The Dow and S&P 500 touched record highs today before slipping into red territory, with the former closing down 466 points for its worst single-day percentage loss since Nov. 18. The Nasdaq, on the other hand, nabbed its third-straight gain. Defense stocks pulled back after President Trump said he would not permit companies within the sector to issue dividends and stock buybacks, while energy stocks remained in focus following news that Venezuelan authorities will turn over up to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S.

OIL, GOLD PRICES MOVE LOWER

Crude prices fell has investors continue to unpack ongoing developments between the U.S. and Venezuela, including President Donald Trump's deal to import up to $2 billion worth of Venezuelan crude to the U.S. February-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 2%, or $1.14, to close at $55.99 a barrel. 

Gold prices also slipped today amid some general profit-taking. February-dated gold futures dropped 0.4% to $4,476 per ounce. 

More By This Author:

S&P 500 Taps Another; ISM Services Data Shows Expansion
Dow Closes Above 49,000 With 484-Point Pop
Dow Snags Another Record As Amazon Stock Leads Gains