Stocks are a mixed bag this afternoon, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) up 85 points, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) quietly higher, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) nursing a triple-digit deficit. Crude prices are back on the rise as investors monitor war developments, after the Wall Street Journal reported closed-door discussions through intermediaries indicated an agreement could still be far away. Elsewhere, the flash manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for March came in at 51.4, below February's reading of 51.9.
Fox Corp (FOXA) stock is seeing unusual options activity today, with 320,000 puts traded so far today -- 39 times the amount typically seen at this point -- compared to just 20 calls. The most active contract is the April 55 put, with new positions being sold to open. FOXA is up 3% to trade at $58.98, though there's no clear catalyst for this positive price action. The media stock has already shed nearly 20% in 2026, trading in a tight range since a massive post-earnings bear gap in February.
Corning Inc (GLW) stock is leading the SPX today, up 7.7% to trade at $141.02 at last check, after the company introduced new AI-focused optical innovations, including advanced multicore fiber and expanded-beam ferrules designed for AI data centers. Corning stock is not too far removed from its Feb. 25 record high of $162.06 and sports a 180% year-over-year lead.
Estee Lauder Companies Inc (EL) stock is the worst performer on the SPX, down 6.1% to trade at $74.48 at last check. Today's bear gap follows reports that the cosmetics company is in talks for a merger with Spanish group Puig Brands. EL is now pacing for its fourth loss in five sessions, and earlier hit its lowest level since June. Year to date, the shares are down 30.4%.
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