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The blue-chip index erased an early deficit; crude closed at its highest point in five sessions
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) surged back from an early deficit to retake the significant 18,000 level and finish comfortably in the black. The index was buoyed by promising earnings results from JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM), as well as gains from oil names, which followed crude higher. On the economic side, traders digested the first improvement in monthly retail sales since November, with attention now turning to China, which will release its latest gross domestic product (GDP) report tomorrow. And, of course, earnings season rages on, with a slew of Wall Street stalwarts on deck.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 18,036.70) traded on both sides of breakeven, but ultimately resolved to the upside. At the close, the blue-chip index was up 59.7 points, or 0.3%. Seventeen of the index's 30 components finished higher, led by Chevron Corporation's (NYSE:CVX) 2.2% gain. Ahead of its earnings report tonight, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) was the biggest loser, dropping 0.8%.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,095.84) traveled a similarly wishy-washy path, but added 3.4 points, or 0.2%, to finish just below the closely watch 2,100 level. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,977.29) on the other hand, retreated, giving back 11 points, or 0.2%.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 13.67) dropped 0.3 point, or 1.9%, to mark a seventh straight session beneath its 10-day moving average.
5 Items on Our Radar Today:
- Retail sales in March increased, breaking a three-month losing streak. The 0.9% jump was roughly what analysts expected, and marked the biggest monthly gain in a year. (Reuters)
- European regulators have officially filed charges against Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL), according to reports. The move comes after an investigation concerning antitrust violations. (CNBC)
- Ciena Corporation (NYSE:CIEN) calls were hot thanks to M&A buzz within the sector.
- Looking at the shocking disparity of calls versus puts over the past two weeks on this booming pharmaceutical stock.
- It wasn't a pretty day for casino names.
For a look at today's options movers and commodities activity, head to page 2.
Commodities:
Crude kept the pedal to the metal today, streaming higher amid a weaker dollar, geopolitical turmoil, and talk of production cuts from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). By the close, May-dated crude rose $1.38, or 2.7%, to settle at $53.29 per barrel -- its highest settling price in five days.
Gold fell once again. At the close, gold for June delivery was off $6.70, or 0.6%, at $1,192.60 per ounce, its lowest closing level in April.