Alibaba provides Chinese and international e-commerce platforms, logistics, and ancillary services. The company operates in four segments (Core Commerce; Cloud Computing; Digital Media & Entertainment; and Innovation Initiatives) and has announced plans to split into six businesses. Key marketplaces include Taobao, a consumer marketplace; Tmall, a third-party platform for brands and retailers; Alibaba.com and 1688.com, online wholesale marketplaces; Alipay, for online payments; and Lazada, for Southeast Asia e-commerce.

The major indices are mixed at midday. Two giants report this week: Nvidia and Walmart. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note is up 2 bps at 4.44%. Oil is up 3% at $69 per barrel. Bitcoin continues to soar. At midday, it's at $92,000.

Alibaba is the world’s largest online and mobile commerce company as measured by gross merchandise volume. It operates China’s online marketplaces, including Taobao (consumer-to-consumer) and Tmall (business-to-consumer). The China commerce retail division is the most valuable cash flow-generating business at Alibaba. Additional revenue sources include China commerce wholesale, international commerce retail/wholesale, local consumer services, cloud computing, digital media and entertainment platforms, Cainiao logistics services, and innovation initiatives/other.

Boeing is a major aerospace and defense firm. It operates in three segments: commercial airplanes; defense, space, and security; and global services. Boeing's commercial airplanes segment competes with Airbus in the production of aircraft that can carry more than 130 passengers. Boeing's defense, space, and security segment competes with Lockheed, Northrop, and several other firms to create military aircraft, satellites, and weaponry. Global services provides aftermarket support to airlines.