The DJIA fell triple digits as the oil rout continues
The
Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) was down more than 560 points today, due to a
global sell-off, lackluster blue-chip earnings, and continued
pressure from slipping oil. U.S. crude for February breached $27 a barrel, marking yet another 12-year low. While the Dow and its index peers made a valiant late-day comeback attempt, they still ended in the red, with the
S&P 500 Index (SPX) and
Nasdaq Composite (COMP) marking their lowest settlements in more than a year.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
- 13 stocks to own after a big pullback.
- 3 energy names you shouldn't ignore.
- How are 2 blue chips and a discount airline shaping up ahead of earnings?
- Plus ... A 50-year low for inflation, a rush for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) options, and Apple's big expansion hopes.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 15,766.74) shook off even heavier losses to close down 249.3 points, or 1.6% -- its lowest settlement since late August. UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) led just five gainers on the blue-chip index, adding 2%, while International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) led the laggards with a 4.9% loss on disappointing guidance.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 1,859.33) dropped 22 points, or 1.2%, bringing its year-to-date loss above 9%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,471.69) traded in the black late in the afternoon, but fell back below breakeven by the end of the day, closing 5.3 points, or 0.1%, lower.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 27.59) added 1.5 points, or 5.9%, for its highest close since late September.
5 Items on Our Radar Today:
-
According to NASA, 2015 was the hottest year on record, with the
average global temperature rising 0.23 degrees Fahrenheit over the previous record. Earth's surface temperature has risen 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 1800s. (
MarketWatch)
-
The consumer price index fell 0.1% in December, due to lower gasoline and food prices. Inflation rose just 0.7% in 2015 -- the
slowest rise in five decades. One bright spot today?
Toy sales reportedly rose 7% in the U.S. last year. (
MarketWatch,
CNBC)
-
How Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is hoping to expand its global reach.
-
The worst may not be over for Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR).
-
Why options volume exploded on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY).
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Commodities:
Marking its lowest settlement since May 2003, crude oil for February dropped $1.91, or 6.7%, to close at $26.55 a barrel. The International Energy Agency (IEA) yesterday said the world could "drown in oversupply," exacerbating concerns about a global supply glut.
As global stocks slid and the U.S. dollar weakened, gold emerged as a popular choice for risk-averse investors. February-dated gold added $17.10, or 1.6%, closing at $1,106.20 an ounce.