The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is lower midday, as investors react to the U.S.-Iran conflict, with potential escalation and its prolonged nature souring sentiment. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) is rangebound while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) is modestly higher, though all three major indexes are well off their session lows. The blue-chip index has pared a 500-point drop, with gold and defense stocks powering the pivot, while Wall Street also buys the dip on beaten-down tech stocks. Elsewhere, the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) manufacturing index for January came in above analysts' estimates at 52.4, while the prices index jumped to 70.5.
Venture Global Inc (VG) stock is seeing an unusual amount of options activity today, with 22,000 calls traded -- 10 times the average intraday amount -- compared to 4,599 puts. The most active contract by far is the March 12.50 call, with new positions bought to open at the weekly 3/6 12 call. The natural gas name reported a fourth-quarter earnings beat, but missed revenue estimates. Shares were last seen up 18.9% to trade at $11.52, trading at their highest level since October and now up 66% year-to-date.
Palantir Technologies Inc (PLTR) stock is up 5.5% to trade at $144.74 at last check, the software entity enjoying defense sector tailwinds. Palantir stock is on track for its fourth-straight gain, padding its 70.6% year-over-year lead. In 2026 though, PLTR is still nursing a 18% deficit.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH) stock is toward the bottom of the SPX, down 9.7% to trade at $22.38. The cruise giant reported worse-than-expected revenue for the fourth quarter and a dismal 2026 earnings forecast. Tourism headwinds amid Middle East conflict are also weighing on the cruise sector. NCLH is on track for its worst single-session decline since a 15.4% post-earnings selloff on Nov. 4, and is now below its year-to-date breakeven level.
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