Dow Jones Rallies; Moderna Stock Dives Amid Vaccine Delay; Virgin

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied amid strong retail data and an earnings beat for Goldman Sachs (GS). Moderna (MRNA) fell amid reports approval of its Covid vaccine is being delayed among adolescents due to heart condition fears. Virgin Galactic (SPCE) plunged on a delay, while American Express (AXP) was another top blue chip.

Meanwhile, a cluster of stocks managed to break out as stock market action continues to improve. Boot Barn (BOOT) and haulage stock Saia (SAIA) were among names passing buy points.

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Stocks got a boost after retail sales for September came in much better than expected.

The Commerce Department reported sales rose 0.7% in September, while analysts expected a 0.1% decline. The report also revised its August sales figures upward to 0.9%.

However, September sales, minus vehicles and gas, were up 0.7%. This was in line with expectations.

Nasdaq Makes Shallow Gain, J.B. Hunt Stock Surges

The Nasdaq was lagging the other major indexes, rising about 0.4%. Hotel stock Marriot International (MAR) was faring best, rising more than 3%.

The S&P 500 was faring better, rising 0.6%. J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) was the top dog here, rising almost 10%. It broke out past a 184.48 buy point of a flat base, according to MarketSmith chart analysis.

The S&P 500 sectors were mainly green, with consumer discretionary and financials leading. Consumer staples was the worst laggard.

Small caps were only up slightly, despite the strength in financials. The Russell 2000 gained almost 0.3%.

Growth stocks were faring only a bit better. The Innovator IBD 50 ETF (FFTY) rose 0.3%.

Dow Jones Today: Goldman Sachs Earnings, AXP Gains

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was faring best out of the major indexes, rising about 0.9%. It managed to peek back above its 50-day moving average, and closing the day above it would be a positive move.

Goldman Sachs was in the running to be the top Dow Jones stock of the day, rising nearly 3%. It rose in heavy volume and bullishly recaptured its 50-day moving average. Shares continue to work on a flat base with a 420.86 buy point.

Early Friday, Goldman reported Q3 results that easily beat views. Goldman earned $14.93 a share on revenue of $13.62 billion, well above Wall Street targets for $9.99 EPS on sales of $11.7 billion. Investment banking revenue soared 88% to $3.7 billion.

It was jousting for the top spot with American Express stock. The payments play was up by around the same amount, and the top position has been switching between the two.

AXP stock is near a cup-with-handle buy point of 178.90, according to MarketSmith.

Moderna Stock Dives Amid Covid Vaccine Delay

Moderna stock…