Nasdaq Nabs 2nd-Straight Record Close, 4th-Straight Win

Stocks were a mixed bag Tuesday, as traders monitored Middle East developments closely.  Thanks to resurgent memory stocks like Sandisk (SNDK), the Nasdaq scored another record close and a fourth-straight win. Following its best single-day percentage gain in over a month, the S&P 500 finished virtually flat today,  while the Dow shed 185  points. Meanwhile, Wall Street's "fear gauge," the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) logged its lowest close of the year.

• 3 stocks that saw heavy put volume today. 
• Discussing short-term sentiment with Matthew Timpane, CMT.
• Plus, Circle backed by Binance; VKTX shares pop; RKLB reclaims key trendline.

5 Things to Know Today

1. Contrarian questions for the Dow 30.
2. Schaeffer's Weekly Options Countdown has a new deal running.
3. Binance invested $100M in Circle stock.
4. Positive drug trial boosted Viking Therapeutics stock.
5. Rocket Lab stock crossed over a key moving average.

Oil Extends Retreat on Middle East Promises

Crude oil prices moved lower for the fifth-straight session Tuesday, after President Trump reported a "very good meeting" with the Iran delegation, and hinted a resolution could come after the midterm elections. West Texas Intermediate crude shed just 1.2% to settle at $94.59 per barrel.

Gold prices also fell, while the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields gained slightly. December-dated futures dropped 0.9% to settle at $4,345.80 per ounce.