NYSE Dow Jones finished today at:

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -117.16 points or ▼ -0.65% on Thursday, 19 March 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,959.03 ▼ -117.16 ▼ -0.65%
Nasdaq____ 4,992.38 ▲ 9.55 ▲ 0.19%
S&P_500___ 2,089.27 ▼ -10.23 ▼ -0.49%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.54 ▲ 0.00 ▲ 0.08%

NYSE Volume 3,290,154,250
Nasdaq Volume 1,626,514,250

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,962.32 ▲ 17.12 ▲ 0.25%
DAX_____ 11,899.40 ▼ -23.37 ▼ -0.20%
CAC_40__ 5,037.18 ▲ 3.76 ▲ 0.07%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,912.50 ▲ 104.50 ▲ 1.80%
Shanghai_Comp 3,582.27 ▲ 4.97 ▲ 0.14%
Taiwan_Weight 9,736.73 ▲ 83.30 ▲ 0.86%
Nikkei_225___ 19,476.56 ▼ -67.92 ▼ -0.35%
Hang_Seng.__ 24,468.89 ▲ 348.81 ▲ 1.45%
Strait_Times.__ 3,386.16 ▲ 24.41 ▲ 0.73%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,859.40 ▲ 12.74 ▲ 0.22%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stock-market-sinks-price-155627320.html

US stock market sinks as price of crude oil resumes a slide

US stocks slip as oil price fades, bringing down energy sector; Apple joins Dow industrials
Associated Press
By Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Another drop in oil prices helped drive the stock market to a loss on Thursday, as major indexes gave up their gains from the day before. Chevron, Exxon Mobil and other energy companies led stocks down.

Benchmark U.S. oil sank 70 cents to close at $43.96 a barrel in New York, extending a slump that has slashed prices by more than half over the past year.

"Given the big drop that we've had the big question is, when does oil hit bottom?" said Jeff Carbone, a senior partner at Cornerstone Financial Partners in Charlotte, North Carolina. "I don't think oil will bottom out until a company or a country flinches and cuts production. Right now producers are still pumping as much as they can."

It was Apple's first day as a member of the Dow Jones industrial average, as the maker of iPhones, iPads and other gadgets replaced AT&T. Goldman Sachs also took Visa's title as the most expensive stock among the blue chips. Because the Dow weighs its 30 companies by their share price instead of their market value, a stock split for Visa pushed the payment processor off its perch.

The Standard & Poor's 500 fell 10.23 points, or 0.5 percent, to 2,089.27.

The Dow Jones industrial average lost 117.16 points, or 0.6 percent, to 17,959.03. The Nasdaq composite rose 9.55 points, or 0.2 percent, to 4,992.38.

The economic news out Thursday gave investors little encouragement to drive stocks up. An index aimed at gauging the economy's momentum rose by a slight amount for a second straight month, and the number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits held steady. The Labor Department reported that weekly applications for unemployment aid edged up by 1,000 to 291,000 last week.

Phil Orlando, chief equity strategist at Federated Investors, thinks the market could hit a rough patch soon, with the S&P 500 sliding 5 percent or more in the coming months. "Why do we think that? Because what hit the fourth quarter hit in the first quarter: the stronger dollar, the decline in energy prices and the weather."

Any turbulence shouldn't last long, Orlando said, arguing that low gas prices could lead to a surge in consumer spending later in the year. "At some point, people have to say maybe energy prices will stay low and so we'll ratchet up our spending," he said.

The stock market surged Wednesday after the Federal Reserve signaled that it wasn't in a hurry to raise interest rates. Years of ultra-low rates has helped lift stock and bond prices by keeping the cost of borrowing cheap. The Fed has held its benchmark interest rate close to zero since 2008.

Major markets in Europe were mixed. Germany's DAX fell 0.2 percent, while France's CAC 40 edged up 0.1 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.2 percent.

Back in the U.S., Nucor, a steel company, cut its forecast for quarterly earnings, blaming rising imports for driving steel prices down. Nucor plunged $3.17, or 6 percent, to $46.10.

Transocean announced late Wednesday that it would scrap four drilling rigs that it had tried to sell, requiring the company to take a charge against its earnings. Transocean sank $1.09, or 7 percent, to $14.16.

