The March FOMC meeting minutes were released this afternoon
The U.S. stock market closed higher, as investors digested the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) March meeting minutes, released mid-afternoon, which showed the central bank supports no rate changes this year. This forecast -- down from the two rate hikes projected in December -- is a reaction to concerns over a slowing global economy, Brexit uncertainty, and the U.S.-China trade spat. While the Dow muscled to a win on tailwinds from big bank Goldman Sachs (GS), the S&P 500 gained ground on the back of a positive earnings reaction for Delta Air Lines (DAL).
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 26,157.16) scraped together 6.6 points, or 0.03%. Goldman Sachs (GS) led the 19 blue-chip gainers, adding 1.2%. Boeing (BA) was the biggest loser, shedding 1.1%.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,888.21) managed a 10-point, or 0.3%, gain, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,964.24) added 55 points, or 0.7%.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 13.30) shed 1 point, or 6.9%.


5 Items on our Radar Today
- Following reports she was failing to find adequate monetary support for her presidential campaign, Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren's team shared that 135,000 donations brought in $6 million in the first quarter. This number pales in comparison to Democratic front runner Bernie Sanders, however, who is said to have gained $6 million in his first day alone. Warren is known for critiquing big dollar donations. (CNBC)
- The consumer price index (CPI) today revealed that the cost of living increased a notable amount in the month of March. Specifically, the number grew 1.9%, with most Americans paying more for gas and rent. (MarketWatch)
- Which pot stock just grew higher on a plant expansion.
- Stay cautious of this surging housing stock.
- Citigroup: This retailer is ready to rumble.


Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Gold Marks Fourth Straight Gain
Oil prices rose, as news of a big drawdown in gasoline stockpiles offset a data that showed domestic crude inventories hit their loftiest peak since November 2017. May-dated crude added 63 cents, or 1%, to settle at $64.62 per barrel.
Gold marked a fourth straight gain, after the European Central Bank (ECB) struck a dovish tone in its policy announcement. June-dated gold tacked on $5.60, or 0.4%, to settle at $1,313.90 an ounce.