Dow Closes Red Despite Upbeat Retail Data

The Dow attempted to reverse triple-digit losses on Thursday, but ultimately settled slightly below breakeven, as a dismal round of weekly jobless claims cast a shadow on upbeat U.S. retail sales data. The S&P 500 failed to claw out of the red, too, though the tech-heavy Nasdaq was able to score modest gains. In other news, Moderna's (MRNA) latest data supported the need for Covid-19 booster shots, after it showed those recently vaccinated were less likely to experience breakthrough infections. 

Continue reading for more on today's market, including:

• This blue-chip tech stock could approach record levels.
• Meme stock expanding its cryptocurrency payment options.
• Plus, Cisco stock draws in bull notes; plant-based meat stock dips on downgrade; and analyst sings DASH's praises.

The Dow Jones Average (DJI - 34,751.32) fell 63.1 points, or 0.2%. Salesforce.com (CRM) led the winners with a 1.6% pop, while Goldman Sachs (GS) fell to the bottom, shedding 1.3%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 4,473.75) dropped 7 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC -15,181.92) rose 20.4 points, or 0.1%. 

Lastly, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 18.69) added 0.5 point, or 2.8%.

1. One in every 500 people in America has died of Covid-19, with the U.S. now over 666,000 virus-related deaths amid a heated booster shot debate. (MarketWatch)
2. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell ordered an ethics review after multiple Fed presidents recently disclosed substantial investments and stock trades. (CNBC)
3. Bull notes galore for Cisco stock following forecast.
4. This plant-based meat stock dipped after a Piper Sandler downgrade.
5. DoorDash stock paced for a record high thanks to one analyst.

There were no earnings of note.

Gold Prices Plummet to Lowest Level in Almost 6 Weeks

Oil prices were flat on Thursday, closing at the same price as Wednesday, a seven-week high. Some on Wall Street believe profit-taking is responsible for today's negative price action, though support still seems to be in place. In response, October-dated crude settled flat at $72.62 a barrel.

Gold prices settled in the red, falling to their lowest level nearly six weeks. Better-than-expected retail sales data gave both the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields a boost, driving investors away from the yellow metal. In turn, December-dated gold dropped $38.10, or 2%, to settle at $1,756.70 an ounce.