Schaeffer's Top Stock Picks for '25

Dow Jones Industrial Average Battles Breakeven Ahead of Fed Minutes

The blue-chip index is clinging to modest gains amid an up-and-down session

Apr 8, 2015 at 11:50 AM
facebook X logo linkedin


The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is sitting just above breakeven around midday, after giving back some of its early gains. Investor attention remains aimed at the 2 p.m. ET release of the minutes from the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, as well as the unofficial beginning of first-quarter earnings season. Elsewhere, crude prices have taken a turn to the downside, after it was reported domestic oil inventories rose more than expected.

Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:

Midday Market Stats

Among the stocks with notable call activity is ARM Holdings plc (ADR) (NASDAQ:ARMH), with the contracts crossing at a pace 40 times what's normally seen at this point in the day. Buy-to-open activity appears to be taking place at the April and May 55 calls. At last check, the shares were 2.8% higher at $50.34, as speculation swirls over a possible takeover bid.

For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.

Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd (NYSE:QIHU) is one of the leading gainers on the Big Board, adding 10.2% to trade at $59.50. The stock's advance could be related a cybersecurity deal that went down last night. Today's price action puts shares of the Chinese Internet company up 3.9% on the year.

TravelCenters of America LLC (NYSE:TA) is one of the biggest losers on the Big Board, dropping 4% to trade at $17. It's a rare sight for the convenience store stock, as it has outperformed the S&P 500 Index (SPX) by nearly 33 percentage points in the past three months.

Daily Chart of TA

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) has lost 0.7 point, or 4.4%, at 14.11.

Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 2.68, revealing a heavy skew toward puts over calls. SPY was last seen up 0.3 point, or 0.2%, at $207.62.

 
 

You have the chance to join one of Bernie's most exclusive programs, complete access at HUGE savings!

As we prepare for a new administration to take the reins in Washington, the near-term market landscape is rife with uncertainty.

The Federal Reserve has already hinted at the turbulence ahead, lowering its interest rate outlook for 2025.

Meanwhile, breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and other transformative sectors have unlocked incredible profit potential.

But these opportunities are fleeting, and timing is everything. That's where Quick-Hit Trader comes in.

Quick-Hit Trader is designed for precision and speed, getting you in and out of the market in a flash. While other investors scramble to navigate volatile conditions, you'll have access to expertly curated trades that leverage these rapid shifts to deliver explosive profits in short order.

This is your chance to capitalize on the fast-moving market like never before. Are you ready to make your move?