The Dow and S&P500 traded lower this morning after Wal-Mart’s (WMT) disappointing earnings.  However, the S&P is now in the red, hovering around its 50-day average, and the Dow is way off the lows. Nasdaq is continuing last week’s climb and has been up all day as technology stocks rally, led by the chipmakers. Qualcomm (QCOM) raised its offer to buy NXP Semi (NXPI) from $110 per share to $127.50, or from $39 billion to $44 billion. Qualcomm hopes this will fend off Broadcom’s (AVGO) takeover attempts.    

                                                              NASDAQ

Consumer Discretionary stocks are also strong today after Home Depot’s earnings beat.  Consumer restaurant are also on our radar as DineEquity (DIN) owner of Applebee's and IHOP restaurants is sizzling today, up 20% on upside earnings guidance. In addition, Domino’s Pizza (DPZ) didn’t deliver on its same store sales and initially sent shares down 5.6%.  However, the stock after rumors of a potential bid for DPZ may me coming from Restaurant Brands, the parent company of Burger King, sent the stock up 4.6% despite its weak sales performance.  This report from The Brazil Journal has not been verified.  

More deals may be heating up. Stay tuned for our upcoming special consumer report.  Contact your representative for more information or email us at info@wstreet.com.

Amazon is high again today and nearing a new all-time high. On the flip side, Consumer Staples, Health Care, Industrials, Telecom and Utilities lag.  Decliners outpace advancers 1521/1421 on the NYSE, but on the Nasdaq, advancers led decliners 1528/1172.

Financials are acting well today as interest rate tick higher with the 10-year at 2.90%. The dollar is also up against a basket of currencies.