While the DJIA closed higher, it failed to reach the 20,000 level, as the COMP outperformed
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) began the post-Christmas week on a high note, trading in positive territory throughout the session, but failed to reach fresh all-time highs, let alone the closely watched 20,000 level. Instead, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) stole the show thanks to a strong performance from tech stocks, guiding the index to record highs. The risk-on approach was sparked by upbeat economic data, including a 15-year high in the Conference Board's consumer confidence survey, while early holiday data boded well for Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN). And despite another relatively quiet session, today's gains put the Dow on pace for an eighth straight weekly win.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 19,945.04) added a modest 11.2 points, or 0.1%, to land a second straight win. Of the 30 Dow components, 21 closed higher, led by a 0.6% gain from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) was the worst off of the nine losers, dropping 1.2%.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,268.88) picked up 5.1 points, or 0.2%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,487.44) closed with a 24.8-point, or 0.5%, gain, after hitting a record high of 5,512.36.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 11.99) also closed higher, adding 0.6 point, or 4.8%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today
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U.S. prosecutors have officially charged three men from China who allegedly
hacked into law firms that were working on corporate mergers. The men supposedly used the information to trade stocks. (
Reuters)
- Why bullish traders may want to consider these homebuilders next month.
- 3 biotech stocks making waves.
- The retailer sinking on a "poison pill" announcement.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Commodities:
Amid low trading volumes, oil futures gained today. Crude dated for February delivery ended up 88 cents, or 1.7%, at $53.90 per barrel.
After securing their worst weekly losing streak in 12 years, gold prices edged higher, despite a strengthening dollar. February-dated gold futures were up $5.10, or 0.5%, at $1,138.70 per ounce, by the close.
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