The DJIA is poised to head into Black Friday on a high note
Choppy trading continues during the holiday-shortened week, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) sitting just above breakeven at midday. Traders are sifting through a round of mixed data, while keeping an eye on sliding crude prices. With volume -- and news flow -- relatively light heading into Thanksgiving, many are already looking ahead to Black Friday.
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Among the stocks with notable call activity is TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ:TIVO), with the contracts crossing at 17 times the normal midday pace, following the firm's surprisingly strong quarter. It looks like traders could be buying to open the December 9 call, anticipating extended gains from the DVR specialist before front-month options expire on Friday, Dec. 17. At last check, TIVO was 3.6% higher at $9.65.
Among the noteworthy winners on the Nasdaq is Keurig Green Mountain Inc (NASDAQ:GMCR). The shares have shot up 7% to $52.27, but the catalyst is unclear. In any case, the coffee brewer's shareholders will take any gains they can get. The stock has dropped 60.5% in 2015, and hit a two-year low of $39.80 earlier this month.
One of the biggest losers on the NYSE is Dow Chemical Co (NYSE:DOW). The chemical producer has given back 2.6% to trade at $52, on reports the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revoked its approval of the company's Enlist Duo herbicide. With the losses, DOW's 2015 lead has been trimmed to 14%.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is 0.5 point, or 3%, lower, and is set for its fourth-straight finish below its 20-day moving average.
Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.49, with puts outpacing calls. The SPY was last seen 0.1 point, or 0.1%, higher at $209.46.