Optimism over a government shutdown is overshadowing tech volatility
The Dow stayed hot today, adding 326 points for a second-straight record close. This marks the blue-chip index's first close above the psychologically significant 48,000 level. The S&P 500 spent time on both sides of the aisle, but ultimately finished in the black for its fourth-straight win. Tech volatility persisted as cyclical stocks stole the spotlight, with the Nasdaq finishing lower for the fourth time in five sessions. Even though the end of the government shutdown is in sight, Wall Street's "fear gauge," the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) rose for the first time in four days.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
- BBAI stock standing tall amid sector struggles.
- Crypto stock back near its IPO level.
- Plus ON on Cloud 9; BILL options buzz; and two people who could shape markets in 2026.
Black Gold Cools Off After OPEC+ Weighs In
Oil prices cooled off today, after an OPEC+ report indicated global oil supply will match demand in 2026. December-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude shed $2.55 cents, or 3.4%, to settle at $58.49 per barrel.
Gold prices were buoyed by the government shutdown finally on the verge of ending. December-dated gold futures finished up 2.1% to settle at $4,202.20 per ounce.