The S&P 500 notched yet another record close, thanks in part to chip-name Nvidia's (NVDA) outperformance, which helped the company surpass Microsoft (MSFT) in terms of valuation. The tech-heavy Nasdaq clung to its lead, eking out a 7th-straight gain and record close of its own. Meanwhile, the Dow settled slightly above breakeven, as Wall Street digested weak retail sales data.

OIL MARKS 7-WEEK HIGH ON DEMAND INCREASE

Oil enjoyed a surge to its highest mark since April, on the back of increased crude demand. July-dated West Intermediate (WTI) crude rose $1.24, or 1.5%, to settle at $81.57 per barrel.

Retail sales data and lower Treasury yields sent gold higher this afternoon. The most-active, August-dated gold closed 0.7% higher near $2,344.10 an ounce.

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