The markets were in "wait and see" mode as the Trump meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is just hours away in Singapore. All eyes are on this meeting, which helped draw focus away from the tense G-7 meeting. The Dow 30 was higher by 9, the S&P 500 closed up 3, and the Nasdaq 100 finished higher by 13.
Interest rates crept higher today as the Federal Reserve meeting starting tomorrow is expected to result in a quarter point rate increase. They are expected to cite strong economic numbers, like the recent jobs report, as reason to continue on their path of "normalizing."
Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) shares popped 1.2% today, trying to recover from its year long decline. An article from Barron's said that the stock was due to make a comeback following an incident in April where an engine blowout caused a passenger death. Though shares were higher on the day to start, technical traders noted how they closed well off their highs.
Shares of United Airlines (NYSE: UAL) are higher today thanks to a technical breakout. The company also got some media attention for their new helicopter service from Newark to Manhattan for a mere $2,000. To compliment their local marketing to get customers to travel from Newark Airport rather than JFK, the company is even offering a car service to the terminal. Shares have mostly traded sideways since March.