Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 5-to-4 ratio on the NYSE today (compared to the GT portfolio's massive 13-to-1 winning ratio), with 20 stocks hitting new 52-week highs and only seven stocks hitting fresh 52-week lows, while volume remained moderate.

·The major indices finished mixed, despite a tech-led morning selloff, with trade and growth fears still weighing on investor sentiment ahead of a massive week of economic releases and corporate earnings
·The tech sector and the Nasdaq still finished the day in the red as Nvidia (NVDA, -2%) and Google parent Alphabet (GOOG, -0.9%) fell, but the Dow showed relative strength, with the industrial average spearheading a late-day rally in stocks
·Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that it is up to China to de-escalate following this month's “tit-for-tat” tariff skirmish with the U.S., and, according to President Trump, talks between the two countries are already underway
·Small-caps continued to outperform the rest of the market following last week’s rally, with the Russell 2000 scoring an over-three-week high
·Treasury yields and the dollar dropped as hopes of a quick trade deal with China faded, with the benchmark 10-year yield closing well below the 4.25% level 

The main sectors diverged substantially throughout the session, but even the worst-performing sectors held on to most of their recent gains. Tech, communication services, and consumer stocks lost the most ground, with industrials also closing the day in the red, while materials, financials, and healthcare trod water. The rate-sensitive utilities and real estate sectors showed the most promise thanks to today's dip in rates, with energy stocks pushing higher as well despite crude oil's steep drop.

Traders said the market conditions continued to normalize today, despite the major indices' mixed performance. As one trader explained, “Even though the Volatility Index (VIX, +1.3%) edged higher today, the market continued to heal, with the key breadth measures all improving and stocks finishing near their intraday highs across the board.”

Q. Dear Gorilla, if a stock no longer shows up under Recent Special Situation Picks, does that mean the stock should no longer be considered for purchase or sold? I have noticed that the most recent SSP, Hallador Energy Company (HNRG, )has jumped out of the gate with quick gains. Thanks for your help.

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