The Dow added 351 points today
The last week of 2021 is off to a good start, with each of the three major indexes nabbing a fourth-straight daily win. The Dow added 351 points, while the S&P 500 notched a fresh intraday high and record close, as investors cheered the "Santa Claus rally." The tech-heavy Nasdaq also walked away with solid gains, after new data confirmed the Covid-19 omicron variant is less severe than other strains. Also contributing to investor sentiment today was strong holiday retail sales data, which showed an 8.5% year-over-year growth rate -- the fastest in 17 years. Meanwhile, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) registered its fourth consecutive loss.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
- Blue-chip name among first to report earnings in 2022.
- Higher rental rates did not give Avis Budget stock a boost.
- Plus, why options bulls blasted NKLA; unpacking FuelCell stock's surge; and investor takes stake in web hosting name.
The Dow Jones Average (DJI - 36,302.38) rose 351.8 points, or 1% for the day. Microsoft (MSFT) led the gainers, adding 2.3%, while Walt Disney (DIS) paced the laggards with a 0.5% fall.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 4,791.19) added 65.4 points, or 1.4% for the day. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 15,871.26) jumped 217.9 points, or 1.4% for the day.
Lastly, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 17.68) shed 0.3 point, or 1.6% for the day.
- Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said that cutting down isolation time for those infected with Covid-19 is now under "serious consideration." (MarketWatch)
- U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is deciding whether or not to impose Covid-19 restrictions in England, after Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland started new curbs. (CNBC)
- Options bulls blasted Nikola stock on its first truck delivery.
- FuelCell stock surged after a favorable settlement agreement.
- This web hosting name popped on new investor's 6.5% stake.
There were no notable earnings reports today.
Gold Snaps Win Streak as U.S. Dollar Strengthens
Oil prices notched a solid win on Monday, reverting into positive territory by the end of the session as investors seemed to largely brush off rising Covid-19 infections to favor riskier assets. In turn, February-dated crude added $1.78, or 2.4%, to finish at $75.57 per barrel.
Meanwhile, gold prices settled lower as the U.S. dollar strengthened, snapping a three-day win streak. The precious metal was still able to hold above the psychologically significant $1,800 level, however. February-dated gold fell $2.90, or 0.2%, to close at $1,808.80 per ounce.