The DJIA and SPX breached their 200-day moving averages for the first time since Oct. 22
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) plummeted out of the gate and never recovered, as tanking energy prices and central bankers dominated the spotlight. Crude oil plunged to levels not seen since August, as a much bigger-than-expected jump in domestic inventories exacerbated fears of a supply glut. Meanwhile, as European Central Bank President Mario Draghi took a dovish stance -- and Chicago Fed President Charles Evans expressed concern about inflation goals -- the collective tone of other Fed speakers suggested a rate hike is near. By the close, the blue-chip index was deep in the red, and the S&P 500 Index (SPX) was in negative year-to-date territory.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,448.07) gave up 254.2 points, or 1.4%, by the time the closing bell mercifully sounded. Also, the index ended south of its 200-day moving average for the first time since Oct. 22. Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) led the 28 declining blue chips, dropping 4.5%. United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX) and Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) bucked the trend, adding 1% and 0.04%, respectively, though the latter is lower after-hours in the wake of its quarterly report.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,045.97) swallowed a loss of 29 points, or 1.4%, and now sits 0.6% lower year-to-date. Like the Dow, the SPX breached its 200-day trendline for the first time since Oct. 22. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,005.08) dropped 61.9 points, or 1.2%, but found round-number support at 5,000.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 18.37) skyrocketed 2.3 points, or 14.4%, to mark its highest close since Oct. 7.
5 Items on Our Radar Today:
- A slew of Fed officials spoke today, and generally agreed that a rate hike in December is likely. In fact, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard said the Fed's inflation and jobs targets have been met, and warned that record-low rates put the U.S. economy at "considerable risk of future inflation." (CNBC)
- New applications for unemployment benefits remained steady at 276,000 last week, compared to the expected drop to 270,000. These numbers are nevertheless considered indicative of a strong labor market, which is likely to weigh on next month's Fed decision. (Reuters, via CNBC)
- This steel security slid down the charts again, after being hit with another round of bearish brokerage notes.
- Angie's List Inc (NASDAQ:ANGI) got a boost with a buyout offer, but its suitor remains surrounded by skepticism.
- This video game maker got an analyst nod as it prepares to profit off the "Star Wars" franchise.
Commodities:
Oil saw its lowest close since late August, with the December crude contract settling at $41.75, a loss of $1.18, or 2.8%. The government reported stockpiles increased at four times the expected rate, while an Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) forecast indicated that current production levels could lead to an even bigger global glut by next year.
December gold futures lost $3.90, or 0.4%, closing at $1,081.00 -- a near-six-year low. As the odds of a December rate hike increase, the value of the malleable metal, which accrues no interest, continues to fall.