It was a full-blown meltdown for U.S. stocks today
U.S. stocks had their worst day of the year, extending recent weakness as the U.S.-China trade relationship took another turn for the worse. President Donald Trump accused China of currency manipulation after the yuan fell to its lowest point versus the dollar in a decade, and the Asian nation also reportedly halted crop imports from the U.S. When all was said and done, the Dow was down almost 800 points, bringing its losing streak to five, while the heavy losses for the S&P and Nasdaq brought their losing streaks to six sessions. The VIX, meanwhile, surged to its highest close since early January.
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The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,844.74) dropped 87.3 points, or 3%, for its sixth straight loss, the longest losing streak since October, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,726.04) lost 278.03 points, or 3.5%. Its losing streak is also at six, for its longestsince November 2016.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 24.59) finished with a 7-point, or 39.6%, gain, its best day since October.
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Oil prices were also hit hard today due to trade tensions. September crude futures settled down 97 cents, or 1.7%, at $54.69 per barrel.
Gold, on the other hand, touched fresh highs thanks to the risk-off backdrop. December-dated gold rose $19, or 1.3%, to close at $1,464.60 an ounce, the highest close since May 2013.