Dow Gives Back Gains as U.S. COVID-19 Cases Rise
The 10-year treasury bond yield sank to record lows
The Dow turned in its fourth-straight triple-digit loss today, as the rapidly spreading coronavirus continues to grip Wall Street. The blue-chip index let an over 460-point gain slowly slip throughout the day, after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned COVID-19 was on the cusp of a pandemic and the U.S. confirmed a new case. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both pared away large gains as well, although the latter was able to fight back into the black by close. It wasn't just equities that reversed course; the 10-year treasury bond yield pivoted lower and fell to a new record low of 1.3%.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
What to do with this drug stock and COVID-19.Target stock just took a hit ahead of earnings.Plus, COVID-19 hits Papa John's stock; three stocks targeted by options traders; and E-Trade bounces back.The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,957.59) finished 123.8 points, or 0.5% lower for the day. Pfizer (PFE) was the best of the eight blue-chips in the black, adding 2.3%, while Walt Disney (DIS) was the worst-performing of the remaining 22, losing 3.8%.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 3,116.39) shed 11.8 points, or 0.4%,while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,980.78) added 15.2 points, or 0.2%.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 27.56) shed 0.3 points, or 1%.
5 Items on Our Radar Today
Earlier today, Brazil --and Latin America overall -- confirmed its first case of coronavirus. As Italy cases triple and the U.S. braces for a rapid spread, a top U.S. health official said that travel restrictions are irrelevant if a pandemic occurs because it is too difficult to contain. (CNBC)Beyond Meat (BYND) stock enjoyed a lift today after an announcement that it has landed a partnership that provides sandwiches to Starbucks (SBUX) in Canada. The faux meat concern reports its fourth-quarter earnings tomorrow. (CNBC)Papa John's lost out to to coronavirus after earnings.Options traders heavily targeted these three stocks.E-Trade Financial stock remains strong despite recent setback.
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Oil Logs Fourth Straight Loss
Crude oil futures declined for a fourth straight day, as the coronavirus weighs on a bleak global energy market. April-dated crude oil dropped $1.17, or 2.3%, to close out at $48.73 per barrel -- its lowest intraday level since January 2019.
Gold futures marked another down day, as investors are scrambling to cover in the face of a global sell-off. Gold for April delivery lost $6.90, or 0.4% to settle at $1,643.10 an ounce.