S&P 500 Nabs Record Close; Nasdaq Ekes Out 7-Straight

The S&P 500 notched yet another record close, thanks in part to chip-name Nvidia's (NVDA) outperformance, which helped the company surpass Microsoft (MSFT) in terms of valuation. The tech-heavy Nasdaq clung to its lead, eking out a 7th-straight gain and record close of its own. Meanwhile, the Dow settled slightly above breakeven, as Wall Street digested weak retail sales data.

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

• 2 energy stocks to watch amid crude's climb.
• Electricity name dragged on $2 billion sale.
• Plus, pharma stock on the rise; LEN brushes off earnings win; and options bulls blast CHWY.

5 Things to Know Today 

1. Cryptocurrency Bitcoin (BTC) today slipped below a former level of support, last seen trading near $64,600. (MarketWatch)
2. A Senate panel slammed Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun, demanding answers on his pay package, plane safety, and whistleblower allegations. (CNBC)
3. FDA vaccine nod boosts pharma stock.
4. Behind Lenna stock's post-earnings moves.
5. Chewy stock paced for its best close of 2024.

Oil Marks 7-Week High on Demand Increase

Oil enjoyed a surge to its highest mark since April, on the back of increased crude demand. July-dated West Intermediate (WTI) crude rose $1.24, or 1.5%, to settle at $81.57 per barrel.

Retail sales data and lower Treasury yields sent gold higher this afternoon. The most-active, August-dated gold closed 0.7% higher near $2,344.10 an ounce.