Stocks started 2025 the same way they ended 2024; with a pivot into the red. The Dow, despite trading over up over 300 points at its session highs, finished more than 150 points lower for a fourth-straight loss. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq followed suit, both paring early morning gains for their fifth-straight loss.

Rising bond yields pressured investors today, with the 10-year Treasury yield just off seven-month highs at 4.6%. Against this backdrop, Wall Street's "fear gauge," the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), is heading for its fourth win in the last five trading days. 

OIL PRICES POP AMID DOMESTIC, GLOBAL TAILWINDS

Oil prices gained on boosted demand outlooks in the U.S. and worldwide. Promises of more stimulus growth in China, as well as a sixth straight weekly decline in crude supplies also propped up the commodity. February-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained $1.41, or 2%, to settle $73.13 per barrel.

Gold prices gained today, as the demand for safe-haven assets carries over into 2025. Gold for January delivered added 1% to settle around $2,668.10 an ounce.

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