Dow Nabs Record Close, Shrugs Off Tech Sector Rotation

The Dow continued its mini-resurgence today, surging 559 points for a record close. The blue-chip index has added 940 points in the last two days. The S&P 500 finished higher as well for a third-straight win, while the Nasdaq sat out today's rally as investors rotated away from tech stocks and toward more cyclical names. Elsewhere, Wall Street's "fear gauge," the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), logged its third-straight loss and lowest close of the month.  

Continue reading for more on today's market, including:

• Streaming stock scores post-merger rally.
• Buy the dip on this eVTOL stock.
• Plus, two growth stocks in focus; and two people who could shape markets in 2026. 

Commodities Climb Amid Cautious Optimism

Oil prices moved confidently higher again today, as investors weigh Russia sanctions against oversupply concerns. December-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude added $1.05 cents, or 1.5%, to settle at $61.04 per barrel.

Gold prices stayed solid too, with government shutdown and interest rate optimism softening the appeal for safe-haven demand. December-dated gold futures finished up 0.1% to settle at $4,116.30 per ounce.