Dow Jones Industrial Average Ends Epic Year On a Down Day

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) ended 2016 on a low note, falling for a third straight day and sliding further from the 20,000 level -- snapping its historic weekly win streak in the process. With trading volume again light, and another three-day holiday weekend approaching, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) and S&P 500 Index (SPX) notched their third consecutive losses, as well. Still, U.S. stocks closed an erratic year with impressive gains, as the Dow's 13.4% advance marked its best annual performance since 2013. 
 
Continue reading for more on today's market, including: 

• The downbeat iPhone report that weighed on these 3 Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) suppliers. 
• Why Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is one analyst's top pick for 2017.  
• The drug development that sent this penny stock soaring. 
• Plus... 2 biotechs in the bearish crosshairs, Allergan's big week, and the travel stock to target next week. 
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 19,762.60) fell 57.2 points, or 0.3%, for its third straight loss. Just five Dow components closed higher, led by 0.5% gains from JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) and Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS). Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) fell 1.2% to pace the 25 losers. Despite losing 0.9% for the week, the Dow added 3.3% for the month, 7.9% for the quarter, and 13.4% for the year. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,238.83) gave back 10.4 points, or 0.5%, while the Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,383.12) dropped 49 points, or 0.9%. The SPX dropped 1.1% this week, but closed the month up 1.8%, the quarter up 3.3%, and the year up 9.6%. The COMP closed the week down 1.5%, but settled the month, quarter, and year 1.1%, 1.3%, and 7.5% higher, respectively.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 14.04) rose 0.7 point, or 5%. The VIX lost 22.9% this year, but added 22.7% this week, 5.3% this month, and 5.6% for the quarter. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Russian leader Vladimir Putin said he will not suspend U.S. diplomats in response to President Obama's decision to expel 35 Russian officials on Thursday. Putin said he will instead wait until President-elect Donald Trump takes office to work out the issues. (Reuters)
2. New York's iconic Carnegie Deli is closing its doors for good today. The restaurant has been open for 79 years, and has become a famous stop for tourists. (USA Today)
3. Why analysts are taking the ax to these 2 biotech stocks. 
4. Inside Allergan plc's (NYSE:AGN) huge week. 
5. The travel stock to buy next week, if history is any guide.  

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

Though they edged lower today, oil prices closed out their best year since 2009. February-dated crude futures ended the day down 5 cents, or 0.1%, at $53.72 per barrel. However, oil added 1.3% for the week, 8.5% for the month, 11.4% for the quarter, and nearly 45% for the year -- its first annual gain since 2013. 

Gold edged lower, but still managed to snap its longest weekly losing streak in 12 years, which ended at seven weeks. Specifically, the February-dated contract shed $6.40, or 0.6%, to settle at $1,151.70 per ounce. Longer term, gold added 1.6% for the week, slid 1.9% for the month, dropped 12.4% for the quarter, and tacked on 9% for the year -- breaking a three-year losing streak.