Stocks are attempting a last-minute rally before the year comes to a close, as investors react to higher-than-expected jobless claims data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is up 319 points at midday, the Nasdaq Composite Index (IXIC) boasts a triple-digit lead, and the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is firmly higher. All three indexes are still on track for their worst year since 2008, however.

Overstock.com Inc(Nasdaq: OSTK) is seeing increased options volume in its options pits, with 4,738 calls and 4,206 exchange so far, which is seven times the volume that is typically seen at this point. The most popular contract is the June 20 put, followed by the 20 call in that standard series, with positions being opened at both. OSTK is up 5.1% at $19.33 at last check, though a catalyst for today's pop was not immediately clear. The stock yesterday slipped to a two-year low of $18.07 and has shed 66.7% so far in 2022.

Near the top of the Nasdaq today is Hoth Therapeutics Inc (Nasdaq: HOTH), which was last seen up 157.5% to trade at $11.33. The company said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted its clinical trial application for its therapeutic drug to treat cancer-related skin disorders. The shares are trading at their highest level since August, breaking through overhead pressure from the 100-day moving average. Still, HOTH has shed 41.3% in the last nine months. 

Meanwhile, LightJump Acquisition Corp(Nasdaq: LJAQ) is one of the worst stockson the Nasdaq, down 9.6% to trade at $10.80 at the last check. LJAQ has been extremely volatile, surging to a Dec. 27 all-time high of $42.25 before quickly cooling off, though there's no clear reason for this wild price activity. The shares have shed roughly 46% since that record and sport a 9.6% year-to-date gain.

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