Yellen Deals Dow Jones Industrial Average a Blow

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) shot higher out of the gate, only to see those gains disappear within the initial 15 minutes. Traders reacted to comments from Fed Chair Janet Yellen, who opined that equity valuations are "quite high," and Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart, who said he's "not overly concerned" with first-quarter growth, and "the key factor" is consumer spending. Outside of the Fed, Wall Street eyed ominous jobs data, as well as soaring yields and crude prices, the latter of which touched a year-to-date high.

Continue reading for more on today's market, including:

• The ambitious betting on this fast food chain and this watch producer. 
• Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:CSIQ) was just one of several alternative energy names that got pummeled today. 
• Analysts reacted to this M&A candidate, while its sector peer tried to pull itself together. 
• Plus ... hiring slows, Tom Brady's in trouble, and the retailer that can't shake its skeptics

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,841.98) saw an early 92-point lead evaporate, and was off  close to 200 points at session lows, finishing 86.2 points, or 0.5%, lower. Eight of the index's 30 components closed higher, with Procter & Gamble Co's (NYSE:PG) 0.4% advance leading the way. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) was the worst off, dropping 2.8%.  

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,080.15) followed a similar path, giving back 9.3 points, or 0.5% The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,919.64) also got trampled, falling 19.7 points, or 0.4%. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 15.15) finished at its highest point in over a month, adding 0.8 point, or 5.9%. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. April's ADP employment report was a disappointment, as private companies did the least amount of hiring in over a year's time. The figures struck a chord ahead of Friday's highly anticipated nonfarm payrolls report. (Reuters)
2. An NFL report found that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was likely "at least generally aware" that some footballs were deflated for the team's AFC Championship game. However, Patriots owner Robert Kraft pointed out that there is "no real recourse available" for the violations.(CNBC)
3. Why no one believes in this retailer. 
4. Vitamin Shoppe Inc (NYSE:VSI) got whacked after its earnings miss but this sector peer skyrocketed. 
5. Short interest has been falling on Groupon Inc (NASDAQ:GRPN) -- but there's still a ways to go. 

Commodities:

Crude oil hit its highest point in 2015, after U.S. inventories saw a surprise decline -- the first drop in 17 weeks. At the closing bell, crude for June delivery was 53 cents, or 0.9%, higher at $60.93 per barrel. 

Gold futures finished lower, ending their recent winning streak. By the close, gold for June delivery was off $2.90, or 0.2%, at $1,190.30 per ounce.