DJIA Today: Another Triple-Digit Plunge

DJIA Today, Dec. 15, 2014: The Dow Jones fell another 100 points Monday as oil prices continued to slump. The market swung wildly in today's session before settling lower. The S&P 500 Volatility Index (VIX), the market's fear gauge, dropped 2.94% on the day.

Today's Scorecard:

Dow Jones: 17,180.84, -99.99, -0.58%

S&P 500: 1,989.63, -12.70, -0.63%

Nasdaq: 4,605.16, -48.44, -1.04%

What Moved the Markets Today: The markets slid Monday as oil prices slumped to new five-year lows this afternoon. U.S. crude futures for January delivery slipped more than 3.8% to hit $55.58. Brent crude, priced in London, slipped nearly 2% to settle at $60.64 on news that OPEC remains committed to maintaining current production levels. Meanwhile, U.S. manufacturing output hit its highest levels in nine months in November. Production keeps expanding, a sign that the economy is still growing. U.S. factory production increased 1.1% in November.

Now check out the day's most important market notes:

• A Big Buy: Shares of PetSmart Inc. (Nasdaq: PETM) jumped 4.25% on news that UK buyout shop BC Partners has agreed to buy the retailer for nearly $8.25 billion. According to terms of the deal, investors will receive roughly $83 per share. (Here's a list of eight other stocks to watch that will be on the move this week.)
• Price Surge: Shares of Frontline Ltd. (NYSE: FRO) surged more than 27% today as the company's positive coverage and optimism about the global shipping industry continues. The stock jumped another 38% on Friday. However, falling oil prices could keep the company's shares depressed. The stock is still down more than 40% from its 52-week high.
• Forecast Fumble: Shares of Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE: HON) were up more than 0.2% in afternoon trading despite news the company has slashed its 2015 profit forecast. The airline parts and electronic equipment manufacturer said it projects sales of $40.5 billion to $41.1 billion next year. At market close, HON stock was down 0.07%.
• Building Bombs: The National Association of Home Builders announced builder sentiment declined in December. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index fell to 57, down one point from November's reading. Shares of Toll Brothers Inc. (NYSE: TOL) slipped more than 1%. Shares of Beazer Homes USA Inc. (NYSE: BZH) slumped 4.24%.
• Hacking Problems: Shares of Sony Corp. (NYSE ADR: SNE) slipped 3% on news the company's hacking scandal worsens. According to reports, more than 47,000 employees had their personal data exposed. The company's reputation has slid after a series of released emails revealed embarrassing comments about U.S. President Barack Obama and a number of Hollywood celebrities.

Now our experts share some of the most important investment moves to make based on today's market trading – for Money Morning Members only:

• How We'll Profit from Europe's Secret "Plan B": During the depths of the European sovereign crisis, when Greece was inches from exiting the zone, others chose to not sit idly by. Instead, two member nations were surreptitiously preparing for a possible Eurozone breakup. Even more fascinating is what came next, as it appears preparations are still in active mode. Other investors will wish they knew as much as you…

• This Country's Huge "Pricing Error" Will Send These Shares Soaring: The Saudis are very frustrated about losing control over pricing power they've held for decades. It's annoying them to no end, in fact. So, they're fighting back the only way they know how to shift the balance back in their favor – by starting a price war with the United States. But Money Morning Chief Investment Strategist Keith Fitz-Gerald says they've made the biggest strategic "pricing error" in the kingdom's history. And in doing so, they've actually cleared the way for America's shale energy boom and opened up a killer opportunity for one company in particular.
• One Stock That Will Profit from a New, Breakthrough Medical Direction: Modern medicine, for all of its sophisticated drugs, complex gadgets, and amazing surgical procedures, rarely cures anything. It treats. It manages. It postpones the inevitable. But return a patient to normal, optimal health? Rarely. So when an innovation comes along that can effect a complete and permanent remission of disease or restore damaged organs to a pristine state, it should cause your keenest investing instincts to perk up and pay attention…

Garrett Baldwin

About the Author

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Garrett Baldwin is a globally recognized research economist, financial writer, and consultant with degrees from Northwestern, Johns Hopkins, Purdue, and Indiana University. He is a seasoned financial and political risk analyst, with a focus on stocks, hedge funds, private equity, blockchain, and housing policy. He has conducted risk assessment projects for clients in 27 countries, and consulted on policy and financial operations for some of the nation's largest financial institutions, including a $1.5 trillion credit fund, a $43 billion credit and auto loan giant, as well as two of the largest Wall Street banks by assets under management.

Garrett joined Money Map Press as an economist and researcher in 2011, specializing in alternative strategies with an emphasis on fundamental and technical analysis.

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