The DJI was up more than 200 points at its session high
The Dow was up more than 200 points at its session high, but erased its lead to turn lower in last-minute trading. On the other hand, the S&P 500 ended higher after a sharp two-day sell-off, and a rebound in tech and a few FAANG stocks helped the Nasdaq outperform its peers. Energy stocks were mostly higher as oil prices bounced, and the battered retail sector also took a respite from its decline, thanks to some well-received earnings reports. Looking ahead, U.S. markets will be closed tomorrow for Thanksgiving, and will end at 1 p.m. ET on Black Friday.
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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 24,464.69) finished almost flat today, inching nearly 1 point lower. Half of the 30 Dow stocks ended higher, with Nike (NKE) in the lead, gaining 1.8%, and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) bringing up the rear with a 3% loss.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,649.93) gained 8 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 6,972.25) rose 63.4 points, or 0.9%.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 20.80) gave back 1.7 points, or 7.5%.
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Despite aninth consecutive increase in crude stockpiles last week, oil prices were back up today, bouncing from their lowest levelssince October 2017. The rebound came after data from the U.S. government showed increased demand for refined fuel and a steep drop in gasoline supplies. Oil for January delivery added $1.20, or 2.3%, to settle at $54.63 a barrel.
Gold futures were up as the dollar softened, climbing to a two-week high. December gold tacked on $6.80 or 0.6%, ending at $1,228 an ounce.