Dow Tags Another High as S&P Lags

The Dow recorded another all-time high again today, thanks to ongoing trade-deal hopes for the U.S. and China, along with strong showings for Boeing (BA) and Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), the latter of which rose on rumors of going private. Investors also had a busy round of economic data to consider, including the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), which showed an 18-month low in job openings. While the Nasdaq was able to grab a new record high and a win of its own, the S&P 500 couldn't break out, settling in the red on the day.

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

• 3 penny stocks that had huge days.
• Bears aren't buying Carvana's past earnings success.
• Why it could be time to buy AMD call options.
• Plus, stocks that let down option traders; bull note boosts Beyond Meat; and Intel partnership helps Nio rally.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 27,492.63) rose 30.5 points, or 0.1%, to grab another record close. Half of the Dow's 30 components closed in the black, led by WBA's 2.6% spike. The biggest losers were Visa (V) and Pfizer (PFE), both of which lost 1.4% on the day.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,074.62) fell 3.7 points, or 0.12%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,434.68) added 1.5 points, or 0.02%.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 13.10) added 0.3 point, or 2.1%

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. A United Nations study showed that the Trump administration's tariffs on China cost the Asian nation $35 billion in lost exports to the U.S. in the first half of the year. The report made clear that the tariffs were hurting both countries, since U.S. consumers were paying higher prices on goods. (Reuters)
2. The Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) non-manufacturing index for October showed the services sector grew in the month, snapping back from a three-year low in the last reading. Measures for sales, new orders, and employment all improved month to month. (U.S. News)
3. How these 2 stocks let down options trading post-earnings.
4. The bull note that lifted Beyond Meat shares.
5. Electric automaker Nio rallied on its big partnership with Intel.

Gold Hit Hard Amid Trade Hopes

Trade hopes again boosted oil prices. December-dated crude futures finished up 69 cents, or 1.2%, at $57.23 per barrel.

Gold fell again today, with the precious metal suffering its worst loss in over a month. By the close, December gold futures were off $27.40, or 1.8%, at $1,483.70 an ounce.