The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is slightly lower at midday,as markets digest another nuclear bomb threat from North Korea, and reports that the country's next nuclear test could include a hydrogen bomb into the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, healthcare stocks are in the red, and Apple stock continues to sink, even with today's iPhone 8 launch, on track for its worst weekly loss since April 2016.
Nevertheless, the Dow is on track for a second straight weekly gain. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (COMP) are also in the red, though both indexes are pacing for weekly losses. Elsewhere, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) -- Wall Street's "fear gauge" -- is moving higher, but remains below the key 10 level, set for its lowest weekly closesince July 21.
Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:
The drug stock getting demolished today.2 retail stocks moving on earnings.Plus, spiking put volume for Community Health stock; L Brands stock edges higher; and the steel stock stuck in a sector slump.L Brands Inc (NYSE:LB) stock is up 2.4% at $37.78, among the best stocks on the S&P 500 today, though the stock has yet to recover its losses stemming from a downgrade at Cowen and Company earlier in the week. LB stock has shed 42% year-to-date, with recent rebound attempts stalling at its 50-day moving average.