Stocks are trading lower thanks to really disappointing Chinese exports data, which missed analysts' 8.6% growth target by 7.6 percentage points. While 1% growth may not seem like a disaster, it is, and China will struggle to boost its economy by itself, as it is largely an exporting nation, used to feeding Western demand that is not there right now.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEX: ^DJI), for better or worse the market's proxy, is rendering its judgment on current events. The index is currently only down a tenth of a percent and poised to finish the week with gains. Its components, though, are having a mixed day, with slightly more of them seeing losses. However, it is stocks off the Dow that are really making waves today.
Today's biggest gainer is Fusion-io (NYSE: FIO), up nearly 30% after last night's quarterly earnings blew past analyst estimates. Margins expanded and management sees 2013 revenue growth of 50%. The $2.5 billion company has struggled with profitability, but if Fusion-io can continue this impressive growth streak, investors' faith in the company could be rewarded.
Potential legal troubles are weighing down shares of Chesapeake Energy (NYSE: CHK) and energy-drink maker Monster Beverage (Nasdaq: MNST). (No, they aren't related.) While I find Chesapeake itself intriguing, news like today's Department of Justice investigation of the company over collusion with Encana (NYSE: ECA) regarding land deals in Michigan is exactly why I would stay away from this stock. Monster, down 10% versus Chesapeake's 3%, is being subpoenaed regarding the ingredients and marketing of its energy drinks. Today's bad news follows poor earnings that saw shares plunge a similar amount yesterday. Despite the two-day discount, investors looking to snap up shares should make sure they are comfortable with all of the new information.
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