Stocks Sink as Tech Sector Fizzles
FAANG stocks were under pressure amid antitrust probes
The Dow traded on both sides of the aisle throughout the day, but ultimately eked out a win. On the other hand, the tech-heavy Nasdaq suffered a second straight triple-digit loss and its lowest close since mid-February, falling into correction territory amid concerns about FAANG stocks. More specifically, reports emerged that the Justice Department is consideringprobes of Apple (AAPL) and Google parentAlphabet (GOOGL). Separately, fellow FAANG stock Facebook (FB) was under pressure amid reports that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) could scrutinize its practices on digital competition.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
Morgan Stanley is bullish on these 2 government contractors.Google's antitrust probe rumors have one analyst concerned. This oncology stock is expected to double.Plus, options hedging on a biotech; a retailer earnings preview; and behind this drug stock's big surge.The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 24,819.78) added 4.7 points in today's trading. Verizon (VZ) led the 21 winners with a 3.7% gain, while Microsoft (MSFT) came in last with a 3.1% plummet.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,744.45) fell 7.6 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,333.02) fell 120.1 points, or 1.6%, into correction territory -- or down 10% from its May highs.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 18.86) rose 0.2 point, or 0.8%, today.
5 Items on our Radar Today
The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) fell to its lowest point in two years in May. The reading dropped from 52.8 in April to 52.1 in May, the lowest since October 2016. The slowed growth is attributed to the tariff tensions between the U.S and China. (Reuters)Saint Louis Fed President James Bullard raised some eyebrows on Wall Street today, after opining that an interest rate cut "may be warranted soon." Bullard cited economic risks stemming from global trade tensions and lackluster inflation as reasons for the possible policy change. (CNBC)Put buyers blasted this red-hot biotech stock.Here's the next high-end retailer earnings report to watch.A halo lift helped this drug stock scale the Nasdaq.There is no earnings chart today.
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Oil Hits Four-Month Bottom; Gold Nabs Four Straight Wins
July-dated oil futures dipped to their lowest close in almost four months, down 25 centsto end at $53.25 per barrel, amid speculation that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will extend supply cuts to avoid a surplus.
Gold stayed hot, notching its fourth straight win today, as the demand for a safe-haven assets remained. August-delivered gold rose $16.80, or 1.3%, to settle at $1,327.90 an ounce, marking the yellow metal's highest close since Feb. 26.