Stocks could put the September scaries in the rearview mirror. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), S&P 500 Index (SPX), and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are all higher midday, the latter two on track for their third-straight win. While all three major indexes are heading toward steep weekly, monthly, and quarterly losses, today's positive price action -- fueled by inflation data tailwinds -- is encouraging on triple-witching Friday. 

Dell Technologies Inc (NYSE: DELL) stock is the target of options bulls today, with more than 20,000 calls changing hands already, six times the average intraday amount and volume pacing for the 99th percentile of its annual range. The October 71.50 call is the most popular, with new positions being bought to open. The tech stock is 1.3% higher to trade at $69.41, and up 72% in 2023. 

VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) stock is near the top of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, last seen up 6.7% to trade at $17.70. The shoe stock is getting a halo lift from Nike's (NKE) upbeat earnings report, as is the rest of the retail sector. Nevertheless, VFC is down 36% in 2023. 

Carnival Corp (NYSE: CCL) stock is near the bottom of the NYSE, 4.2% lower to trade at $13.83 at last glance. The cruise company reported third-quarter earnings that topped expectations, but the stock gave back early-morning gains after Carnival warned of higher costs for the fourth quarter. The cruise stock is 71% higher in 2023, with today's pullback finding support at its 160-day moving average. 

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