2 PM Flash: S&P 500 Hits Fresh 7420 High as Oil Tops $98 and VIX Drops Below 18

This is your 2 PM Market Flash. The S&P 500 is trading at seven thousand four hundred twenty point zero four, up sixteen point nine nine points or zero point two three percent. The VIX is sharply lower at seventeen point five, down three point one zero percent as fear continues to fade. Gold is quoted at four thousand five hundred forty three point six dollars per ounce. WTI crude is pushing higher at ninety eight point zero one dollars a barrel amid ongoing Middle East supply concerns. Bitcoin is currently at seventy seven thousand three hundred ten point eight six dollars. Markets remain on edge after a disturbing development out of San Diego where authorities say the mosque shooters had planned to strike three separate targets according to a newly uncovered manifesto. The only human story we're following today. In the background, traders are watching crude's push above ninety eight dollars as tensions in the region remain elevated. Institutional flows continue to support the S&P as volatility collapses. We'll keep you posted on any policy or macro developments from the Fed. This is Miss Vicky from the Options Desk at VixShield, where it's not news till we talk about it.