Prices for U.S. government bond prices slipped, nudging yields up. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 1.97 percent from 1.92 percent on Wednesday.

In the commodity markets, precious and industrial metals settled with strong gains. Gold rose $17.70 to $1,169 an ounce, while silver jumped 57 cents to $16.11 an ounce. Copper added nine cents to $2.66 a pound.

Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, fell $1.48 to close at $54.43 in London.

In other futures trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange:

”” Wholesale gasoline fell 2.5 cents to close at $1.774 a gallon.

”” Heating oil fell 5.1 cents to close at $1.722 a gallon.

”” Natural gas fell 10.7 cents to close at $2.813 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 168.62 points or ▲ 0.94% on Friday, 20 March 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,127.65 ▲ 168.62 ▲ 0.94%
Nasdaq____ 5,026.42 ▲ 34.04 ▲ 0.68%
S&P_500___ 2,108.10 ▲ 18.83 ▲ 0.90%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.50 ▼ -0.03 ▼ -1.38%

NYSE Volume 5,554,799,000
Nasdaq Volume 2,774,743,500

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,022.51 ▲ 60.19 ▲ 0.86%
DAX_____ 12,039.37 ▲ 139.97 ▲ 1.18%
CAC_40__ 5,087.49 ▲ 50.31 ▲ 1.00%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,936.30 ▲ 23.80 ▲ 0.40%
Shanghai_Comp 3,617.32 ▲ 35.05 ▲ 0.98%
Taiwan_Weight 9,749.69 ▲ 12.96 ▲ 0.13%
Nikkei_225___ 19,560.22 ▲ 83.66 ▲ 0.43%
Hang_Seng.__ 24,375.24 ▼ -93.65 ▼ -0.38%
Strait_Times.__ 3,412.44 ▲ 26.28 ▲ 0.78%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,871.38 ▲ 11.97 ▲ 0.20%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-rise-rebound-oil-141218978.html

US stocks rise on rebound in oil, strong company results

US stocks turn higher as oil rebounds; Nike, Darden report strong results
Associated Press
By Ken Sweet, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks advanced Friday, capping a strong week, helped by a recovery in the price of oil and earnings from Olive Garden owner Darden Restaurants and sportswear giant Nike.

The Nasdaq composite index inched closer to its all-time high set at the height of the dot-com bubble.

Once again, it was the Federal Reserve affecting much of this week's market movement. The Fed implied at the end of its two-day meeting Wednesday that its policymakers were in no hurry to raise interest rates with the U.S. economy still growing slowly and inflation extremely low. Friday's rally was partly an extension of that, strategists said.

"The trepidation in the market before the Fed announcement has disappeared," said Kristina Hooper, U.S. investment strategist at Allianz Global Investments.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 168.62 points, or 0.9 percent, to 18,127.65. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 18.79 points, or 0.9 percent, to 2,108.06 and the Nasdaq composite added 34.04 points, or 0.7 percent, to 5,026.42.

The Nasdaq closed 22 points from the record high of 5,048 it set in March 2000. It has taken the Nasdaq 15 years to recover from the dot-com bubble, while the S&P 500 and Dow recovered their losses in 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Dow member Nike was among the biggest gainers Friday, rising $3.66, or 3.7 percent, to $101.98. Nike's results beat expectations, but investors focused more on the fact that foreign sales remain strong despite the rising dollar and overseas market volatility.

The rapid rise in the dollar has been a particular sore spot for investors. The dollar is up more than 8 percent against the major currencies this year, which makes goods made in the U.S. more expensive abroad and has had a direct negative impact on sales. The dollar rose to 120.09 yen from 120.76 yen Thursday. The euro rose to $1.0809 from $1.0668 the previous day.

The latest example was jewelry maker Tiffany & Co., which cut its full-year profit forecast, saying the higher dollar was making its products less attractive to foreign buyers. Tiffany's stock fell $3.44, or 4 percent, to $82.93.

"The dollar's appreciation has been rapid and it's become a problem for many of these companies who have significant exposure to foreign markets," said Russ Koesterich, BlackRock's global chief investment strategist.

Oil also helped the market Friday. After dropping more than 3 percent Thursday, U.S. benchmark oil for April delivery jumped $1.76, or 4 percent, to $45.72 a barrel. Energy stocks rose far more than the rest of the market. The S&P 500's energy sector gained 2 percent.

