4 Active Stocks to Watch Closely 👀

US benchmarks posted losses on Thursday after stronger-than-expected labor market data raised fears of more interest rate hikes to come. The S&P 500 fell 1.1%, and the Dow lost 1.0%. The Nasdaq underperformed with a 1.4% decline, and the small-cap Russell 2K sank 1.0%.

This morning, futures are wavering in anticipation of today's December jobs report. S&P 500 futures are currently flirting with losses.

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The Wall Street rumor mill is boosting shares of WWE.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the pro wrestling company is exploring a potential sale.

There are also rumors that former chief executive, Vince McMahon, plans to return to the company.

McMahon reportedly wrote a letter to WWE expressing his desire to return to the company and lead its strategic review process.

The board rejected the request to return to the company, but said it was willing to work with McMahon on the strategic review.

WWE is up 10.7% in light of the premarket rumors.

My Take: It sounds like WWE is aggressively pursuing a potential deal. If they make one, shares could soar in the weeks ahead. This could be a "buy the rumor" opportunity.

CytomX Therapeutics has a powerful new ally.

The oncology-focused biotech announced a collaboration with Moderna [MRNA] to develop investigational mRNA-based therapies early this morning.

CytomX will receive $35 million upfront under the terms of the deal, plus up to $1.2 billion in potential milestone payments.

The company will also be eligible to receive tiered royalties based on global net sales of any products commercialized under the agreement.

Moderna will also have the option to participate in future equity financing in CytomX, subject to certain conditions.

CTMX is one of the morning's top performers with a 78.2% gain on active volume.

My Take: CMTX just landed itself a deep-pocketed ally, and this bodes well for the business's long-term survivability. Shares are beginning to up-trend, and it's possible the stock's downward move may have bottomed out.

Spruce Bio is soaring after announcing a big deal.

The tiny biotech stock entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Kaken Pharmaceuticals for developing Spruce's tildacerfont in Japan.

Spruce will receive an upfront payment of $15 million to licenses the therapy, which is being developed as a treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Spruce can also receive additional milestones and double-digit tiered royalties on net sales in Japan.

Kaken will be responsible for development & commercialization of the drug in the Japanese market, and it has the right to first negotiation to expand the deal to other Asian markets.

News of the deal made SPRB one of the morning's top movers with a 76.8% gain, and it's one of the most active stocks in the premarket.

My Take: This is a solid deal for SPRB, but most of the good news is probably priced into this stock already. Shares have been trending higher lately, but be wary of a potential pullback.

An early morning announcement is boosting shares of Biocept.

Today, the molecular oncology diagnostics company announced plans to explore strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value.

Biocept is exploring an acquisition, merger, reverse merger, other business combination, sales of assets, licensing and other strategic transactions.

The company says it doesn't intend to make further disclosures about the review unless the Board approves a specific measure.

Biocept also said it will slash its staff by about 35% in order to extend and maximize its resources, and it ended the year with a $13 million cash balance.

BIOC is up 16.0% on news of the effort to build shareholder value and spare the company from potential bankruptcy.

My Take: This company is in a tough spot, but it could break out if it manages to make a deal. However, a bankruptcy filling will almost certainly send shares lower. This could be an opportunity for a speculative trade.

Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (The) [GBX] ... AM