The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is slightly higher at midday, bouncing back from early losses -- and even managing to notch a fresh intraday record of 22,189.97 earlier. The market is digesting the latest employment and inflation data, the latter of which has raised expectations for a December rate hike. In that same vein, oil prices continue to climb, with October crude futures up 1.8% at $50.19 per barrel. This is the first time prices have crossed the $50 threshold since July 31. But while the Dow clings to slim gains, both the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (COMP) are lower, and appear unable to build off Wednesday's record closing highs.
Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:
Why traders shouldn't ignore the buy signal on this oil stock.The hits just keep coming for Equifax.Plus, a Qualcomm call flurry; UNFI's earnings victory; and X stock sinks.United Natural Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:UNFI) stock is up 10% at $40.61 --among the best on the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) today -- after an earnings report that exceeded expectations last night. The upbeat report bucks UNFI's recent earnings trend, and the subsequent rally today has the shares trading above their 160-day moving average for the first time since April.