Bank stocks suffered heavy losses once again
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) was dragged lower today, as hefty losses from big-cap stocks Disney and General Electric overshadowed a strong showing from the tech sector. Specifically, a disappointing profit outlook sacked Disney shares, while GE stock hit fresh lows following a bearish analyst note. The S&P 500 Index (SPX) followed the Dow lower, as bank and insurance stocks continued to struggle. And while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (COMP) managed to outperform, jitters surrounding this morning's jobless claims number and Hurricane Irma kept "safe-haven" assets in high demand, with gold settling at a one-year high.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
- The SPX volatility signal flashing for the fourth time ever.
- Bernie Schaeffer gives a word of caution on a favorite ETF trade.
- Inside GoPro stock's huge day.
- Plus, 2 stocks ready to bounce; Ferrari stock stalls; and a potential 34% Amazon rally.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 21,784.78) moved higher in early trading, but fell as the day went on, shedding 22.9 points, or 0.1%. Sixteen Dow components closed higher, 14 closed in the red, and Pfizer ended the day flat. Disney paced the losers with its 4.4% drop, while GE gave back 3.6%. Visa had the best day, rising 1.4%.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,465.10) edged 0.4 point lower, or 0.02%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 6,397.87) added 4.6 points, or 0.07%.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 11.55) fell 0.08 point, or 0.7%.
5 Items on Our Radar Today
- Apple's much-hyped iPhone 8 could face delivery delays, due to setbacks in the manufacturing process. The Wall Street Journal reported that the issues pushed back the manufacturing process by about a month. (Reuters)
- The Senate today passed a hurricane relief package, while also raising the debt ceiling. The bill -- which still needs approval from the House -- passed 80-17, and allocates $15.25 billion to emergency funds. (USA Today)
- 2 stocks that could be ready to bounce.
- Why analysts are backing away from Ferrari stock.
- D.A. Davidson thinks Amazon stock could rally 34%.
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Commodities
After two straight days of gains, oil futures dipped today. The move followed a larger-than-forecast increase in domestic crude inventories -- the first rise in 10 weeks. October-dated crude futures closed down 7 cents, or 0.1%, at $49.09 per barrel.
The disappointing unemployment report put a dent in the U.S. dollar while providing a lift to gold prices. Gold dated for December delivery gained $11.30, or 0.8%, to $1,350.30 an once -- the highest close in a year.