Stocks finished firmly higher today, enjoying a boost after White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt downplayed the July 8-9 tariff deadlines, saying they are "not critical". The Dow finished the day up 404 points, its highest close since February 28. The Nasdaq notched a fourth-straight gain, jumping above the psychologically significant 20,000 level for the first time since mid-February, while the S&P 500 closed just a chip below its February highs. 

OIL, GOLD BUILD ON YESTERDAY'S RISE

Oil prices rose slightly amid the aforementioned weakness in the U.S. dollar. July-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude added 32 cents, or 0.49%, to close at $65.24 a barrel.

Gold prices inched lower today, as easing Middle East tensions has investors stepping away from safe-haven assets. U.S. gold futures were down 0.2% at $3,336.50 per ounce.

More By This Author:

Markets Climb With Help From Defense Stocks
Nasdaq, S&P 500 Continue Toward Record Highs
Markets Struggle For Direction With NATO, Powell In Focus