Oil prices enjoyed their best day in three weeks
Stocks finished with a bang today, boosted by upbeat manufacturing data and easing concerns of a trade war. After being down more than 150 points in early trading, the Dow finished over 330 points higher -- snapping its four-day losing streak -- with help from a strong session for Caterpillar (CAT) stock. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq enjoyed big days as well, as oil's best day in three weeks lifted energy stocks.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
- The silver signal flashing for the first time in 3 years.
- It's not too late to snap up this drug stock.
- This retail stock could make big moves tomorrow.
- Plus, QCOM and AMD see heightened options volume; an Italian ETF in focus; and 3 healthcare stocks that made huge moves.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 24,874.76) finished up 336.7 points, or 1.4%. Today saw 29 Dow components close in positive territory, led by Caterpillar's 3.2% gain. Nike (NKE) stock was sole decliner, dropping 1.3%.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,720.94) added 29.7 points, or 1.1%. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,330.71) gained 72.8 points, or 1%.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 18.73) finished 0.9 point, or 4.4%, lower.
5 Items on Our Radar Today
- Retail giant Walmart (WMT) has officially entered the meal-kit industry. It now offers "one-step meals" at over 250 stores, and announced plans to roll the business out to over 2,000 stores within the next year. The move serves as a direct counter to the meal-kit providers like Blue Apron (APRN). (CNBC)
- Amazon.com (AMZN) is reportedly in talks with JPMorgan Chase and Capital One Financial about a new banking venture that would install checking accounts for Amazon customers. The venture is aimed at younger customers without banking accounts, and could give Amazon insight into their income and spending habits. (Bloomberg)
- 2 chip stocks with surging options volume.
- The ETF to watch after the Italian election.
- 2 healthcare stocks that made huge moves today.
There are no earnings to report today.
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Oil Nets Largest Climb In Three Weeks; Gold Finishes Lower
April-dated crude futures rose $1.32, or 2.2%, to end at $62.57 per barrel. Fueling the largest rise in three weeks was the International Energy Agency's (IEA) forecast for oil demand growth through 2023, as well as reports of dropping crude production in Libya.
Gold futures for April delivery shed $3.50, or 3%, to close at $1,319.90 an ounce, as a rebounding U.S. dollar offset jitters over political uncertainty in Europe after Italy's weekend election.