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Here’s what’s happening in the stock market today:
The stock market showed mixed performance today amid steady February inflation data and escalating U.S.-Iran conflict driving oil prices higher. 📉🛢️ Investors reacted to CPI holding at 2.4% year-over-year, in line with expectations, while crude benchmarks rose over 2.5-3% despite IEA plans for record oil reserve releases. Oracle shares surged on strong AI-driven earnings, boosting Nasdaq early gains.
Major Indices 📊
Nasdaq Composite up 0.3% in early trading, supported by tech strength from Oracle's results.
S&P 500 gained about 0.2% initially, steadying after inflation read.
Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.7%, pressured by energy and broader volatility.
Market Movers 🚀
Oracle (ORCL) jumped up to 10-12% after Q3 earnings beat, with cloud revenue up 22% and AI infrastructure surging 243%.
Top gainers included CAST (237%), ATPC (88%), LGVN (77%), and MRNO (71%), amid high-volume trading.
Energy and healthcare sectors lagged, with prior session weakness in XLE (-1.3%) and XLV (-0.7%) persisting.
Key Events 🗞️
February CPI rose 2.4%, matching forecasts but above Fed's target, complicating rate cut outlook as 10-year Treasury yield hit 4.2%.
U.S.-Iran war intensified with reports of sunk Iranian vessels near Strait of Hormuz; oil at $85.76 (WTI) and $89.99 (Brent).
IEA announced historic oil release to counter supply risks, but analysts warn prices could exceed $100 without quick resolution.
Investor Sentiment 👀
Markets reflect caution blending inflation stability with geopolitical risks from Iran, higher oil, and volatile trading volumes. Optimism in AI/tech persists, but energy pressures and bond yields weigh on broader sentiment. 🐂⚔️
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TRADE OF THE DAY:
AAOI
Name: Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.
Symbol: AAOI
Current Price: Approximately $124.79
Trade
Sell to Open: 1 AAOI Mar 27, 2026 90/85 Put Vertical
Total Credit Received: $62.00
Credit per Contract: $62.00 (for one contract covering 100 shares)
Direction: Bullish (expects AAOI to stay above break-even level)
Probability of Profit (PoP): 85.84%
Potential ROI:
Max Risk (Loss): $438.00
ROI: ($62.00 ÷ $438.00) × 100 ≈ 14.2%
Trade Explained in Simple English:
You’re entering a put credit spread by selling the $90 put and buying the $85 protective put, both expiring March 27, 2026. You receive $62 upfront for taking the trade. If AAOI stays above $89.38 (your break-even) at expiration, both options expire worthless and you keep the full credit. Your maximum loss is capped at $438 if AAOI falls below $85 by expiration, while your profit is limited to the $62 credit
Wall Street Highlights:
News Beyond the Numbers
Oracle's stock spiked after reporting strong Q3 earnings that exceeded expectations and reassuring investors on its AI cloud infrastructure investments without additional debt plans.Read more.
Campbell Soup shares fell sharply following a fiscal Q2 earnings miss and a downward revision to its full-year 2026 guidance, citing underperformance in snacks and U.S. storms.Read more.
Boeing announced delivery delays for its 737 Max aircraft, contributing to a slide in its shares amid ongoing production challenges.Read more.
Global Infrastructure Partners and EQT announced a $10.7 billion acquisition of AES Corporation, marking one of the notable megadeals in early 2026 M&A activity.Read more.
Cerity Partners merged with Austin Private Wealth to expand into Texas and enhance holistic wealth management services.Read more.
Disclaimer: The content provided by OptionPicks is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. We are not registered as a broker-dealer, investment adviser, or financial advisor with the SEC, FINRA, or any other regulatory authority. Options trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and no representation is being made that any subscriber will or is likely to achieve profits or incur losses similar to those mentioned. You should consult with a licensed financial professional before making any investment decisions.
