The VIX dropped to its lowest close since July 2014
After a slow start to the session, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) climbed through the early afternoon, coming about 50 points from the much-watched 20,000 level. Stocks reacted to the latest moves out of the Trump Administration, and a big post-earnings rally for DuPont (NYSE:DD) overshadowed turns lower for some blue-chip earnings losers, including Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ). But the large-cap index's solid day didn't quite keep pace with even bigger gains for the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (COMP) -- both of which snagged new record intraday and closing highs.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 19,912.71) added 112.9 points, or 0.6%, with DD leading 21 of the 30 components higher on a 4.5% gain. VZ paced the nine losers, shedding 4.4%.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,280.07) tacked on 14.9 points, or 0.7%, after peaking at 2,284.63. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,601.57) climbed 48.6 points, or 0.9%, after touching an all-time best of 5,606.53.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 11.07) slipped 0.7 point, or 6%, for its lowest close since July 2014.
5 Items on Our Radar Today
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Today's major moves by the Trump Administration came as a blow to many environmental activists. Specifically, the new commander-in-chief signed executive orders to move forward with construction on
two controversial oil pipelines. The administration also ordered
a freeze on all spending related to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (
Reuters)
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Tech company 3M Co (NYSE:MMM) said today it has
no intention to alter its plans for production in Mexico, even after many other companies have come under fire from now-President Donald Trump for increasing their operations outside of the U.S. 3M CEO Inge Thulin during an earnings call this morning said that Mexico is "an important local market for us," adding, "We expanded internationally based on the local market opportunity." (
MarketWatch)
- The Dow stock presenting a post-earnings opportunity for contrarian bulls.
- Why call players targeted two automakers after a meeting with the president.
- A pre-earnings options bargain on an outperforming mining stock.
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Commodities:
Oil prices rose today as traders continued to digest data showing Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members and other major producers already coming close to goals for global production cuts. For the day, March crude oil futures gained 43 cents, or 0.8%, to close at $53.18 per barrel.
A recovery in the strength of the U.S. dollar weighed on gold prices -- which pulled back from Monday's two-month highs -- as did expectations of waning gold demand ahead of China's Lunar New Year holiday. Gold for February delivery dropped $4.80, or 0.4%, to finish the session at $1,210.80 an ounce.
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