The DJIA pared early gains as oil fell to another 12-year low
After
starting the day strong, the
Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) pared its gains throughout the day -- and briefly turned negative -- but ended
back above the 16,000 level. Oil reversed its early lead and fell to a new 12-year low, curbing the enthusiasm generated from
solid UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) earnings and
data out of China.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 16,016.02) added 27.9 points, or 0.2%, with 16 of the 30 blue-chip components ending the day in the black. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) and Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) were among the biggest losers, dropping a respective 1.5% and 2.6%, due to sliding crude oil. UNH, meanwhile, led the winners on a strong earnings report, adding 3%.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 1,881.33) added 1 point, or 0.1%, after a seesaw session. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,476.95) finished the day in the red, down 11.5 points, or 0.3%.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 26.05) closed 1 point, or 3.6%, lower.


5 Items on Our Radar Today:
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According to a University of Michigan report, the percentage of U.S. residents holding a driver's license has decreased over the past several decades. The study shows the largest decline among younger age groups, and attributes the change to increased urbanization, use of public transportation, and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft. (MarketWatch) -
Eleven New Jersey schools were either
evacuated or put on lockdown today, reportedly due to bomb or shooting threats. Police reported that they did not believe the threats to be credible, but took steps to clear each affected school. (
CNBC)
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Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) has a new plan to attract music lovers.
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How technical difficulties led to a very bad day for Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR).
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An upcoming documentary is casting doubt around these 3 dietary supplement concerns.


Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Commodities:
After climbing 1% early in the day, oil reversed course, plunging to yet another 12-year low by the close. Continued oversupply worries sent February-dated crude oil down 96 cents, or 3.3%, to $28.46 a barrel.
Chinese stimulus hopes in the wake of the latest GDP data weighed on gold. As a result, February gold futures dropped $1.60, or 0.1%, to settle at $1,089.10 an ounce.