Home Depot, meanwhile, has reversed lower after earnings
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is sporting modest gains at midday, as a swing higher for Apple (AAPL) stock and reports of revamped U.S.-China trade talks offset a post-earnings reversal for Home Depot (HD) and another day of sharp losses for oil prices. Specifically, December-dated crude futures are down 3.8% at $57.65 per barrel, headed toward a record 12th straight drop. Nevertheless, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are higher, as well, with both benchmarks set to snap their three-day losing streaks.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
- Behind this drug stock's 60% surge.
- Nvidia stock gets upgraded ahead of earnings.
- Plus, a six-figure bearish bet on Immunomedics; the homebuilder near the top of the Big Board; and a sinking energy stock.
Among stocks seeing unusual options trading today is Immunomedics, Inc. (NASDAQ:IMMU), with 10,126 puts on the tape -- almost 16 times the expected intraday amount and 13 times the number of calls traded. Almost all of the action is due to 8,000 February 12 puts that were likely bought for 95 cents each, creating an initial cash outlay of $760,000 (number of contracts * premium paid * 100 shares per contract). IMMU stock is down 5.4% to trade at $19.36, and has now shed almost 20% since the drugmaker's Nov. 7 earnings report.
Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (NYSE:BZH) is one of the best stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today after the homebuilder reported stronger-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter profit and revenue, and unveiled plans to buy back $50 million in stock. At last check, BZH shares were up 20% to trade at $9.83, on track to close above their 40-day moving average for the first time since late July.
Tidewater Inc. (NYSE:TDW) is near the bottom of the Big Board, after the petroleum services name reported third-quarter earnings and said improvements in the offshore market "will be gradual." TDW stock is down 9.8% at $24.36, and has surrendered 33% since its Oct. 9 annual high of $36.09.