Financial stocks tipped the scales in the bulls' favor
After trading on both sides of the coin throughout the day, the Dow ultimately closed modestly higher. The blue-chip index was powered by upbeat economic data, as well as a rally in financial stocks, which helped to offset reports of more personnel changes in the Trump administration. The S&P and Nasdaq were also able to finish in the black today -- albeit barely -- with the former snapping a four-day losing streak. However, all three benchmarks suffered weekly losses.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
2 video game stocks flashing "buy."Analyst: Sell this solar stock before earnings.Options bears aren't buying the Lumber Liquidators bounce.Plus, the cloud stock that soared in its debut; Adobe's earnings beat; and two volatile blockchain stocks.TheDow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 24,946.51) finished up 72.9 points, or 0.3%. It gave back 1.5% for the week. Today saw 21 Dow components close in positive territory, led by Walmart (WMT) with a 1.9% gain. Nike (NKE) was the worst performer, shedding 0.7%.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,752.01) added 4.7 points, or 0.2%. It finished 1.2% lower for the week. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,481.99) eked out a win of 0.3 point. It shed 1% for the week.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 15.80) finished 0.8 point, or 4.8%, lower. It gained 7.9% for the week.
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
April-dated crude futures rose $1.15, or 1.9%, to end at $62.34 per barrel, unexpectedly spiking higher around midday. The oil contract gained 0.5% for the week, erasing what was going to be a weekly loss, as Middle East tensions mount fueled concerns about supply.
Gold futures for April delivery gave back $5.50, or 0.4%, to close at $1,312.30 an ounce, a new two-week low. It shed 0.9% for the week, the largest weekly drop in nearly a month. A stronger dollarput pressure on gold, while mounting geopolitical turmoil put a cap on losses.