Dow Slips While S&P, Nasdaq Inch Higher
Google parent Alphabet is slated to report earnings after the close
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is modestly lower at midday, weighed down by healthcare and energy stocks. Exxon Mobil (XOM) is currently the worst Dow stock, dropping with front-month oil prices, which are down 2.2% at $54.08 per barrel, at last check. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are slightly higher, however, with tech stocks showing strength ahead of Google parent Alphabet (GOOGL) earnings after the close.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
Goldman gave this stock a five-star review. Analyst: This underestimated pharma stock could double. Plus, one bear sees more downside for Weight Watchers; Clorox stock shines; and CHEK stock falls beneath a key trendline.
There's notable options activity around surrounding Weight Watchers International Inc (NASDAQ:WTW). Approximately 3,300 puts have changed hands -- roughly two times the average intraday pace. Most of the action is transpiring at the weekly 3/22 27-strike put, with data from Trade-Alert suggesting that one speculator bought the contracts to open, betting on more downside after the diet concern releases its earnings in late February. The stock is trading up 0.2% at $31.94, at last check.
Clorox Co (NYSE:CLX) is one of the best stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, after the company reported stronger-than-expected earnings. CLX shares are up 7% at $160.36, at last check, set for their biggest one-day gain since September 2014.
One of the worst performers on the Nasdaq today is Check Cap Ltd (NASDAQ:CHEK), after the medical diagnostics company announced a $7.5 million direct offering. The stock is set to end back below its 40-day moving average -- a trendline that ushered the shares lower in late 2018. At last check, CHEK stock was trading down 26.2% at $2.54.
