The DJIA closed lower amid overseas concerns
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dipped out of the gate on troubling overseas developments, and was stuck in neutral from then on. Increasing talk of a 2015 rate hike didn't help matters, either, nor did a jump in jobless claims -- which overshadowed solid housing stats. With the latest first-quarter gross domestic product (GPD) estimate on tap for tomorrow, the DJIA looks to avoid a second straight weekly loss.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 18,126.12) sputtered throughout the day, giving back 36.9 points, or 0.2%. Half the index's 30 components closed higher, with DuPont (NYSE:DD) and Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) adding 0.9% apiece. Caterpillar Inc.'s (NYSE:CAT) 2.2% drop paced the losers, while Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) ended flat.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,120.79) gave back 2.7 points, or 0.1%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,097.98) retreated from yesterday's record closing price, losing 8.6 points, or 0.2%.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 13.31) picked up 0.04 point, or 0.3%, but failed to crack 14, with an intraday high of 13.99.


5 Items on Our Radar Today:
- Even after the arrest of 14 soccer officials and ongoing accusations, FIFA President Sepp Blatter refused to leave his post. Michel Platini, president of UEFA -- Europe's soccer confederation -- asked Mr. Blatter to step down in response to the investigation. (Reuters)
- For the first time since 2008, former Lehman Brothers CEO Richard Fuld Jr. spoke out about the financial crisis. Mr. Fuld called the events that caused the recession a "perfect storm." (MarketWatch)
- Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) slipped after earnings -- but its decline may be short-lived.
- This stock took a fall due to comments from the company's CEO.
- IMAX Corporation's (USA) (NYSE:IMAX) overseas shake-up had option bulls hungry.



Commodities:
After spending most of the session in the red, crude oil staged a rebound in the wake of the latest inventory report, which showed a decline in supply. For the day, crude for July delivery added 17 cents, or 0.3%, to settle at $57.68 per barrel.
Gold futures also closed higher, snapping a four-session losing streak. June-dated gold added $2.50, or 0.2%, to finish at $1,188.10 an ounce.