The S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite Index (IXIC) are once again extending their record highs, both modestly higher midday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), on the other hand, is down triple digits as investors unpack comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who said that keeping interest rates high for too long could risk further economic growth. Treasury yields inched higher after the prepared remarks, which also emphasized the need for lower inflation before policymakers can reduce rates. 
Options bulls are targeting Applied Materials Inc (Nasdaq: AMAT), as the stock hits record highs following a price-target hike from Raymond James to $275 from $235. So far, 40,000 calls have been exchanged — seven times the intraday average volume — compared to 3,687 puts. The weekly 7/12 260-strike call is the most popular by far, with new positions opening there. At last glance, AMAT was up 0.8% at $248.21. 
Biotech stock Soligenix Inc (Nasdaq: SNGX) is skyrocketing out of penny stock territory today, following last session’s record low of $1.83. The stock is up 306.8% at $8.11 at last look after the company released positive data for a late-stage trial of its blood cancer treatment. Year to date, the equity is still down roughly 35%. Applied Digital Corp (Nasdaq: APLD) is down 22.3% at $5.54, after the company entered an agreement to sell $125 million worth of shares, though it also forecasted fourth-quarter revenue above estimates. The stock is now down 17.5% since the start of 2024.More By This Author:Tech Takes S&P 500, Nasdaq to Another Record Close
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