Multiple big-cap tech names hit new record highs today
The Dow stayed red-hot to start the new week, with the blue-chip index gaining triple digits for the second straight session as tech heavyweights broke out. A fresh record high from Apple (AAPL) was in focus, as the FAANG stock enjoyed a boost amid the kickoff of its Worldwide Developer Conference. Fellow Dow component Microsoft (MSFT) also hit a record high following its GitHub acquisition, while Amazon (AMZN) capitalized on dual tech and retail tailwinds to find its own all-time peak. Against this backdrop, the Nasdaq Composite notched a record closing high.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
How speculators played Twitter's big win streak.Why now's the time to buy the dip on Gap.The trial results that sparked big moves for 3 drug stocks. Plus, the best biotech stocks to target this summer; the latest Facebook data controversy; and a Navistar earnings preview.The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 24,813.69) jumped 178.5 points, or 0.7%, with 24 of the 30 blue chips closing with gains. It was the Dow's fifth straight triple-digit move. Walmart (WMT) had the best day, rallying 2.9%, while General Electric (GE) paced the six losers with its 2.8% drop.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,746.87) gained 12.3 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,606.46) surged 52.1 points, or 0.7%, for its highest close ever.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 12.74) shed 0.7 point, or 5.3%.
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Oil prices dropped again, as markets brace for loosened production curbs from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting later this week. July-dated crude futures slipped $1.06, or 1.6%, to $64.75 per barrel -- an eight-week closing low and third straight loss.
Gold prices also backpedaled as investors favored riskier assets. Gold futures for August delivery gave back $2, or 0.2%, to close at $1,297.30 an ounce.