Fresh off eight-straight weekly gains, all three major indexes rose to start the holiday-shortened week, though trading volume was low. The Dow notched a triple-digit gain and came within 12 points of a record close, while the S&P 500 (SPX) continued to climb toward its Jan. 2022 all-time peak.

BLACK GOLD AT A "DEATH CROSS"

Crude oil saw its first "death cross" on the charts since early 2020, as the 50-day moving average dropped below the 200-day moving average. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for February delivery rose $1.68, or 2.3%, to settle at $75.24 a barrel. 

Gold prices are on the rise amid a weaker U.S. dollar and falling bond yields. February-dated gold futures are up $5.00, or 0.2%, at $2,074.10 at last look.  

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