Energy Stocks Keep Dow Jones Industrial Average Momentum In Check

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) touched a record high this morning, but a down day for energy stocks kept the index's gains in check. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) also notched a new high, while the S&P 500 Index (SPX) ran out of steam just before touching its own all-time peak. Along with a handful of earnings reports, traders also digested this morning's trade deficit data, and the Labor Department's Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). Elsewhere, Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker said a March rate hike was possible, while Minneapolis Fed President Neil Kashkari published a blog post in favor of a less aggressive approach.
 
Continue reading for more on today's market, including: 

• 3 insurance stocks that should be on your radar this week.
• 2 social media stocks attracting bulls ahead of earnings.
• Why Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE) could be headed for higher highs.
• Plus, 3 video game stocks gearing up for big moves, one surging bank stock, and the company banned from the U.S.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 20,090.29) ended the day higher, up 37.4 points, or 0.2%, after peaking at 20,155.35 intraday. Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) was the leader of the 18 Dow winners, adding 1.5%, while the 12 Dow losers were led by Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX), which dropped 1.4%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,293.08) finished the day fractionally higher, tacking on 0.5 point. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 5,674.22) notched a new all-time high of 5,689.59, and jumped 10.7 points, or 0.2%, by the close.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 11.29) fell 0.1 point, or 0.7%.

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. Betsy DeVos was confirmed as the Education secretary, after Vice President Mike Pence cast a tie-breaking vote following a 50-50 tie in the U.S. Senate. Pence is now the first vice president to ever cast a tie-breaking vote for a cabinet confirmation. (NPR)
2. Under Armour Inc (NYSE:UAA) CEO Kevin Plank cautioned critics against betting against the retailer, citing its 21-year track record, and drawing a parallel between UAA's recent earnings stumble and Tom Brady's Super Bowl win. (CNBC)
3. 3 video game stocks that could move this week.
4. How this surging bank stock could be headed for even more gains.
5. The banned U.S. company that had short sellers celebrating.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities

March-dated crude futures slipped 84 cents, or 1.6%, to close at $52.17 per barrel -- a three-week low -- amid a stronger U.S. dollar and concerns about oversupply and waning demand.

April-dated gold futures added $4, or 0.3%, to finish at $1,236.10 per ounce, as traders sought the "safe haven" for the fourth straight day.

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