Dow Jones Industrial Average Makes It 3 Straight As Oil Recovers

In the last full session before Christmas, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) posted a third straight win. Thanks to rising oil prices, which led to big days for energy giants Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) and Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), the blue-chip barometer spent the day enjoying a triple-digit lead -- and the S&P 500 Index (SPX) climbed higher on the year, extending its string of big daily moves. Adding to the risk-on attitude was relatively well-received economic data. The Dow will look to make it a clean sweep of wins for the holiday week during tomorrow's shortened session, when the closing bell sounds at 1 p.m. ET. 

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

• Schaeffer's contributor Adam Warner says this was "far and away" the best volatility trade in 2015. 
• If steel prices surge, you may want to keep an eye on these 3 stocks. 
• Why Under Armour Inc (NYSE:UA) and this retailer celebrated a blue-chip earnings report. 
• Plus ... Consumer spending rebounds, trouble for Apple, and the Nike earnings reaction. 
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,602.61) had a strong session, cruising to a 185.3-point, or 1.1%, win -- its ninth consecutive triple-digit move. All but two of the Dow's 30 components closed higher, led by CVX's 3.9% surge. NKE's 2.4% drop had it at the bottom of the list, with Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) the other laggard, down 1.1%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,064.29) shot back into positive territory for 2015 by adding 25.3 points, or 1.2%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,045.93) picked up 44.8 points, or 0.9%. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 15.57) dropped 1 point, or 6.2%, to end below its 200-day moving average for the first time since Dec. 7. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. New home sales for November came in below economists' expectations. Sales increased to 490,000 units, while economists expected slightly over 500,000. Yesterday, it was reported that existing home sales fell to a 19-month low last month. (Reuters) 

2. Meanwhile, consumer spending bounced back, with personal incomes rising 0.3% in November. (The Washington Post)

3. The analysts that think Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) could encounter some "speed bumps."

4. Why investors initially cheered Nike Inc's (NYSE:NKE) earnings report. 

5. Things are only getting worse for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG). 

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

Oil futures shot higher today, thanks to a surprise decline in domestic oil inventories. The February contract added $1.36, or 3.8%, to end at $37.50 per barrel.  

Gold moved lower once again, as the dollar picked up strength. Gold for February delivery gave back $5.90, or 0.6%, to settle at $1,068.20 per ounce.