Big bank earnings were in focus today, with Morgan Stanley (MS) and Bank of America (BAC) giving markets a boost, though U.S.-China trade tensions kept a lid on sentiment. Despite being 422 points higher earlier in the day, the Dow finished in the red to snap a two-day win streak. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq also retreated from session highs, though still managing to close in the black.  

GOLD TAPS MORE RECORDS AT $4,200

Oil futures fell, staying at five-month lows while supply prediction concerns flanked the black gold. December-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 0.7%, or 40 cents, to settle at $58.30 per barrel. 

In today's surge to record highs, gold pushed above $4,200, as anticipation grew surrounding rate cuts and trade tensions. December-dated gold futures closed up 1% to settle at $4,203.70 per ounce.

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