that makes the 787 Dreamliner. Elsewhere, oil prices -- and Dow stocks Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Chevron (CVX) -- continue to rise amid news that the U.S. will halt sanction waivers on Iran oil imports. At last check, May-dated crude futures were up 2.5% at $65.59 per barrel, and heading for their highest close since late October. At last check, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are trading right around breakeven, as investors gear up for a busy week of quarterly earnings reports.  

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

• Grab this stock before earnings, according to one analyst.
• A C-suite shakeup has been unable to lift Bed Bath & Beyond shares.
• Plus, Kohl's options bears emerge; Morgan Stanley takes a stake in tobacco; and Rite Aid extends its slide.

Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS) is seeing unusual options volume today, with nearly 6,600 puts exchanging hands so far -- six times the average intraday volume and nearly double the number of calls traded. The weekly 4/26 70.50-strike and 5/10 67.50-strike puts are the most popular, with new positions being opened. At last check, KSS was down 2.9% to trade at $68.31, so options traders are banking on a rough few weeks for the retail stock, which last month flashed a bearish signal. 

Near the top of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) sits Pyxus International Inc. (NYSE:PYX), up 15.4% to trade at $20.02, after an SEC filing last week revealed Morgan Stanley has taken a 5.1% passive stake in the company. The tobacco stock climbed in March after expanding to CBD products, but was rejected by the $33 level. Year-to-date, PYX has added 68%. 

On the other end of the spectrum is Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE:RAD), down 4.7% to trade at $9.28, after Guggenheim last week assumed coverage with a "sell" rating and minuscule price target of $0.35. The pharmacy stock has carved out a channel of lower lows and highs since July, culminating in a 10-year low of $8.80 on April 17. Despite a mini-rally last month amid corporate restructuring, the shares have seen 2019 breakouts contained by their 60-day moving average.

Stocks closed higher on the last day of the holiday-shortened week, with the Dow notching a triple-digit gain on the back of outperforming blue chips and better-than-expected March retail sales data. Specifically, Travelers (TRV) and American Express (AXP) both traded near the top of the Dow after earnings. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq ended in positive territory, too, though gains were kept in check as Wall Street weighed the Mueller report, which identified potential obstruction of justice on the part of U.S. President Donald Trump.

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

• Analyst: Buy Yelp while it's on sale.
• Proposed tobacco bill sent bulls to Altria stock. 
• Plus, one analyst leans bullish toward golf; the China stock flashing buy; and why Starbucks is still hip.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,559.54) added 110 points, or 0.4%. UnitedHealth (UNH) and Travelers (TRV) outpaced the 18 Dow gainers, adding 2.3% apiece. Pfizer (PFE) paced the 12 losers with its 1.3% drop. On the week, the DJI added 0.6%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,905.03) scraped together 4.6 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,998.06) tacked on 2 points, or 0.02%. For this week's trading, the SPX shed 0.08%, and the IXIC added 0.1%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.09) lost 0.5 point, or 4%. For the week, the VIX edged 0.7% higher.

5 Items on our Radar Today

1. Six months after filing for bankruptcy, embattled retailer Sears is suing former CEO Eddie Lampert and a number of old board members. Notably on that list is current Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Lampert, who was previously the company's largest shareholder, and the former board members are accused of stealing more than $2 billion in assets. (CNBC)
2. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo today said Netflix (NFLX) will be adding a production hub in New York City, creating a potential 127 high-paying jobs (and possibly thousands of production crew positions) over the next several years. NFLX stock closed up 1.6% at $360.35. (MarketWatch)
3.  Why one analyst is bullish on these 2 golf stocks.
4.  The China stock flashing buy before earnings.
5.  Starbucks is still hip to one brokerage firm.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Oil Marks Seventh Straight Weekly Win

Oil rose on the day and week, after data showed the U.S. rig count declined for the first time in three weeks and Saudi Arabia crude shipments declined in February. May-dated crude added 24 cents, or 0.4%, settling at $64 per barrel. For the week, oil added 0.2%, and marked its seventh straight gain -- its longest streak in five years.

Gold fell as strong March retail sales data strengthened the greenback. June-dated gold closed down 80 cents at $1,276 per ounce. This marked another fresh 2019 low for the precious metal, and a weekly fall of 1.5% -- its fourth consecutive weekly decline.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) futures are signaling a lower start, under pressure from Boeing (BA). The blue-chip stock is off 1.2% in electronic trading, after a New York Times article over the weekend suggested "shoddy production" at a factory that makes BA's 787 Dreamliner. Futures on the S&P 500 Index (SPX) are pointed lower, too, ahead of a historically down day for the index. Traders are also returning from the long holiday weekend focused on surging oil prices, with May-dated crude futures up 2.2% at $65.43 per barrel on reports the U.S. will terminate sanction wavers for certain countries that have imported Iranian oil.

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

• Options bulls see major upside for this booming weed stock.
• One Chinese stock that could make a big move this week.
• 2 reasons CVS Health stock could be headed even lower.
• Plus, Kimberly-Clark eyes new highs; Halliburton's earnings impress; and a downgrade for D.R. Horton.

5 Things You Need to Know Today

1. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.2 million call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 740,227 put contracts. The single-session equity put/call ratio jumped to 0.62, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.61.
2. Kimberly-Clark Corp (NYSE:KMB) stock is 3.6% higher in electronic trading, after the Kleenex maker reported first-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.66 per share on $4.6 billion in revenue -- more than analysts were expecting. After closing Thursday at $123.55, KMB stock is set to open in territory not seen since July 2017.
3. Oilfield services operator Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) said first-quarter adjusted profit arrived at a better-than-expected 23 cents per share, while revenue of $5.7 billion also beat estimates. HAL stock has swung 3.1% higher in pre-market trading, poised to build on its 17.1% year-to-date gain.
4. KBW downgraded D. R. Horton Inc (NYSE:DHI) to "market perform" from "outperform," pointing to valuation concerns following the homebuilding stock's 34% year-to-date rally. DHI shares are flat in electronic trading, after closing at an eight-month high of $46.42 on Thursday.
5. The Chicago Fed National Activity index and existing home sales data will be released today. Baidu.com (BIDU), Steel Dynamics (STLD), Whirlpool (WHR), and Wynn Resorts (WYNN) will report earnings.

Asian Markets Eye Booming Brent Futures

It was a mixed finish in Asia today, with oil prices and energy stocks in focus as Brent crude futures advanced more than 2%. By the close, China's Shanghai Composite fell 1.7%, South Korea's Kospi edged up 0.02%, and Japan's Nikkei gained 0.08%. Hong Kong's stock market was closed for holiday. European markets are also closed for the Easter holiday, and will resume trading tomorrow.