Oil ended a volatile week up 2 percent even after dropping to its lowest level in six years on Tuesday. Oil inventories are at record highs, but the number of rigs drilling for oil is falling fast and a sliding U.S. dollar is making oil a more attractive investment to overseas buyers.

Brent crude, the international standard, rose 89 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $55.32 a barrel.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

— Wholesale gasoline rose 2.4 cents to close at $1.798 a gallon.

— Heating oil rose 1.2 cents to close at $1.734 a gallon.

— Natural gas fell 2.7 cents to close at $2.786 per 1,000 cubic feet.

In the metals markets, precious and industrial metals futures rose. Gold gained $15.60 to $1,184.60 an ounce, silver jumped 77 cents to $16.88 an ounce and copper rose 10 cents to $2.76 a pound.

U.S. government bond prices rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 1.93 percent from 1.97 percent late Thursday.

9078

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -11.61 points or ▼ -0.06% on Monday, 23 March 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,116.04 ▼ -11.61 ▼ -0.06%
Nasdaq____ 5,010.97 ▼ -15.44 ▼ -0.31%
S&P_500___ 2,104.42 ▼ -3.68 ▼ -0.17%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.51 ▲ 0.00 ▲ 0.20%

NYSE Volume 3,223,018,500
Nasdaq Volume 1,580,743,880

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,037.67 ▲ 75.35 ▲ 1.08%
DAX_____ 11,895.84 ▼ -143.53 ▼ -1.19%
CAC_40__ 5,054.52 ▼ -32.97 ▼ -0.65%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,921.00 ▼ -15.30 ▼ -0.26%
Shanghai_Comp 3,687.73 ▲ 70.41 ▲ 1.95%
Taiwan_Weight 9,758.09 ▲ 8.40 ▲ 0.09%
Nikkei_225___ 19,754.36 ▲ 194.14 ▲ 0.99%
Hang_Seng.__ 24,494.51 ▲ 119.27 ▲ 0.49%
Strait_Times.__ 3,414.61 ▲ 2.17 ▲ 0.06%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,875.23 ▲ 3.85 ▲ 0.07%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stock-market-starts-week-204719882.html

US stock market starts the week with a small loss

US stocks start week with small losses; Nasdaq slips after flirting with record last week
Associated Press
By Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- A late turn pulled the stock market to a loss on Monday, as major indexes wavered following a strong run last week.

Kansas City Southern slumped 8 percent, the biggest fall in the Standard & Poor's 500 index, after the railroad operator trimmed its revenue estimates, pointing to falling fuel prices and the strengthening dollar. Its stock lost $9.21 to $106.48.

Major indexes started higher in morning trading, settled into an afternoon lull, then dipped down in the last 10 minutes of trading.

The S&P 500 fell 3.68 points, or 0.2 percent, to close at 2,104.42.

The Dow Jones industrial average lost 11.61 points, or 0.1 percent, to 18,116.04 while the Nasdaq composite slipped 15.44 points, or 0.3 percent, to 5,010.97.

Traders kept tabs on a meeting in Europe between the leaders of Greece and Germany for signs of progress in Greece's debt negotiations. Greece faces a cash crunch in the coming weeks and is in talks with its European lenders on what steps it must take to receive more loans. Greece's Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, committed to keeping a dialogue open on reforms that would qualify Greece for urgently-needed rescue loans.

Brad McMillan, chief investment officer at Commonwealth Financial, said he expects the market to head higher over the coming months because there appears to be nothing on the horizon capable of knocking it off course. Investors have pushed the S&P 500 to all-time highs despite concerns over Europe's sluggish economy and slumping oil prices.

"Greece hasn't pulled it down, deflation hasn't pulled it down," McMillan said. "Unless the Federal Reserve says it's going to raise interest rates in June, I just can't see what's going to pull it down."

Last week, the S&P 500 jumped nearly 3 percent, its biggest weekly gain since early February. Investors cheered Wednesday when the Federal Reserve said that it was in no hurry to raise interest rates with inflation low.

Among other companies making moves, Gilead Sciences dropped following reports that the pharmaceutical company told physicians that nine patients taking its hepatitis C treatments developed slow heartbeats and that one died. Gilead slid $2.03, or 2 percent, to $100.26.

