The Dow kicked off expiration week with a second-straight triple-digit win and record close, though it ultimately fell just short of the psychologically significant 35,000 level in the last hour of trading. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq joined the blue-chip index in the black as well, scoring record closes of their own to wrap up the session. The imminent earnings season was on the forefront of investors' minds today, while a Capitol Hill testimony from Fed Chair Jerome Powell will surely pique Wall Street's interest later this week.

The Dow Jones Average (DJI - 34,996.18) added 126 points or 0.4%. Of the 30 Dow components, Walt Disney (DIS) saw the biggest jump, adding 4.2%, while Cisco Systems (CSCO) paced the laggards, shedding 0.9%.

Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index (SPX - 4,384.63) gained 15.1 points or 0.4%. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC - 14,733.24) tacked on 31.3 points, or 0.2%.

Lastly, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX - 16.17) lost 0.01, or 0.06%.

GOLD, OIL CHOP LOWER

Oil prices snapped a two-day win streak today, as concerns about the Covid-19 Delta variant impact the energy sector. August-dated crude shaved 46 cents, or 0.6%, to close at $74.10 a barrel.

Gold futures also took a hit today, as the U.S. dollar strengthened and the major indexes hovered around record levels. Still, the safe-haven metal was able to hold out above the $1,800 level for a fourth-straight session. August-dated gold lost $4.70, or 0.3%, to settle at $1,805.90 an ounce for the day.