Ford was the top-selling automaker in May
The stock market is trading higher following a round of well-received economic data. Among the stocks making big moves are central nervous system disease specialist Minerva Neurosciences Inc (NASDAQ:NERV), automaker Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), and casino name Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN). Here's a quick look at what's moving shares of NERV, F, and WYNN.
NERV Stock Soars On New Deal With JNJ Unit
Minerva Neurosciences stock is trading up 25.5% at $10.35, near the top of the Nasdaq, after the drugmaker amended an agreement with Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) unit Janssen Pharmaceutical over its insomnia drug MIN-202. The new terms -- conditional upon JNJ's completed purchase of Actelion -- will give NERV all rights and royalties to the drug. Adding to this bullish backdrop, JMP Securities boosted its price target to $20 from $17, in record-high territory.
While NERV stock is still in the red on a year-to-date basis, today's bull gap is likely catching a recent batch of bearish bettors off guard. Short interest on Minerva Neurosciences rose 6.6% in the most recent two-week reporting period, and now accounts for 9.1% of the stock's float -- or 11.6 times the average pace of trading.
F Stock Surge Stokes Call Volume
Roughly one week after announcing a CEO switch, Ford Motor emerged as the top-selling automaker last month, due to big rise in fleet sales. As such, F stock has jumped 3.6% today to trade at $11.51, and is on track to close north of its 50-day moving average for the first time since mid-March. Ford options traders are rushing toward calls, with more than 67,000 contracts traded so far -- two times what's typically seen at this point in the day. While a number of speculators are selling to close their June 11 calls, new positions are being purchased at the weekly 6/2 11.50-strike call as traders eye bigger gains for Ford stock through expiration at tomorrow's close.
WYNN Stock Set for 5th Straight Gain After Macau Beat
Macau gaming revenue jumped 23.7% last month, handily beating the consensus estimate for 16.5% growth. The upbeat data is providing tailwinds for the casino sector, with Wynn Resorts stock trading up 4.3% at $134.19 -- fresh off a two-year high of $135.26, and on track to extend its winning streak to a fifth straight session.
Wynn stock has had a solid 2017, and is now boasting a more than 55% year-to-date lead. Short sellers have been in covering mode, too. Short interest is down 28.5% since mid-December to 6.15 million WYNN shares -- the fewest since May 2015.