Tenet Healthcare surged 5 percent following news that the health care services company plans to launch a new hospital venture with a private equity firm. The company's stock gained $2.45, or 5 percent, to $52.07.

Major markets in Europe ended mixed. Germany's DAX lost 1.2 percent and France's CAC 40 shed 0.7 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 picked up 0.2 percent.

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 finished with a gain of 1 percent. In China, the Shanghai Composite Index surged 2 percent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.5 percent.

Back in the U.S., bond prices inched up, sending yields down. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note slipped to 1.91 percent from 1.93 percent late Friday.

In commodity trading, prices for precious and industrial metals climbed higher. Gold rose $3.10 to settle at $1,187.70 an ounce, while silver picked up a penny to $16.89 an ounce. Copper added 3 cents to $2.79.

The price of oil edged up amid signs that the growth in U.S. supply may be slowing. Benchmark U.S. crude rose 88 cents to close at $47.45 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, added 60 cents to close at $55.92 in London.

In other futures trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange:

”” Wholesale gasoline rose 0.6 cent to close at $1.804 a gallon.

”” Heating oil fell 0.3 cent to close at $1.731 a gallon.

”” Natural gas fell 5.3 cents to close at $2.733 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -104.9 points or ▼ -0.58% on Tuesday, 24 March 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,011.14 ▼ -104.90 ▼ -0.58%
Nasdaq____ 4,994.73 ▼ -16.25 ▼ -0.32%
S&P_500___ 2,091.50 ▼ -12.92 ▼ -0.61%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.47 ▼ -0.04 ▼ -1.71%

NYSE Volume 3,190,437,500
Nasdaq Volume 1,580,164,250

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,019.68 ▼ -17.99 ▼ -0.26%
DAX_____ 12,005.69 ▲ 109.85 ▲ 0.92%
CAC_40__ 5,088.28 ▲ 33.76 ▲ 0.67%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,934.50 ▲ 13.50 ▲ 0.23%
Shanghai_Comp 3,691.41 ▲ 3.68 ▲ 0.10%
Taiwan_Weight 9,731.66 ▼ -26.43 ▼ -0.27%
Nikkei_225___ 19,713.45 ▼ -40.91 ▼ -0.21%
Hang_Seng.__ 24,399.60 ▼ -94.91 ▼ -0.39%
Strait_Times.__ 3,414.60 ▲ 4.47 ▲ 0.13%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,870.54 ▼ -4.69 ▼ -0.08%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-decline-investors-assess-205748229.html

US stocks decline as investors assess economy, earnings

US stocks drop on economic and earnings news; Home builders gain on strong February sales
Associated Press
By Steve Rothwell, AP Markets Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- U.S. stocks dropped Tuesday as investors weighed company news and the latest report on consumer prices.

Signs that the dollar could resume its recent surge also made investors nervous.

Homebuilders bucked the trend, gaining after sales of new U.S. homes in February climbed to their fastest pace in seven years.

The stock market has drifted lower for two straight days. The declines follow a rally in the market last week when Federal Reserve policy makers surprised investors by suggesting they were in no hurry to raise interest rates. Those low rates have helped power a six-year bull run for stocks.

"We're in something of a holding pattern as markets continue to digest all that's going on," said Kristina Hooper, U.S. investment strategist at Allianz Global Investors.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 12.92 points, or 0.6 percent, to 2,091.50 Tuesday. The Dow slipped 104.90 points, or 0.6 percent, to 18,011.14. The Nasdaq composite fell 16.25 points, or 0.3 percent, to 4,994.73.

Stocks were little changed throughout the morning before drifting lower in the afternoon.

The slump in stocks coincided with a rally in the dollar. The U.S. currency had started the day lower against the euro before erasing those losses.

The dollar index, which measures the strength of the U.S. currency against a basket of others such as the euro and Japanese yen, has climbed 15 percent in the last six months.

That rise has already weighed on the earnings of companies such as Coca-Cola and Caterpillar that rely on overseas sales for a large portion of their earnings. S&P 500 companies start reporting results for the first quarter next month.

"The dollar overall is something that everyone is watching, everyone is nervous about it, with earnings season coming up," said JJ Kinahan, chief market strategist at TD Ameritrade.

