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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) is poised to end October on a high note
It's been a wild ride for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) in October, as the index has explored a range of more than 1,500 points. However, the blue-chip barometer is poised to go out on a high note, touching a record high of 17,395.54, thanks to a surprise stimulus package from the Bank of Japan. At last check, the Dow has added 165.5 points, or 1%, to linger at 17,360.91, bringing its month-to-date gain to nearly 2%. Likewise, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is shrugging off an unexpected drop in consumer spending -- the first in eight months -- to climb back atop the key 2,000 level, while the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) is exploring 14-year highs.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
- The Wall Street freshman on the rebound
- The pair of video game makers assailing new heights
- Plus ... Checking in on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and other noteworthy stats at midday.
Among the stocks with notable call volume is Groupon Inc (NASDAQ:GRPN), as traders place new bullish bets and cash in their chips in the wake of a strong earnings reaction. The shares of the coupon concern are up 17.7% at $7.05, and are testing their 200-day moving average, which hasn't been conquered on a daily closing basis since Feb. 20.
For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.
One of the top Nasdaq gainers today is GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO). The stock is up 13.1% at $77.20, as Wall Street applauds encouraging earnings and guidance. The shares of GPRO have nearly tripled since debuting in late June, and are attempting to climb back atop their 20-day moving average, which was bearishly crossed by its 10-day counterpart earlier this month.
Among the Nasdaq-listed stocks notching new highs are video game makers Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA) and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO). EA topped out at a six-year peak of $41.35, and was last seen 3.4% higher at $41.21. Meanwhile, TTWO touched its own six-year high of $26.59, and was last seen 4.5% higher at $26.40, as analysts continue to reward better-than-expected earnings. Specifically, Jefferies hiked its price target to $24 from $21, while Benchmark lifted its target to $28.04 from $26.20 and underscored a "buy" endorsement.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) dropped out of the gate, breaching 14 for the first time since late September, but has since pared its loss to 0.1 point, or 0.9%, to linger at 14.39. The market's "fear barometer" is on pace for a weekly drop of 10.7%, and a monthly deficit of 11.8%, despite touching a two-year high of 31.06 on Oct. 15.
Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.13. However, calls are flying off the shelves at nearly twice the average intraday clip, with more than 1 million contracts exchanged. SPY is up 1.1% at last check to trade at $201.56 -- just a hair's breadth from a new record high.