Stocks were declining on Monday as concerns regarding Middle East tensions and weak retail holiday sales grew. In recent trade, the DOW was down 130.07 points (-1.54%), the S&P was losing 13.90 points (-1.59% and the NASDAQ 34.29 points (-2.24%). Bonds were gaining as traders sought safety, with the 2-year note up 10/32 to yield 0.749% and the 10-year up 21/32 to yield 2.065%.
Crude for February delivery was up 37 cents to $38.08 per barrel but was well off the high on $42.20. Gold for February delivery was up $6.60 to $877.80 per ounce, well off its daily high on $890.60.
The dollar was 0.74% lower against the euro on the day, but the single currency was well of the high made on 1.4361. The dollar had also lost 0.76% against the yen, but was up 0.87% on the pound.
"There are several daily charts that are making interesting technical formations," said Matthew Carniol, chief currency strategist at TheLFB-forex.com. "Gold, oil and EUR/USD are all showing bearish pin bars, so there could be some downward momentum seen over the next couple of days."