Chip makers are climbing today to lead technology stocks higher. Stocks extended their gains today after US Aug pending home sales rose more than expected by the most in 5 months. Also, S&P companies are expected to post +6.9% earnings growth in Q3, up from +6.7% as of the end of May. On Friday, Sep nonfarm payrolls are expected to increase by +50,000, and the Sep unemployment rate is expected to remain unchanged at 4.3%. Energy producers and energy service providers are sliding today with the price of WTI crude oil down more than -2%.