Dow -1.68 at 8577.43, Nasdaq -17.59 at 1546.73, S&P -6.33 at 881.55
[BRIEFING.COM] Stocks have pulled off their early morning lows, but weakness remains widespread as nine of the 10 economic sectors trade with a loss.
The energy sector (-0.1%) is trading modestly lower after oscillating along the unchanged mark. Its decline has been limited as investors react to off-and-on gains in crude oil futures, which are currently 0.2% lower at $42.25 per barrel. Crude futures prices have been gyrating this morning. Price movement is expected to remain relatively volatile since trading volume may likely be light, given the holiday schedule this week.
Metals are finding favor as gold gains 1.5% to trade at $848.50 per ounce. Gold has spent the entire session in positive territory, but is off earlier highs of $853.00 per ounce. Silver is up roughly 1.0% to $10.97 per ounce. Silver has also spent the entire session trading with a gain higher, and is off highs of $11.09 registered in overnight trade.
