A Santa Claus rally is still in play, albeit barely.Amid lighter volume, the Dow pared a triple-digit loss at its session lows, capturing a fifth-straight win. While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also fought their way back into positive territory, both finished marginally in the red, though the tech-heavy latter managed to hold the psychologically-significant 20,000 level. 

GOLD LIFTED BY LOW-VOLUME SESSION

The increased prospects of China stimulus measures sent oil prices higher today. February-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude added 48 cents, or 0.7%, to settle $69.62 per barrel.

Light trading volumes and safe-haven demand boosted bullion today. Gold for January delivered added 0.7% to settle around $2,64.60 an ounce.

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