Dow Jones Industrial Average Win Streak Ends with Brussels Attacks

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) attempted to fight back from its early deficit, but stocks were limited in the aftermath of the deadly attacks in Brussels. As such, the Dow snapped its seven-day win streak -- its best since October -- though the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) ​closed higher for a fifth straight session. Elsewhere, so-called "safe-haven" assets enjoyed a big day amid the growing fear, with gold futures surging higher.

Continue reading for more on today's market, including:

• The unexpected news that had this biotech rallying alongside Valeant Pharmaceuticals Intl Inc (NYSE:VRX).
• Why $200 million wasn't enough to save this solar stock from all-time lows.
• While Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) bounced following a courtroom twist, this chip supplier wasn't so lucky. 
• Plus ... The latest on Brussels, Lumber Liquidators' $2.5 million deal, and gold's huge day. 
  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 17,582.57) made a brief visit in positive territory this afternoon, but the DJIA eventually settled down 41.3 points, or 0.2%, leaving its win streak at seven sessions. Twelve of the 30 Dow components closed higher, led by Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) and UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH), which both closed 1% higher. Goldman Sachs Group Inc's (NYSE:GS) 1.3% drop paced the losers. 

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,049.80) dropped 1.8 points, or 0.1%. The Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 4,821.66), meanwhile, closed with a 12.8-point, or 0.3%, win -- its fifth straight. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 14.17) bottomed at 13.75 -- matching its year-to-date low -- but still closed 0.4 point, or 2.8%, higher on the day. 

5 Items on Our Radar Today:

1. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks in Brussels that killed more than 30 people on Tuesday. The city's threat level was immediately raised following the deadly explosions -- which put pressure on travel stocks -- while police have released a photo of a suspect possibly involved in the incident. (Reuters)

2. Rob Ford, the former mayor of Toronto, has died at the age of 46. Ford, who gained widespread notoriety for his alleged drug usage, had been battling an aggressive form of cancer. (CNN)

3. The $2.5 million deal that sent Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc (NYSE:LL) soaring. 

4. The Dow stock moving in on Cuba.

5. Should Transocean LTD (NYSE:RIG) option traders be worried?

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities:

While crude oil futures managed to pare most of their earlier losses, the violence in Europe kept the front-month May contract below breakeven. At the close, crude dated for May delivery had lost 7 cents, or 0.2%, to land at $41.45 per barrel. 

Gold, meanwhile, pushed higher, with traders rushing to risk-averse assets following the Brussels attacks. The April-dated gold contract was up $4.40, or 0.4%, at $1,248.60 per ounce at the close.