Gilead Calls Jump; Market Ends Mixed
Stocks finished mixed Tuesday following some inflation-friendly economic
numbers. The NAPM came in at 51.8 which was lower than the expected 52.4, and
new construction spending fell 1.7% after a 0.2% increase had been expected.
Health care and biotechs were the top sectors of the day while Internets and
semiconductors were the weakest.
At the close, the VIX had decreased .33 to 23.11.
Among bigger movers on heavier-than-average volume:
In biotech-land, Gilead Sciences
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PowerRating) gained 12 13/16 to 86 15/16 while the Gilead
August 90 calls rose 3 3/4 to 4 5/8 on heavier-than-average volume.
AT&T
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PowerRating) rose 1 1/16 to 32 and was one of the Dow standouts of the day.
The AT&T August 30 calls rose 11/16 to 2 1/2 on quadruple the average
volume.
Newport Corp.
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PowerRating) avoided Tuesday’s tech wreck and gained 7 to 104
7/8. The Newport August 85 puts sank 3 1/8 to 2 3/4 on heavier-than-average
volume.
Cisco Systems
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PowerRating) fell 2 1/4 to 63 3/16 and was one of the tech
giants that helped drag the Nasdaq lower. The Cisco September 60 puts rose 7/8
to 3 3/4 on nearly 13,000 contracts.
Looking ahead, Wednesday will see the release of the index of leading economic indicators as
well as June’s new home sales.