Dow Static After Blue-Chip Earnings; Nasdaq Hits Record Intraday High
Traders are weighing earnings from Caterpillar and Boeing
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has remained relatively static, as Wall Street weighs the latest batch of corporate earnings reports. Caterpillar (CAT) is the biggest blue-chip laggard today, with CAT shares down after earnings, while Boeing (BA) stock is flirting with modest post-earnings gains. Elsewhere, the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) just hit a new record intraday high, fueled by strong earnings results from the tech sector.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
This red-hot e-tail giant has analysts taking note. Why recent Biogen options buyers could be kicking rocks today. Plus, rumors of a new iPod supplier; Midatech Pharma announces full-year revenue success; and iRobot sees its first revenue miss in two years.
Amkor Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMKR) is seeing unusual options volume today, with nearly 2,800 calls across the tape so far -- 79 times the average intraday volume. Most active by far is the May 10 call, with a large chunk of the contracts being bought to open. At last check, AMKR shares are up 5.5% at $9.53, set for their highest close in nearly a year, on reports that the company could supply Apple's (AAPL) next generation of iPods.
Midatech Pharma PLC (NASDAQ:MTP) is by far the best stock on the Nasdaq today, after the U.K.-based drugmaker announced its full-year gross revenue from continuing operations almost doubled since last year. MTP is up 59.2% at $3.58 in response. The equity has been on in a downtrend since spiking to a 10-month high of $10.90 in late February, but is set to finish atop its 20-day moving average for the first time in over a month.
Roomba designer iRobot Corporation (NASDAQ:IRBT) is one of the worst performers on the Nasdaq today, down 19.1% at $105.18, at last glace, after reporting first-quarter revenue that fell below analysts' expectations -- its first sales miss in two years. Prior to today, IRBT stock was on the up-and-up, touching a new all-time closing high just yesterday. Today's plummet has the security far below recent support at its 40-day moving average, with IRBT set to breach its 100-day moving average for the first time since early February.
