In Dow Jones news today, President Donald Trump sent out a series of tweets blasting former President Obama about his knowledge of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Meanwhile, investors also weighed the impact of a ruling by the Supreme Court that will allow the Trump administration to implement parts of its refugee travel ban.
Here are the numbers from Monday for the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq before the closing bell:
Today, Italian leaders poured about €17 billion ($19 billion) into the nation's banking sector to avoid a major debt crisis. The bailout comes just days after European financial leaders warned that two Italian regional banks -- Banca Popolare di Vicenza and Veneto Banca - were on the brink of collapse. The bailout comes a year after Italian authorities rescued the world's oldest operating bank, Monte dei Paschi.
Rare Gold Anomaly: An incredibly rare gold anomaly is shaping up in the markets as we speak - one that has occurred ONLY twice in the past 20 years. And it's about to happen again. Details here...
Gold prices fell more than 1% Monday after a "mistaken" order pressed prices to a six-week low. The yellow metal slumped after a large sell order and a stronger U.S. dollar offset growing geopolitical concerns around the globe. More than 1.85 million ounces of gold were sold in a short period of time and quickly repurchased. The downturn came despite growing tensions over Italy's bailouts, Qatar's potential economic and diplomatic isolation, North Korea's nuclear program, and in-fighting in Congress over healthcare, tax reform, and infrastructure spending. Money Morning Resource Specialist Peter Krauth offered his insight into where prices are heading next. To see his 2017 gold price forecast, click here.
Once again, the Federal Reserve was back in focus as investors speculate on the timing of the next interest rate hike. On Monday, San Francisco Fed President John Williams argued that the central bank should continue a slow pace of rate hikes to prevent the U.S. economy from overheating. That sentiment was mirrored by New York Bank President William Dudley, who said that the markets' red-hot start to 2017 and falling bond yields justified more rate hikes in the near future.
Crude oil prices are ticking higher thanks a weaker U.S. dollar. However, another uptick in U.S. drilling activity has traders concerned that a global glut in supply could weaken prices again in the near future. The United States added another 23 rigs last week, while shale production has increased by 10% over the last year. The threat of a glut continues to lurk despite efforts by OPEC to curb excessive global output. The WTI crude oil price today added 1.02%. Brent crude gained 0.9%.
In Washington, Senate Republicans are losing support from within their own ranks on a bill to replace and repeal the Affordable Care Act. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had hoped that the Senate would vote on a new bill by July 4. However, several media outlets report that Republicans do not have enough votes to pass the bill, while Democrats have warned of apocalyptic events for poor and middle-class Americans should the deal pass. Despite the criticism, Anthem Inc. (NYSE: ANTM) has said that this bill will help improve the individual insurance market.
Six Stocks to Watch Monday: P, F, GM, NSRGY, TKTDY, SCHN
Shares of Pandora Media Inc. (NYSE: P) added more than 2% after news broke that the company is seeking a new chief executive officer (CEO). The company's co-founder, Tim Westergren, is stepping down. He will remain in the role until the board of directors locates a replacement. The news came on the same day that the stock received an upgrade from analysts at Pacific Crest.
Shares of the Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) and General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) ticked higher despite news that auto sales have likely declined in June. Industry analysts at J.D. Power and LMC Automotive both said that automakers are in danger of a downturn in sales. According to reports, sales have likely declined by 2% compared to the same period last year.
Shares of Nestle SA (OTCMKTS ADR: NSRGY) added more than 3% after activist hedge fund Third Point announced it has taken a $3.4 billion stake in the Swiss company. It is the largest stake ever taken by Third Point. The hedge fund is pressing the company to bolster its margins, increase its stock buyback plan, and spin-off non-core assets like its stake in French cosmetics firm L'Oreal SA. The hedge fund recently made similar demands from Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq: YHOO).
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Shares of Japanese airbag maker Takata Corp. (OTCMKTS: TKTDY) collapsed after the company filed for bankruptcy. The company said that it is facing roughly $10 billion in liabilities tied to a massive product recall and settlements from lawsuits. Shares fell more than 63% on the day.
In earnings news, look for a quarterly report today from Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc. (Nasdaq: SCHN) after the bell. The steel recycling giant saw shares pop nearly 7% on Friday as investors prepared for today's report. Wall Street anticipates earnings per share (EPS) of $0.41 on top of $372.75 million in revenue. Shares added 3.2% on the day.
Tuesday's U.S. Economic Calendar (all times EDT)
San Francisco Fed Bank President John C. Williams speaks at 4:05 a.m.
Redbook at 8:55 a.m.
S&P Corelogic Case-Shiller HPI at 9 a.m.
Consumer Confidence at 10 a.m.
Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index at 10 a.m.
State Street Investor Confidence Index at 10 a.m.
Philadelphia Fed Bank President Patrick Harker Speaks at 11:15 a.m.
Four-Week Bill Auction at 11:30 a.m.
Five-Year Note Auction at 1 p.m.
Minneapolis Fed Reserve Bank President Neel Kashkari speaks at 5:30 p.m.
Garrett Baldwin is a globally recognized research economist, financial writer, consultant, and political risk analyst with decades of trading experience and degrees in economics, cybersecurity, and business from Johns Hopkins, Purdue, Indiana University, and Northwestern.