Indices kicked off the week closing at new record highs on Monday, thanks in part to strong performance in Technology and M&A action. The following day, indices closed the session with mixed moves. The Dow hit a new record level while the S&P 500 and NASDAQ shed some points. West Texas Intermediate crude oil fell 1.3 percent to settle at $44.65 a barrel. In other news, Commerce Department numbers showed housing starts ramped up in June with new construction ticking up 4.8% to an annual rate of 1.19 million units, versus expectations of 1.17 million units. The Dow closed at a record high level on Wednesday on better-than-expected quarterly figures from Technology companies. The rally ended on Thursday with the three major indices closing in the red zone. National Association of Realtors data showed existing home sales ticked up 1.1% to an annual rate of 5.57 million units in June, versus economist expectations of 5.47 million units. Results returned to green on Friday with the S&P 500 closing at a record high level, despite West Texas Intermediate crude oil shedding 3.8% to settle at $44.19 a barrel.
