Stocks were unable to recover from the conclusion of futile U.S.-North Korea talks , with the major market indexes ending lower despite better-than-anticipated fourth-quarter gross domestic product ( GDP ) data. In addition, weak factory data out of China weighed on stocks. As such, the Dow and S&P each suffered a third straight loss, but -- along with the Nasdaq -- snagged a monthly win.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
- An SEC investigation slammed this healthcare stock.
- This penny stock gapped higher on FDA news.
- 2 drug stocks that got destroyed today.
- Plus, the ETF attracting attention amid India-Pakistan conflict; Tesla teases a big reveal; and Victoria's Secret sales disappoint.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI - 25,916.00) shed 69.2 points, or 0.3%, on the day. Fourteen of 30 Dow components closed in the black. At the top for the second day in a row was Boeing ( BA ), which added 1%, while UnitedHealth ( UNH ) fared the worst and shed 3.1%. For February, the Dow added 3.7%.
The S&P 500 Index (SPX - 2,784.49) fell 7.9 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 7,532.53) sank 22 points, or 0.3%. Looking at the month, the indexes added 3% and 3.4%, respectively.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX - 14.78) tacked on 0.08 point, or 0.5%. For the month, the VIX shed 10.8%.
5 Items on our Radar Today
- A report out of Reuters stated Apple ( AAPL ) has laid off 190 employees from its self-driving car sector , adding yet another blow to its automobile endeavor. Most layoffs were reportedly hardware and software engineers. ( MarketWatch )
- The Census Bureau released housing data that showed 64.8% of all Americans are homeowners -- an almost five-year high. Generation X is at the forefront, as buyers in their mid-30s and 40s step back into the housing market after the 2008 crash. ( Bloomberg )
- Tensions with Pakistan fueled accelerated volume on this Indian ETF .
- Tesla was named a top pick ahead of a 5 p.m. announcement from Elon Musk.
- L Brands stock sank on disappointing Victoria's Secret sales .
Data courtesy of Trade-Alert
Crude Ends February With Big Gain
April crude closed higher as investors continue to digest yesterday's surprise inventories drop. Oil added 28 cents, or 0.5%, to settle at $57.22 per barrel on the day. For the month, crude added more than 6%.
Gold fell as GDP data surpassed estimates, and as the dollar gained ground. April-dated gold sank $5.10, or 0.4%, to close at $1,316.10 per ounce -- a two-week low. For February, the precious metal suffered a 0.7% loss.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
