The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all finished lower today
A strong jobs report once more sparked fears that the Federal Reserve may continue hiking interest rates. The anxiety sent the broader market lower for the day, though the Nasdaq and S& 500 Index both logged strong weekly wins -- the former its fifth straight thanks to an upbeat round of Big Tech earnings. The Dow, meanwhile, closed the week with a marginal loss.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
- 'FAANG' stocks to buy and sell this month.
- How did options traders play the Big Tech earnings reports today?
- Plus, the best and worst stocks to own in February; revisiting the January Barometer.
5 Things to Know Today
- Southwest Airlines' (LUV) COO will answer a Senate panel's questions next Thursday, after the company's catastrophic holiday meltdown. (CNBC)
- Here's what to expect after public-health emergencies addressing Covid-19 end on May. (MarketWatch)
- The 25 best stocks to own this month.
- Avoid this beverage stock in February.
- Catching up on the January Barometer.
Gold, Oil Turn in Weekly Losses
Oil futures slid once again Friday, and logged a modest weekly loss. For the session, March-dated crude fell $2.49, or 3.3%, to settle at $73.39 per barrel, and turned in a 7.9% loss on the week.
Gold prices breached the psychologically significant 1,900 level Friday, after a better-than-expected monthly jobs report boosted Treasury yields and strengthened the U.S. dollar. April-dated gold lost $54.20, or 2.8%, to settle at $1,876.60 per ounce for the day -- their lowest level since Jan. 10. On the week, the safe-haven asset lost 2.7%.