The Dow nabbed a second-straight triple-digit win
The Dow kicked off expiration week with a second-straight triple-digit win and record close, though it ultimately fell just short of the psychologically significant 35,000 level in the last hour of trading. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq joined the blue-chip index in the black as well, scoring record closes of their own to wrap up the session. The imminent earnings season was on the forefront of investors' minds today, while a Capitol Hill testimony from Fed Chair Jerome Powell will surely pique Wall Street's interest later this week.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
- Founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer shows you how to trade commodity options.
- Signal says don't sweat the most recent Ford stock pullback.
- Plus, ROKU's options activity; Nordstrom links with Asos; and a dividend play to watch.
The Dow Jones Average (DJI - 34,996.18) added 126 points, or 0.4%. Of the 30 Dow components, Walt Disney (DIS) saw the biggest jump, adding 4.2%, while Cisco Systems (CSCO) paced the laggards, shedding 0.9%.
Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index (SPX - 4,384.63) gained 15.1 points, or 0.4%. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 14,733.24) tacked on 31.3 points, or 0.2%.
Lastly, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 16.17) lost 0.01, or 0.06%.
- Human resources staple Paycor will list its initial public offering (IPO) next week. Under ticker PYCR, the company has filed paperwork to sell 18.5 million shares at $18 to $21 each, and will begin trading on July 21. (MarketWatch)
- London-based researcher CryptoCompare reported that cryptocurrency trading volumes fell by more than 40% in June. (Reuters)
- ROKU options bulls are out in force.
- Can a new venture help Nordstrom stock break out?
- This shipbuilding stock could be an intriguing dividend play.
There were no earnings of note today.
Gold, Oil Chop Lower
Oil prices snapped a two-day win streak today, as concerns about the Covid-19 Delta variant impact the energy sector. August-dated crude shaved 46 cents, or 0.6%, to close at $74.10 a barrel.
Gold futures also took a hit today, as the U.S. dollar strengthened and the major indexes hovered around record levels. Still, the safe-haven metal was able to hold out above the $1,800 level for a fourth-straight session. August-dated gold lost $4.70, or 0.3%, to settle at $1,805.90 an ounce for the day.