The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.10%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.15%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.17%.  March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) are down -0.11%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) are down -0.17%. Stock indexes are slightly lower today as the market struggles for direction in thin year-end trading.  Higher bond yields are negative for stocks as the 10-year T-note yield is up +2 bp to 4.13%.  Losses in stocks are limited by s ...

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.24%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.09%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.24%.  March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) are down -0.28%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) are down -0.27%. Stock indexes are moving lower today, led by losses in megacap technology stocks.  Also, today's plunge in metals prices is weighing on mining stocks.  Lower bond yields are supportive of stocks, with the 10-year T-note yield falli ...

Group 1: Ukraine's Impact on Oil Prices - Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian refineries and oil infrastructure, leading to a reduction in Russian crude exports and tightening global oil supplies [1] - The attacks have halted approximately 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) of refining capacity, with significant damage reported at major refineries [1] - Ukrainian drone and missile strikes have reduced Russia's crude-processing runs to 4.98 million bpd, marking the lowest monthly average in over 3.25 years [1] Group 2: US Economic Indicators - Better-than-expected US economic data has supported energy demand and crude prices, with initial unemployment claims falling by 33,000 to 231,000 [2] - The Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey increased by 23.5 to an 8-month high of 23.2, surpassing expectations [2] Group 3: Global Oil Supply Concerns - The International Energy Agency (IEA) has raised its 2026 global crude surplus estimate to 3.33 million bpd, indicating a potential oversupply in the market [3] - OPEC+ has agreed to a modest increase in crude production by 137,000 bpd starting in October, which is less than previous increases [7] Group 4: US Oil Inventory and Production - US crude oil inventories as of September 12 were reported to be 4.7% below the seasonal 5-year average, indicating tighter supply [8] - US crude oil production fell by 0.1% week-over-week to 13.482 million bpd, slightly below the record high [8] Group 5: Active Oil Rigs - The number of active US oil rigs increased by 2 to 416 rigs, remaining just above a 4-year low [9]