December 17, 2015: Markets opened higher on Thursday but the end came quickly for the gains. After about half an hour of trading, the three major indices had tumbled to a loss on the day, where they remained for the rest of the session. Utilities and Treasuries were up, and that was about it. WTI crude for January delivery lost about 1.6% today to settle at $34.95 per barrel, a level not seen seen February of 2009. Gold for February delivery traded down about 2.5% to settle at $1,049.60 for the day, the yellow metal’s lowest settlement since October of 2009. Equities were also headed for a lower close shortly before the closing bell as the DJIA traded down 0.98% for the day, the S&P 500 traded down 1.08%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded down 0.97%.
The DJIA stock posting the largest daily percentage loss ahead of the close Thursday was Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) which traded down 3.89% at $65.10. The stock’s 52-week range is $62.99 to $94.66. Trading volume was about 15% below the daily average of about 6.9 million. The company had no specific news today, but falling commodity prices are not good for the mining and heavy equipment maker.
Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX) traded down 2.37% at $91.23. The stock’s 52-week range is $69.58 to $114.45. Trading volume was about equal to the daily average of around 10.6 million. Lower crude and natural gas prices hit Chevron stock hard again today..
Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE: MRK) traded down 1.83% at $53.03. The stock’s 52-week range is $45.69 to $63.62. Volume was about 20% below the daily average of around 12 million shares traded. The drug maker had no specific news today.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) traded down 1.82% at $59.21. The stock’s 52-week range is $56.30 to $90.97. Trading volume was about 20% below the daily average of around 12.4 million. The world’s largest retailer had no specific news today.
Of the Dow 30 stocks 27 are set to close lower today and 3 are on track to close higher.
ALSO READ: America’s 25 Thriving Industries
The Average American Has No Idea How Much Money You Can Make Today (Sponsor)
The last few years made people forget how much banks and CD’s can pay. Meanwhile, interest rates have spiked and many can afford to pay you much more, but most are keeping yields low and hoping you won’t notice.
But there is good news. To win qualified customers, some accounts are paying almost 10x the national average! That’s an incredible way to keep your money safe and earn more at the same time. Our top pick for high yield savings accounts includes other benefits as well. You can earn up to 3.80% with a Checking & Savings Account today Sign up and get up to $300 with direct deposit. No account fees. FDIC Insured.
Click here to see how much more you could be earning on your savings today. It takes just a few minutes to open an account to make your money work for you.
Our top pick for high yield savings accounts includes other benefits as well. You can earn up to 4.00% with a Checking & Savings Account from Sofi. Sign up and get up to $300 with direct deposit. No account fees. FDIC Insured.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.