Schaeffer's Top Stock Picks for '25

Stocks Extend Rally as VIX Moves Lower

The VIX looks ready to close back below the 20 threshold

Digital Content Manager
Dec 22, 2021 at 12:05 PM
facebook X logo linkedin


The market rebound is carrying onto Wednesday's trading, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) erasing this morning's losses to eye a 161-point pop. Both the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are not far behind, sporting comfortable midday gains of their own. Meanwhile, Wall Street's "fear gauge" -- the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) -- has taken a step back, and is pacing for a close below the 20 threshold for the first time in more than a week, as Wall Street mulls over omicron concerns. 

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

  • Bernstein is eyeing more upside for this blue-chip stock
  • What options traders see for BlackBerry stock after earnings. 
  • Plus, options traders target MT; BVXV hits 5-month high; and why ALLK bottomed out.

midday stats dec 22

ArcelorMittal SA (NYSE:MT) is seeing a surge in options activity today, with 18,000 calls and 15,000 puts across the tape so far, which is eight times the intraday average. The two most popular positions by far are the January 2022 40-strike call and the 40-strike put from  the same monthly series, with positions being opened at the latter. MT was last seen up 2.3% at $32.78, and the stock boasts a 42.8% year-to-date lead. 

One of the best performers on the Nasdaq today is Biondvax Pharmaceuticals Ltd (NASDAQ:BVXV). The security was last seen up 96.7% at $2.91, following news that the company signed a definitive agreement with the Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and the University Medical Center Göttigen for the commercialization of its Covid-19 antibody therapy. BVXV hit a five-month high of $3.49 earlier in the session, toppling recent pressure at multiple trendlines, including its 100-day moving average. 

bvxv chart dec 22

One of the worst stocks on the Nasdaq today is Allakos Inc (NASDAQ:ALLK). The equity is down 88.5% at $9.68 at last check, after two of the company's lead drug failed to meet the goal of two trials, attracting bear notes from three different analysts. Jefferies downgraded ALLK to "hold" from "buy," and lowered its price objective to $61 from $205, while SVB Leerink cut its price target o $17 from $150, and downgraded the equity to "market perform." In response, the security gapped to a record low of $9.61 earlier.

 
 

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?

 

 

(function(doc, script) { var js, fjs = doc.getElementsByTagName(script)[0], frag = doc.createDocumentFragment(), add = function(url, id) { if (doc.getElementById(id)) {return;} js = doc.createElement(script); js.src = url; id && (js.id = id); frag.appendChild( js ); }; // Google+ button //add('https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js', async="defer"); // Facebook SDK add('//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1&appId=772755279557744', 'facebook-jssdk'); // Twitter SDK //add('//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js', charset='utf-8'); fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(frag, fjs); }(document, 'script'));