Gloomy Earnings Doom Dow Jones Industrial Average

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) couldn't overcome the weight of several poorly received earnings numbers, as the blue-chip barometer spent the session down triple digits. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (COMP) was also pulled lower, and moved away from its recent highs despite a strong start. One thing that didn't change, though, was the sell-off in gold. However, even with today's slide, there are plenty of big-cap earnings on the horizon that could turn things around. 

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

• While these medical stocks jumped on M&A buzz, this stock surrendered nearly half its value amid legal woes.  
• This commodity concern sunk to six-year lows after a disappointing announcement. 
• Analysts have detested Tesla Motors (NASDAQ:TSLA) this month, but certainly not this social networking giant. 
• Plus ... Trump under fire again, looking at Apple's future, and comparing Amazon and Google. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,919.29) spent the day in the red, surrendering 181.1 points, or 1%, to fall below 18,000 for its lowest close since July 10. Only four of the 30 Dow components closed higher, led by Travelers Companies Inc (NYSE:TRV), which added 1.8%. The notable losers were IBM (NYSE:IBM) and United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX), posting respective post-earnings losses of 5.9% and 7%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,119.21) moved 9.1 points, or 0.4%, lower, while the Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,208.12) stepped back from its record highs to close 10.7 points, or 0.2%, in the red. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 12.22) traded on both sides of breakeven, but eventually ended fractionally lower, down 0.2%. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. Donald Trump managed to make headlines again, after the Republican presidential candidate announced South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham's personal phone number during a speech. Trump is already under scrutiny for comments he made about Arizona Sen. John McCain. (CNN)
2. In other political news, Ohio Gov. John Kasich announced his candidacy for the White House. Kasich becomes the 16th GOP candidate in the running for president. (The Associated Press)
3. Can Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) live up to earnings expectations? 
4. What about Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)? 
5. The options market is pricing in a huge move from this Internet stock prior to earnings. 

Commodities:

Crude oil enjoyed a slight gain today, as the dollar finally cooled. Oil for August delivery added 21 cents, or 0.4%, to close at $50.36 per barrel. 

It was more of the same for gold, though, as the August contract fell $3.30, or 0.3%, to settle at $1,103.50 per ounce -- a fresh five-year low. It was the ninth session in a row the precious metal moved lower.