Stocks eked out minor wins in a muted session today, though the S&P 500 did settle at its highest level in nine months. The tech-heavy Nasdaq scored its highest close since April 2022, while the Cboe Volatility Index fell to its lowest close since January 2020. Elsewhere, the Russell 2000 (RUT) notched its third win in the last four trading days, as well as its highest close since March 7. 

OIL PRICES PARE PREVIOUS SESSION'S GAINS

Oil futures pared some of yesterday's gains, as investors pondered the global economic outlook. July-dated crude shed 41 cents, or 0.6%, to close at $71.74 per barrel on the day. Meanwhile, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) hiked its crude-price outlooks for 2024 and 2025.

Gold prices, meanwhile, locked in another winning session, as investors awaited the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision next week. August-dated gold gained $7.20, or 0.4%, to close at $1,981.50 an ounce for the day.

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