The DJIA and SPX reached record highs, as earnings season kicked off with a bang
It was a banner day for stocks, as the
Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and the broader S&P 500 Index (SPX) hit all-time highs, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (COMP) settled at its highest level of 2016. Energy stocks led the way, fueled by monster gains in crude oil prices, while a strong start to earnings season only added to the momentum. In so doing, U.S. markets kept pace with their overseas peers, which got an overnight lift from Japan's newly announced intentions
to pursue "bold" fiscal stimulus. Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 18,347.67) touched a record high of 18,371.95, before closing on a gain of 120.7 points, or 0.7%. Twenty-two blue-chip stocks advanced, paced by Goldman Sachs Group Inc's (NYSE:GS) 3.1% pop. Seven Dow components ended lower, with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) being the worst performer, down 1.1%. Procter & Gamble Co (NYSE:PG), meanwhile, finished flat.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,152.14) reached an all-time best of 2,155.40, before settling on a 15-point, or 0.7%, lead. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,022.82) closed above the 5,000 millennium mark for the first time in 2016, tacking on 34.2 points, or 0.7%.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 13.55) barely budged, ending on a gain of just 0.01 point, or 0.1%.
5 Items on Our Radar Today:
- After losing the Democratic presidential primary to Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders formally conceded victory and endorsed the former secretary of state. "I intend to do everything I can to make certain she will be the next president of the United States," said Sanders. (CNN)
- St. Louis Fed President James Bullard reiterated his belief that just one interest-rate hike will be sufficient for the foreseeable future, as the U.S. turns toward full employment in a low-growth, low-inflation environment. Bullard's dovish remarks follow last Friday's blowout payrolls report. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
- What is it about this drugmaker that's "getting very interesting for investors"?
- Put options popped on J C Penney Company Inc (NYSE:JCP).
- 3 reasons this steel stock shot up the charts.
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Commodities:
After yesterday hitting a two-month low, crude futures snapped back hard on presumed short covering. Meanwhile, a report from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) expressed hopes that oil output and demand will reach equilibrium later this year. At day's end, crude for August delivery was up $2.04, or 4.6%, at $46.80 per barrel -- its largest single-day percentage gain since April 8.
Gold futures slid amid the broad-market rally, as well as rising expectations for economic stimulus. Specifically, August-dated gold gave up $21.30, or 1.6%, to settle at $1,335.30 per ounce.
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