Tech Stocks Take Nasdaq Higher; Dow Sinks With 3M
FB and MSFT saw big post-earnings gains
The Dow was down 286 points at its intraday low, pressured by a stiff post-earnings loss for 3M (MMM) -- which suffered its worst day since Black Monday, shedding nearly 13%. The blue-chip index pared most of these losses by the close, but still settled in negative territory alongside the S&P 500. The Nasdaq, meanwhile, was just shy of a record closing high, but hit an all-time intraday peak as tech earnings took center stage. Specifically, Facebook (FB) benefited from a post-earnings bull gap, while Microsoft (MSFT) also surged after earnings, and briefly topped the $1 trillion market cap in response.
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This stock's buy signal hasn't been wrong in 3 years. How options traders are positioned ahead of Alphabet earnings.This underloved stock just made call traders quick cash.Plus, this airline stock just flashed a sell signal; PayPal, Visa flooded with post-earnings bull notes; and puts were hot on this sinking shipping stock.The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,462.08) lost 135 points, or 0.5%, for the day. MSFT was the best of the 14 Dow gainers, adding 3.3%. Meanwhile, MMM outpaced the losers with its 12.9% plunge.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,926.17) gave up 1.1 points, or 0.04%. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 8,118.68) added 16.7 points, or 0.2%.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 13.25) added 0.1 point, or 0.8%.
5 Items on our Radar Today
Cloud computing firm ServiceNow (NOW) added to today's impressive tech earnings, reporting first-quarter earnings and revenue beats. Macquarie analyst Sarah Hindlian said the company had "superior operating margins," while no fewer than 13 other brokerage firms raised their price targets on the stock. NOW closed up 7.4% at $260.69, and hit a record high of $269.26 in intraday action. (MarketWatch)Reports are swirling that Comcast (CMCSA) may sell its stake in Hulu to Walt Disney (DIS). While no decisions or formal announcements have been made, it was made apparent that Hulu is worth nearly $15 billion following its deal last week to buy back a 9.5% stake in itself from AT&T (T). (CNBC)Sell signal flashed on this airliner before earnings.Analyst flooded PayPal and Visa with post-earnings bull notes.Put options were hot on this sinking shipping stock.
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Oil Falls for Second Day
Oil fell for a second day, extending downside sparked by yesterday's data that showed increasing domestic stockpiles. June-dated crude sank 68 cents, or 1%, to close at $65.21 a barrel.
Gold eked out a gain as blue-chip stocks struggled. June-dated gold added 30 cents to settle at $1,279.70 per ounce.