S&P, Dow Jones Industrial Average Snap Annual Winning Streaks

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) ended 2015 on a sour note, falling triple digits in a low-volume New Year's Eve session. Straying from the recent norm, stocks didn't track crude oil, and lackluster economic data only strengthened the bearish case. Elsewhere, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) squandered its chance at a positive year, closing in the red on an annual basis for the first time in four years. 

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

• The top stories of 2015, and why the second half of 2016 could be better than the first. 
• A historic policy change had this blue chip trading lower. 
• It's resolution season, and bulls are hungry for this pair of weight-loss stocks. 
• Plus ... Dubai's massive fire, Obama takes on gun violence, and GM's legal problems. 
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,425.03) gave back 178.8 points, or 1%, to close 2015 on a low note. The only Dow component to close higher was General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), which gained 0.3%. The biggest loser was Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), sliding 1.9%. For December, the Dow dropped 1.7%, while giving back 2.2% on a yearly basis -- its first year-over-year loss since 2008. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,043.94) fell 19.4 points, or 0.9%, while the Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,007.41) closed with a 58.4-point, or 1.2%, loss. The SPX closed out December with a 1.7% loss, as the COMP fell 2%. Year-over-year, the SPX lost 0.7%, while the COMP gained 5.7%.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 18.21) added 0.9 point, or 5.3%. The VIX closed December 12.9% higher, but ended with a 5.2% loss for the year. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. An enormous fire broke out at the Address hotel in downtown Dubai. Dozens of firefighters were on scene, which is located near the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. (​CNN) 

2. Media reports indicate President Barack Obama is reportedly expected to put forth new executive action meant to curb gun violence. The president is expected to expand background checks and require licenses from less prominent sellers. (Reuters via CNBC)

3. General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) will soon have a big day in court. 

4. Why were call buyers all over this semiconductor stock?

5. How GoDaddy Inc (NYSE:GDDY) traders suddenly switched sides. 

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

February-dated crude added 44 cents, or 1.2%, to close at $37.04 per barrel -- a 30.5% drop for 2015. For the month, oil lost 11.1%. 

Gold barely finished higher today, with the February contract adding 40 cents, or 0.1%, to close at $1,060.20 per ounce. The precious metal gave back 0.5% for the month, and 10.5% for the year.