The markets continued their wild moves today as tech saw additional weakness. This held back the Nasdaq 100, which lost 18 on the day. The S&P 500 finished the day exactly flat, and the Dow 30 was able to gain 21. From here investors will try to return to economic news but with it being options expiration week and such a large market move lately, it could be sloppy as those traders settle their positions. Tomorrow we have retail sales numbers due out before the market opens.
Kate Spade (KATE ) shares shot up almost 8% today after hedge fund Caerus Investors sent a letter to the management of the handbag and accessories maker urging the company to sell itself. The activist investor says it's "concerned that Kate Spade's profit margins are under performing peers." Shares are now up over 25% from the 52 week low made 2 weeks ago.
Harman International (HAR ) shares blasted off today (+25.20%) on news that Samsung Electronics will buy the US auto parts maker for $8 billion in cash. Analysts agree that the deal represents a big bet by Samsung on the auto industry and the future of connected cars. Harman makes audio, entertainment and safety systems and its systems are used in more than 30 million vehicles. The move today takes shares to new 2016 highs.
Mentor Graphics (MENT ) was another big winner today +18.29% as news came out that the US software company is being bought by Germany's Siemens for about $4.5 billion That translates to $37.25 a share in cash. The deal will "help Siemens make a bigger push into software and broaden its reach in the US market."