November 20, 2017: Markets opened higher Monday and maintained a positive attitude throughout the first day of a holiday-shortened week. The next big economic news comes later next week when OPEC ministers meet in Vienna and decide whether or not to extend the production cuts beyond the end of March. The big question, of course, is what will Russia do? WTI crude oil for December delivery settled at $56.09 a barrel, down 0.8% for the day on the contract’s last trading day. December gold dropped 1.6% on the day to settle at $1,275.30. Equities were headed for a higher close shortly before the bell as the DJIA traded up 0.26% for the day, the S&P 500 traded up 0.09%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded up 0.04%.
The DJIA stock posting the largest daily percentage gain ahead of the close Monday was Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) which traded up 1.91% at $46.29. The stock’s 52-week range is $42.80 to $54.83. Volume was less than 10% below the daily average of around 14.9 million shares. The telecom giant got a price target increase from analysts at Wells Fargo.
Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) traded up 1.67% at $36.50. The stock’s 52-week range is $29.12 to $36.67. Volume was about 10% below the daily average of around 19 million shares. The company had no specific news Monday.
The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: HD) traded up 1.59% at $170.41. The stock’s 52-week range is $127.41 to $170.68 and the high was posted today. Volume was about 20% below the daily average of around 4.5 million. The company had no specific news.
International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM) traded up 1.08% at $150.58. The stock’s 52-week range is $139.13 to $182.79. Volume was equal to the daily average of around 4.6 million shares. The company had no specific news.
Of the Dow stocks, 17 are on track to close higher Monday and 13 are set to close lower.
Take Charge of Your Retirement In Just A Few Minutes (Sponsor)
Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance—and SmartAsset’s made it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor.
Here’s how it works:
- Answer a Few Simple Questions. Tell us a bit about your goals and preferences—it only takes a few minutes!
- Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Our smart tool matches you with up to three pre-screened, vetted advisors who serve your area and are held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Click here to begin
- Choose Your Fit Review their profiles, schedule an introductory call (or meet in person), and select the advisor who feel is right for you.
Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Click here to get started today!
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.