Dow Jones Industrial Average Holds Gains On Strong Retail Sales

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) jumped over 100 points in early trading, but uninspiring developments surrounding Greece's debt situation took some of the wind out of the bulls' sails. Still, the blue-chip barometer stayed in positive territory, after retail sales beat expectations. As such -- and after two straight days in the black -- the DJIA is poised to finish the week higher. 

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

• This biotech was sent packing after drug trial data, while another drugmaker flourished thanks to strong words from analysts. 
• Though Mobileye NV (NYSE:MBLY) took out a long-time area of resistance, it didn't match the gains of this sector peer, which was booming on activist investor buzz. 
• The Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) rumors that were poison for this marketing specialist. 
• Plus ... The end of an era for a media legend, retail sales rise, and Barclays weighs in on energy names.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 18,039.37) lost some momentum as the day went forward, but still managed to add 39 points, or 0.2%. Of the index's 30 components, 21 finished positive, led by UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s (NYSE:UNH) 1.1% lead. On the flip side, Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) paced the losers by dropping 0.7%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,108.86) followed in line with the Dow, gaining 3.7 points, or 0.2%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,082.51) had a stint in negative territory, before rebounding for a 5.8-point, or 0.1%, win. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 12.85) took another spill, dropping 0.4 point, or 2.8%, to fall under 13 for its lowest closing mark since May 22. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. Media legend Rupert Murdoch is reportedly planning to step down as CEO of Twenty-First Century Fox Inc (NASDAQ:FOXA). Filling the executive void will supposedly be his son, James, while Rupert will remain the executive chairman of the company. (CNBC)
2. Retail sales for May rose for a third straight month, serving as another indicator of an improving U.S. economy. Compared to April, May retail sales rose 1.2%, topping economists' estimates. (AP, via ABC News)
3. Transocean LTD (NYSE:RIG) was one of several energy stocks Barclays weighed in on today. 
4. Looking at the recent option trends on e-commerce concerns eBay Inc (NASDAQ:EBAY) and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA).
5. Speaking of BABA, tax concerns once again weighed on this affiliate. 

Commodities:

The strong dollar, brought on by the rise in retail sales, dragged oil lower today. In addition, the International Energy Agency's upwardly revised demand forecast was overshadowed by expectations for strong supply growth. Crude dated for July fell 66 cents, or 1.1%, to $60.77 per barrel, its first daily drop since Monday.

Gold futures also moved lower on the strengthening dollar, bringing their recent winning streak to an end. At the close, August-dated gold was down $6.20, or 0.5%, at $1,180.40 per ounce. 

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