Stocks still can't find solid traction in late-summer trading
Today all three indexes managed to close higher -- some turning black within minutes of 'last call.' The Dow and S&P 500 eked out modest gains, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq enjoyed a triple-digit pop. Price drops to Tesla's (TSLA) China Model Y unit and focus on upcoming consumer data had stocks struggling for direction most of the day.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
- Steel stock breaks out on merger rejection.
- 'Top Pick' already an options favorite.
- Plus, downgrade slams retailer; busted biotech; and options bears may need to wrestle soon.


5 Things to Know Today
- Following a settlement in a fraud and misconduct case, UBS will pay civil penalties worth $1.4 billion. (CNBC)
- Amazon.com (AMZN) lost its backing from the United Nations-supported, Science Based Targets initiative, after failing to abide by carbon emission requirements. (Bloomberg)
- Pre-earnings bear note slams retail giant.
- Votes are in: avoid this biotech.
- Time for options bears to throw some boxing gloves on.
There were no earnings of note today.

Gold, Oil Post a Losing Session
After a 7th consecutive weekly win, crude prices inched lower on supply concerns. September-dated oil shed 68 cents, or 0.8%, to settle at $82.51 per barrel.
A strengthening dollar pushed gold lower for another session. December-dated gold lost $2.60, or 0.1%, to settle at $1,944 an ounce.