Schaeffer's Top Stock Picks for '25

Bank Stocks Boost Dow to Third Straight Win

The VIX settled lower for a third straight day

Jul 9, 2018 at 4:24 PM
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A big day for bank stocks helped push the Dow back into positive year-to-date territory today, with the blue-chip index logging its best day since June 6 on strong gains for Goldman Sachs (GS) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM). The S&P and Nasdaq also gained ground, as FAANG stocks surged. By the time the dust settled, all three benchmarks were higher for a third straight day, while the VIX brought its daily losing streak to three.

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

  • Analyst: Dump this drug stock now.
  • PepsiCo options traders are bracing for a post-earnings volatility crush.
  • Buyout buzz had Groupon stock surging.
  • Plus, FireEye gets upgraded; the social media stock booming on FAANG rumors; and the penny stock that quadrupled today.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 24,776.59) spent the whole session in positive territory, adding 320.1 points, or 1.3%. Twenty-five Dow stocks closed higher, led by a 4.1% pop for Caterpillar (CAT). Procter & Gamble (PG) paced the five decliners with its 1.8% drop.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,784.17) settled near its session highs, adding 24.4 points, or 0.9%. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,756.20) gained 67.8 points, or 0.9%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.69) closed below 13 for the first time since June 20, shedding 0.7 point, or 5.1%.

Closing Indexes Summary July 9

NYSE and Nasdaq Stats July 9

5 Items on Our Radar Today

  1. President Donald Trump took aim at drug companies today, calling out pharma giant Pfizer specifically. Trump tweeted, "Pfizer & others should be ashamed that they have raised drug prices for no reason ... We will respond!" Nevertheless, PFE stock closed the session up 0.1%. (CNBC)
  2. Comcast (CMCSA) is reportedly lining up possible buyers for Twenty-First Century Fox's (FOXA) regional sports network in hopes of upending Walt Disney's (DIS) $71 billion cash-and-stock bid for the latter's entertainment assets. CMCSA is expected to make a counter-offer for the FOXA assets later this month. (Reuters)
  3. 2 reasons Piper Jaffray upgraded FireEye stock.
  4. Rumors of a FAANG partnership had this social media stock nearing a key technical level.
  5. This penny stock quadrupled on M&A news.

There are no earnings of note today.

Unusual Options Activity July 9

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Gold Notches Highest Close Since Late June

Oil prices edged higher today, after Suncor Energy said it will resume some production at a Canadian oil sands facility later this month -- with full operations slated for September. August-dated crude added 5 cents to settle at $73.85 per barrel.

Gold futures resumed their recent trek higher, even as the dollar gained ground. Gold for August delivery added $3.80, or 0.3%, to close at $1,259.60 an ounce -- its highest settlement since June. 26.

 
 

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