Stock Market Update

[BRIEFING.COM] The S&P 500 (+0.3%), Nasdaq Composite (+0.6%), and DJIA (+0.1%) hold modest gains following a slight uptick in sector strength. 

Five S&P 500 sectors hold gains for the day, with three of those among the five sectors currently set to close the week in positive territory. 

The energy sector is a member of both groups, supported by crude oil futures settling today's session $0.39 higher (+0.6%) at $60.95 per barrel. 

Chevron (CVX 158.82, +5.30, +3.45%) is the sector's best performer after topping earnings estimates, while Exxon Mobil (XOM 114.65, -0.04, -0.03%) is flat after beating EPS estimates, missing on revenues, and raising its dividend.