Despite Retail Sell-Off, Dow Ekes Out a Win

Despite ugly earnings from Home Depot, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) finished higher amid decreasing concerns about North Korea, but the index was unable to retake the 22,000 mark. In addition, upbeat economic data lifted expectations for another 2017 rate hike, helping bank stocks outperform. However, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (COMP) both succumbed to defeat, weighed down by a dismal day for most retail stocks.

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

• Warren Buffett's big bank buy.
• Silver ETF options popped after the fund's best week since the Brexit.
• The worst stock on the Big Board today.
• Plus, Goldman praises GoPro; the Dow stock hedge funds are tossing; and the tech stock predicted to have an earnings meltdown.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA - 21,998.99) ended with a gain of 5.3 points, or 0.02%. Eighteen of the Dow's 30 stocks ended higher, led by American Express' 1.5% rally. Home Depot paced the 13 losers, dropping 2.7%.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,464.61) lost 1.2 points, or 0.05%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (COMP - 6,333.01) took an even bigger hit, with a 7.2-point, or 0.1%, dip. 

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 12.04) lost 0.3 point, or 2.4%

5 Items on Our Radar Today

1. This morning, Scott Paul, the president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, became the latest person to step down from President Trump's advisory council this week. On Monday, Intel, Merck, and Under Armour's CEOs were the first to take the plunge, citing things like a "divided political climate" and a "matter of personal conscience" after Trump's lack of response to Saturday's violent Charlottesville, VA, protest. (Bloomberg)
2.  The housing market is increasing at a rapid pace, leaving potential entry-level buyers unable to afford their first home. According to John Burns Real Estate Consulting, homes less than $200,000 now make up only 16% of the new-construction market, whereas in 2010, they made up 44%. (CNBC)
3.  GoPro gets praised by Goldman.
4.  The Dow stock hedge funds are tossing.
5.  Earnings meltdown predicted for this tech stock.

Data courtesy of Trade-Alert

Commodities

Weak demand from China and a stronger dollar caused oil to close lower again. September-dated crude fell 4 cents, hitting a three-week low of $47.55 per barrel.

Gold futures succumbed to their steepest one-day fall in almost six weeks today, due to lessened demand for "safe havens" and a stronger greenback. December-dated gold settled down $10.70, or 0.8%, at $1,279.70 an ounce.