Wall Street Logs Best September Since 2019

Stocks wrapped up the month in style, with the Dow and S&P 500 scoring record closes and rattling off five-straight monthly wins. All three major benchmarks bucked seasonal headwinds to finish September in the black for the first time since 2019 and notched quarterly gains. For the Nasdaq and S&P 500, it was their fourth positive quarter in a row.

Remarks from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who teased the possibility of additional interest rate cuts should the economy continue to meet the central bank's expectations, lifted stocks into positive territory. Despite settling lower for the session, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) rose for the month and quarter. 

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

• 25 best stocks for your October portfolio.
• Checking back in with 3 big meme socks.
• Plus, CMG is a no-go next month; DIS upgraded; and why this auto stock tumbled.

5 Things to Know Today 

1. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) said its wage demands were still not being met and blamed ports management for the imminent strike. (CNBC)
2. The death toll for Hurricane Helene rose to nearly 100, as authorities rush water and other supplies to storm-stricken areas across the U.S. Southeast. (Reuters)
3. Avoid Chipotle Mexican Grill stock in October.
4. Walt Disney stock upgraded on macro outlook.
5. Auto stock crashes on slashed profit forecast.

Oil Prices Log Losses Across the Board

Oil prices settled modestly lower on Monday, after an Israel strike on Beirut killed Hezbollah's leader. November-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 1 penny to settle at $68.17 per barrel for the day. Black gold lost 7.3% and 16.4% for the month and quarter, respectively.

Gold prices settled lower, taking a breather from a rally driven by interest rate cuts as well as conflict in the Middle East. Gold for December delivery was last seen down 0.7% at $2,649.20. The safe-haven metal also rose 13% for the quarter -- its best since 2020.