Stocks Stall Despite Healthy Christmas Week Wins

It looks like investors may need to wait another week for a potential Santa Claus rally. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all finished lower today, succumbing to low-volume profit taking, snapping five-day win streaks. However, each of the three managed to secure a weekly win, while the S&P 500 marked an intraday record.

Despite managing a win for the first time in six sessions, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), or Wall Street's "fear gauge," remains in annual low territory. Elsewhere, silver prices climbed above $75 per ounce for the first time ever, while copper and platinum also rise. 

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

• Retail stock running headfirst into chart trouble.
• Covered calls: what they are and when to use them.
• Plus, Micron's erratic trading; and two biotech stocks in focus.

Weekly Wins as Safe-Haven Assets Cruise

Oil prices slumped again today, succumbing to geopolitical pressures as Ukraine President Zelensky prepares to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss a possible ceasefire with Russia. January-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude shed $1.05, or 1.8%, to close at $57.30 per barrel. For the week, black gold gained 0.4%. 

Gold gained with silver today, as safe-haven demand surges to records into the new year. February-dated gold added 1.3% to close at $4,559 per ounce. For the week, gold gained 4.5%.