The recent weakness in tech stocks continued
The Dow explored a range of more than 200 points on both sides of breakeven today, with the blue-chip index eventually closing lower as a negative earnings reaction for Visa (V) offset an analyst-induced pop for Merck (MRK). This volatile trading was seen elsewhere, too, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq slumping to their third straight losses on extended weakness in FAANG stocks. The turbulent price action will likely continue this week, with a number of market-moving events on the docket -- including Wednesday's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy announcement, where a surprise outcome could be a risk for stocks.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
This rare tech signal is sounding again.The trillion-dollar level to watch on Apple stock this week, courtesy of founder and CEO Bernie Schaeffer.The forex scandal that pressured American Express stock.Plus, a sinking Chinese tech stock; Caterpillar stalls; and a big day for oil.The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,306.83) closed near its session low, down 144.2 points, or 0.6%. Fourteen Dow stocks fell, led by a 3% drop for Visa, while Merck paced the 16 advancers with its 2.1% gain.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,802.60) gave back 16.2 points, or 0.6%, but maintained a foothold atop the 2,800 mark. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,630.00) shed 107.4 points, or 1.4%, for its lowest close since July 5.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 14.26) added 1.2 points, or 9.4%, to settle north of its 40-day moving average for the first time since July 5.
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
U.S. oil prices elbowed back above the $70 per barrel price point today, underpinned by lingering Middle East tensions. At the close, September-dated crude was up $1.44, or 2.1%, at $70.13 per barrel.
Gold closed lower for a third straight session, as the 10-year Treasury yield climbed closer to the key 3% level. Gold for December delivery fell $1.20 to settle at $1,231.50 an ounce.