The Dow continued its comeback today, buoyed by outsized moves from finance and energy stocks. The blue-chip index scored a 260-point pop, for a fifth-straight win and highest close since May 22. Profit taking in tech -- Nvidia (NVDA) shed 6.7% today -- sent the Nasdaq down 192 points for its worst session since April 30. Elsewhere, the S&P 500 traded on both sides of breakeven throughout the day, but ultimately logged a third-straight loss.

Oil Rises On Middle East Tension, Demand

Energy demand outlook and Middle Eastern tensions has sent August-dated West Intermediate (WTI) crude up 90 cents, or 1.1%, to settle at $81.63 per barrel. This comes on the heels of back-to-back weekly wins for the black gold.

Anticipation for the upcoming inflation reading alongside a falling U.S. dollar sent gold futures higher today. August-dated gold added 0.6%, to settle near $2,346.10 an ounce.

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