Month: October 2013

October 27. 2013

Market Review

U.S. stocks finished another week of gains with the S&P 500 index at a record high. For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 1.1 percent to 15,570.28, its highest close since Sept. 19. The 30-stock gauge is approximately 1 percent from hitting its all-time record. Surpassing its record close set on Tuesday, the S&P 500 climbed 0.9 percent to 1,759.77. Both the Dow and S&P 500 rose for a third consecutive week. The Nasdaq gained 0.7 percent to 3,943.36, its second weekly gain. Most key S&P sectors closed in positive territory, boosted by industrials and utilities. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, closed near 13. Read More

October 20. 2013

Market Review

U.S. stocks closed out the week in positive territory with all three major averages logging strong gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 162.54 points, or 1.1 percent, to 15,399.65. The 30-stock gauge is still 1.8 percent below its record reached Sept. 18. The S&P 500 rocketed 2.4 percent to 1,744.50 over the five days and hit a new intraday record of 1,745.32. The Nasdaq Composite Index jumped 3.2 percent to 3,914.28, the highest level since September 2000. Both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq posted also their best weekly rally in three months. All key S&P sectors closed in positive territory for the week, led by telecoms and financials. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, closed near 13. Read More

October 13. 2013

Market Review

U.S. stocks wrapped a volatile week that left the major averages mostly higher for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 1.1 percent to close at 15,237.11. On Thursday, the blue-chip index skyrocketed more than 300 points, posting its second-best day this year. The S&P 500 gained 0.8 percent to close at 1,703.20, its first finish above 1,700 in nearly three weeks. The Nasdaq declined 0.4 percent to end at 3,791.87. The technology-laden index fell for its first week in six. Most key S&P sectors closed higher for the week, led by utilities, while consumer discretionary slipped. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, closed below 16. Read More

October 06. 2013

Market Review

Once again, all three major U.S. averages finished the last week with a mixed performance. For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.2 percent to close at 15,072.58. The S&P 500 slid 0.1 percent to close at 1,690.5. This was the second straight week of losses for both the Dow and S&P 500. The Nasdaq, in contrast, added 0.7 percent for the week to end at 3,807.75. It was the Nasdaq's fifth straight up week, as it trades near levels last seen in September 2000. Among the key S&P sectors, consumer staples were the best weekly performer, while health care dragged. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, fell below 17. Read More