U.S. Stocks Rise as China Moves to Contain Virus

First Look

Stocks are trading in positive territory ahead of Wednesday's market open. China announced steps designed to curb the spread of a virus that is causing concern around the world. Earnings results released this morning were mixed with beats very slightly outnumbering misses. The Nasdaq is up 0.75%, the S&P 500 is up 0.46%, the Dow Jones is up 0.34%.

Today's Sentiment

Quote of the Day

Finance is not merely about making money. It’s about achieving our deep goals and protecting the fruits of our labor. It’s about stewardship and, therefore, about achieving the good society.
Robert J. Shiller

Stocks on the Move

S&P Global Inc (SPGI), IBM Common Stock (IBM) and Eaton Corporation PLC (ETN) are moving higher this morning, while Zions Bancorporation NA (ZION), Arconic Inc (ARNC) and Baker Hughes Co (BKR) are headed lower. Automatic Data Processing (ADP), Fortinet Inc (FTNT) and Coca-Cola Femsa SAB de CV (KOF) were upgraded by analysts this morning, while Estee Lauder Companies Inc (EL), Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc (HII) and Unilever NV (UN) were downgraded.

International Markets

Stocks in Asia are mixed. The Hang Seng is up 1.27%, the Australia ASX All Ordinaries is up 0.95%, the Nikkei 225 is up 0.7% the Shanghai SE Composite Index is up 0.28% and the Mumbai Sensex is down -0.5%. In Europe stocks are mixed. The DAX is up 0.14%, the CAC 40 is up 0.04%, the Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.03% and the FTSE 100 is down -0.3%.

Futures & Currencies

Energy futures are mixed today. The price for West Texas Intermediate crude oil is down -0.37 at 58.01 per barrel. Brent crude is down -0.35 at 64.24 per barrel. Natural Gas is up 0.01 at 1.9. Precious metals are mixed this morning. Gold is down -2.15 at 1556.02 per ounce. Platinum is up 1.67 at 1002.64 while silver is down -0.02 at 17.79. The dollar is mixed compared to the major currencies today. The greenback is down against the euro, up against the Yen and down against the Pound.

Put/Call Ratio

Yesterday, 1,445,402 call contracts traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) compared to 858,881 put contracts. The single-session put/call was 0.59.

Today's Economic Calendar

Earnings Expected Today