Dow Closed at Record for Sixth Straight Session

U.S. stocks ended mixed on Monday, with the Dow notching its sixth consecutive record close, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq finished lower. Surging oil prices helped support energy shares. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 39.58 points, or 0.20%, to 19,796.43. The S&P 500 dipped 2.57 points, or 0.11%, to 2,256.96. The Nasdaq Composite fell 31.96 points, or 0.59%, to 5,412.54.

Oil futures rallied to their highest close in nearly 17 months Monday, after more oil-producing nations agreed to slash production. January West Texas Intermediate crude climbed by $1.33, or 2.6%, to settle at $52.83 a barrel. February Brent crude added $1.36, or 2.5%, to $55.69 a barrel.

The U.S. budget deficit widened last month, highlighting the growing mismatch between government spending and revenues. The federal government ran a $136.65 billion deficit in November, the Treasury Department said Monday.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. (VRX) on Monday said three high-level executives are leaving the company, including the former chief financial officer.