Dow Jones Industrial Average Jumps 192; S&P Back in Black

Tesla and 18 Other Stocks to Watch in 2016

Dec 29, 2015 at 4:25 PM

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) surged triple digits -- and the broader S&P 500 Index (SPX) returned to positive 2015 territory -- as crude oil bounced back. Meanwhile, a rally in tech stocks helped the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) outpace its peers, with several notable components hitting record highs. Economic data came in upbeat, too, with home prices rising 5.2% year-over-year and consumer confidence improving more than expected.

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

Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) and 18 other stocks to watch in 2016.
These 2 retailers have been hammered -- but is one about to turn it around?
With Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) fresh off a record high, short-term bulls set their sights on $800.
Plus ... ISIS takes a blow, the blue chip facing layoffs, and Carl Icahn's latest victory.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,720.98) rocketed 192.7 points, or 1.1%, higher, as 29 of its 30 components advanced. Leading the way was Boeing Co (NYSE:BA), which added 1.9%. The lone laggard was Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS), which slid 0.2%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,078.36) popped 21.9 points, or 1.1%, to reclaim positive year-to-date territory. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,107.94) jumped about 67 points, or 1.3%, toppling the round 5,100 level on a closing basis for the first time since Dec. 7.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 16.08) gave up 0.8 point, or 4.9%, to finish below its 200-day moving average for the third time in the past four sessions.

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5 Items on Our Radar Today:

Col. Steve Warren, a spokesman for a U.S.-led military coalition against ISIS, has confirmed that 10 of the organization's leaders in Syria and Iraq have been killed in airstrikes -- including one terrorist who may be connected to the November attacks in Paris. However, Warren warned, "We haven't severed the head of this snake yet and it still has got fangs -- we have to be clear about that. There is much more fighting to do." (CNN)
Blue chip DuPont (NYSE:DD) will lay off about 1,700 workers early next year -- all in the company's home state of Delaware -- ahead of its merger with Dow Chemical Co (NYSE:DOW). "The effect in Delaware will be significant, reflecting the urgent need to restructure our cost base and, as part of that effort, reduce our corporate overhead costs so that we can remain competitive," DD CEO Ed Breen said in a letter to employees. (Bloomberg Business)
One Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) supplier short sellers are still targeting.
Carl Icahn upped the stakes in his bidding war with Bridgestone.
Could "Call of Duty" power Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI) to even higher highs?

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Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

Crude soared today amid forecasts of colder U.S. weather. By the close, February-dated futures were up $1.06, or 2.9%, at $37.87 per barrel.

Gold initially inched higher with oil prices, but reversed lower on a stronger dollar and a global stock rally. Specifically, February-dated gold slipped 30 cents to settle at $1,068 per ounce.

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