Major indexes are struggling for direction this afternoon, with the S&P 500 Index (SPX) flat, the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) pulling back modestly from Monday's records, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) 71 points higher. Annually revised nonfarm payrolls -- for the year before March 2025 -- showed a depletion of 911,000 from original numbers. This data comes on the heels of this morning's NFIB Small Business Optimism Index reading, which increased 0.5 point to 100.8.

Chinese e-commerce giant JD.Com Inc (Nasdaq: JD), is up 2.1% to trade at $33.54 and drawing the attention of options traders today. While the catalyst for the attention is unclear, 237,000 calls have been exchanged so far, 6 times the average intraday pace. Most popular is the January 16, 2026 40-strike call, followed by the October 35 call, with new positions being bought to open at the former. JD is sporting a 6.2% year-to-date deficit, but is eyeing a third consecutive daily gain.

One of the best stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today is Teck Resources Ltd (NYSE: TECK), last seen up 13.9% to trade at $39.91, after the company announced its $53 billion merger of equals with Anglo American. TECK is eyeing a third-straight daily gain and its best session performance since April 9. Year-to-date, the mining giant is pressuring its breakeven mark, eyeing its first close back above the 120-day moving average since July. 

Chemical name Albemarle Corp (NYSE: ALB), is down 10.5% at $73.34 at last check, as the equity falls alongside its fellow lithium miners amid easing supply worries. ALB has managed to add 17% so far this quarter, but remains far off its December 52-week peak of $113.91.

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