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Here’s what’s happening in the stock market today:

The stock market shows early optimism today as futures point higher amid anticipation for the delayed November CPI report and positive earnings like Micron's. 📈📊 Tech rebound hopes lift Nasdaq futures most, while Dow and S&P 500 futures also gain, snapping recent losing streaks. Oil dips near $56/barrel, gold nears records at $4,350, and 10-year Treasury yields hover at 4.13%.

Major Indices Performance 📊

S&P 500 futures up ~0.5%, aiming to end four-day slide after yesterday's 0.2% drop.
Dow Jones futures rise 0.2-0.5%, following 0.5% decline Wednesday.
Nasdaq futures gain ~0.8%, boosted by AI and chip recovery signals.

Market Movers 🚀

Micron Technology surges over 11% premarket on strong revenue forecast.
Nvidia leads Magnificent Seven megacaps higher by 1.4%.
Coinbase edges up ~1% after announcing stock, futures trading expansions.

Key Events Driving the Market 🗞️

November CPI data due today, delayed by government shutdown, with potential reliability issues from October disruptions.
Central bank meetings and economic data in focus amid lighter-than-expected prior CPI and jobs reports.
Tech rotation continues post-Oracle/Broadcom shifts, with AI optimism resurfacing.

Investor Sentiment 👀

Traders balance rebound potential from earnings against inflation data uncertainty and shutdown impacts. Volume stays moderate as markets eye policy clues from President Trump's administration. Overall mood tilts bullish early, extending YTD gains despite volatility.

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TRADE OF THE DAY:
GEV

Name: GE Vernova Inc.
Symbol: GEV
Current Price: ~$641.12

Trade
Sell to Open: 1 GEV Jan 9, 2026 570/565 Put Vertical

Total Credit Received: $75.00
Credit per Contract: $75.00 (for one contract covering 100 shares)
Direction: Bullish (expects GEV to stay above break-even level)

Probability of Profit (PoP): 84.7%

Potential ROI:

Max Risk (Loss): $425.00

ROI: ($75 ÷ $425) × 100 ≈ 17.6%

Trade Explained in Simple English:
You’re selling a bullish put credit spread on GE Vernova by selling the 570 put and buying the 565 put, both expiring January 9, 2026. You collect $75 upfront when entering the trade. If GEV closes above about $568.00 at expiration, both options expire worthless and you keep the full credit. Your maximum loss is capped at $425 if the stock finishes below $565, making this a defined-risk bullish strategy.

Wall Street Highlights:
News Beyond the Numbers

  1. Elliott Investment Management has amassed a stake exceeding $1 billion in Lululemon Athletica and is proposing a potential CEO candidate to revive the struggling athletic apparel retailer. Read more.

  2. B. Riley initiated coverage on Chime Financial with a Buy rating and $35 price target, praising its neobank model with 87% gross margins and scalable profitability. Read more.

  3. Baird upgraded Rivian to Outperform ahead of its 2026 R2 model launch, expressing optimism about the electric vehicle maker's growth trajectory. Read more.

  4. WSP Global announced a $3.3 billion all-cash acquisition of U.S. power and energy firm TRC Companies to expand its services portfolio. Read more.

  5. Sound Growth Partners acquired Sports Attack, a sports training equipment company, using its One-Stop Buyout structure on December 15. 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.

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