The Dow soared 526 points today, as strong earnings from retail giant Nike (NKE) boosted sentiment on Wall Street ahead of the holidays. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq finished confidently higher as well, while the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) fell for the fourth-straight day.

Upbeat U.S. consumer confidence data also provided tailwinds, as December's consumer confidence index exceeded expectations -- jumping to an eight-month high of 108.3. Investors unpacked existing home sales data as well. 

OIL CONTINUES TO RALLY AFTER A DROP IN U.S. INVENTORIES

Oil prices continued their rise after a drop in U.S. inventories. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for January delivery added $2.06, or 2.7%, to settle at $78.29 per barrel. 

Gold prices settled flat today, with February-dated gold settling at $1,825.40 per ounce.  

More By This Author: