Stocks were a scattered bunch for most of the day, but finished strong across the board ahead of Nvidia's (NVDA) turn in the earnings confessional. Despite a triple-digit deficit at session lows, the Dow pushed into the black in the final hour of the day, snapping a four-day losing streak.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both finished higher as well, the former snapping its own four-day skid. Investors are parsing through Fed minutes from last month's meeting, with officials split on an interest rate decision for December. At last check, CME's FedWatch tool shows a 66.5% chance the central bank cuts rates next month. 

5 THINGS TO KNOW TODAY

1. Homebuilders are slashing prices on homes at a rate not seen since 2020. (MarketWatch)
2. The euro zone account surplus continues to widen. (Reuters)
3. Target, TJX Companies earnings: what to know.
4. Lowe's earnings spell trouble for Home Depot stock.
5. Why this chip stock soared today.

OIL COOLS OFF AMID RUMORED RUSSIA-UKRAINE NEGOTIATIONS

Oil prices pulled back sharply today, as possibly restarted peace talks between Russia and Ukraine reduced risk-on appetite. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reporting a surprise draw in U.S. crude stock is keeping losses in check, though. December-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $4.60, or 2.1%, to settle at $59.91 per barrel.

Gold prices rose today, as the safe-haven asset looks to the long-awaited jobs data tomorrow morning. December-dated gold futures added 1.3% to settle at $4,117.10 per ounce.

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