In other economic news, a modest rebound in gas costs and broad gains in other categories lifted consumer prices for the first time in four months. The consumer price index rose 0.2 percent in February, the Labor Department said Tuesday, after dropping 0.7 percent the previous month.

Utilities declined the most of the 10 industry sectors in the S&P 500. They are the worst performing group in the index this year, falling 5.8 percent.

These stocks typically pay dividends that are high relative to their companies' share prices. They were in demand last year, when government bond yields fell, and investors wanted them for the level of income they were no longer able to get from bonds.

Now, they are less popular because many investors think that the Fed will raise interest rates later this year. That means that the yield on safer bonds should eventually rise, making utilities less attractive by comparison.

"Your real vulnerability is on the stock side," said Jeff Lancaster, a principal of San Francisco-based Bingham, Osborn & Scarborough. "You can lose more money in a day in stocks than you can in a bad year on bonds."

Among individual stocks, mining company Freeport-McMoRan Inc. fell after it said it would slash its quarterly dividend by 84 percent due to falling commodity prices The company's stock fell 15 cents, or 0.8 percent, to $19.18.

Home builders were among the gainers on Tuesday, after the Commerce Department said that new-home sales shot up 7.8 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 539,000, the strongest performance since February 2008.

PulteGroup rose 40 cents, or 2 percent, to $21.94. Beazer Homes climbed 36 cents, also 2 percent, to $17.57.

In energy trading, the price of U.S. crude rose slightly as traders anticipated the release of weekly supply information. Benchmark U.S. crude rose 6 cents to close at $47.51 a barrel in New York.

Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, fell 81 cents to close at $55.11 in London. The price slipped on weak Chinese manufacturing data that suggested lower global demand.

Prices rose in government bond trading, pushing down the yield on the 10-year Treasury note to 1.87 percent from 1.91 percent late Monday.

The dollar gained against the euro and the Japanese yen. Against the euro, the U.S. currency traded at $1.0924, and against the yen it climbed to 119.72.

In metal trading, gold rose $3.70, or 0.3 percent, to $1,191.40 an ounce. Silver gained 9.2 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $16.98 an ounce. Copper climbed 1.4 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $2.83 per pound.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX, wholesale gasoline fell 0.4 cent to close at $1.800 a gallon. Heating oil fell 2.4 cents to close at $1.707 a gallon. Natural gas rose 5.3 cents to close at $2.786 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -292.6 points or ▼ -1.62% on Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,718.54 ▼ -292.60 ▼ -1.62%
Nasdaq____ 4,876.52 ▼ -118.21 ▼ -2.37%
S&P_500___ 2,061.05 ▼ -30.45 ▼ -1.46%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.50 ▲ 0.03 ▲ 1.42%

NYSE Volume 3,456,585,500
Nasdaq Volume 2,141,739,750

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,990.97 ▼ -28.71 ▼ -0.41%
DAX_____ 11,865.32 ▼ -140.37 ▼ -1.17%
CAC_40__ 5,020.99 ▼ -67.29 ▼ -1.32%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,937.10 ▲ 2.60 ▲ 0.04%
Shanghai_Comp 3,660.73 ▼ -30.68 ▼ -0.83%
Taiwan_Weight 9,667.83 ▼ -63.83 ▼ -0.66%
Nikkei_225___ 19,746.20 ▲ 32.75 ▲ 0.17%
Hang_Seng.__ 24,528.23 ▲ 128.63 ▲ 0.53%
Strait_Times.__ 3,417.62 ▲ 4.36 ▲ 0.13%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,857.78 ▼ -12.76 ▼ -0.22%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-market-indexes-slump-extending-201400813.html

US market indexes slump, extending declines to a 3rd day

Dow, S&P 500 indexes extend a decline to a 3rd day; Kraft soars on news of Heinz acquisition
Associated Press
By Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Investors dumped high-flying technology and biotech companies and sent the stock market down for a third straight day Wednesday.

Major indexes drifted lower in early trading, following news that orders for long-lasting U.S. goods sank last month. The selling gathered strength in the afternoon, with companies like Avago Technologies and Skyworks Solutions losing the most.

Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Avalon Partners, a New York brokerage, said the market's fall was driven by big investors selling some of their winnings before the first quarter closes next week. The drop in factory orders also raised concerns that a slowdown in economic activity could continue.

"A weak first quarter could spill into the second quarter," Cardillo said, "and that probably leads to a poor earnings season."

The Standard & Poor's 500 index lost 30.45 points, or 1.5 percent, to 2,061.05. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 292.60 points, or 1.6 percent, to 17,718.54, while the Nasdaq composite fell 118.21 points, or 2.4 percent, to 4,876.52.

It was the worst day for stocks since March 10, when speculation over the Federal Reserve's plans to raise interest rates helped knock the S&P 500 down 1.7 percent.

Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at BMO Private Bank, said he thinks it's going to be tough for the market to sustain a strong run higher. Major indexes still trade near record highs reached at the start of the month, even though analysts expect earnings to shrink in the first half of the year. That makes the typical stock look pricey.

"We're going to have a difficult time continuing to make new highs if the underlying economy isn't following the direction of the market," he said. "At some point we're going to hit the intersection of reality and expectations."

Before the market opened on Wednesday, the Commerce Department reported that orders to U.S. factories for long-lasting manufactured goods fell in February for the third time in four months. Demand for commercial aircraft, cars and machinery waned.

"You can put this durables report into your Surprise Index as it missed market expectations," said Christopher Rupkey, chief financial economist at MUFG Union Bank, in a note to clients. "But more importantly it is another piece of data that shows the real GDP economy is running 2 percent and not 3 percent."

Among companies making big moves, H.J. Heinz and Kraft Foods announced plans to merge in a deal that would create one of the world's largest food companies. The merger was engineered by Heinz's owners, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway and Brazilian investment firm 3G Capital, and still needs a nod from federal regulators and Kraft shareholders. Kraft's stock shot up $21.85, or 36 percent, to $83.17.

Apollo Education Group turned in a quarterly loss as enrollment fell at its for-profit University of Phoenix. The company's stock plunged $7.95, or 28 percent, to $20.04.

Major indexes closed with losses across Europe. Germany's DAX dropped 1.2 percent and France's CAC 40 lost 1.3 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 sank 0.4 percent.

U.S. government bond prices fell, pushing the yield on the 10-year Treasury note up to 1.93 percent.

In the commodity markets, gold rose $5.60 to settle at $1,197 an ounce and silver inched up 2 cents to $17 an ounce. Copper slipped a penny to $2.79 a pound.

The price of U.S. crude rose amid concerns of spreading turmoil in the Middle East after Saudi Arabia reportedly began amassing troops near its border with strife-torn Yemen. Benchmark U.S. crude rose $1.70 to close at $49.21 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, rose $1.37 a barrel to close at $56.48 a barrel in London.

In other trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange:

”” Wholesale gasoline rose 3.7 cents to close at $1.837 a gallon.

”” Heating oil rose 2.1 cents to close at $1.728 a gallon.

”” Natural gas fell 6.3 cents to close at $2.723 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -40.31 points or ▼ -0.23% on Thursday, 26 March 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,678.23 ▼ -40.31 ▼ -0.23%
Nasdaq____ 4,863.36 ▼ -13.16 ▼ -0.27%
S&P_500___ 2,056.15 ▼ -4.90 ▼ -0.24%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.60 ▲ 0.10 ▲ 3.96%

NYSE Volume 3,510,848,500
Nasdaq Volume 1,949,515,000

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,895.33 ▼ -95.64 ▼ -1.37%
DAX_____ 11,843.68 ▼ -21.64 ▼ -0.18%
CAC_40__ 5,006.35 ▼ -14.64 ▼ -0.29%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,849.70 ▼ -87.40 ▼ -1.47%
Shanghai_Comp 3,682.10 ▲ 21.37 ▲ 0.58%
Taiwan_Weight 9,619.12 ▼ -48.71 ▼ -0.50%
Nikkei_225___ 19,471.12 ▼ -275.08 ▼ -1.39%
Hang_Seng.__ 24,497.08 ▼ -31.15 ▼ -0.13%
Strait_Times.__ 3,431.59 ▲ 12.57 ▲ 0.37%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,833.17 ▼ -24.61 ▼ -0.42%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-fall-4th-straight-204825577.html

US stocks fall for a 4th straight day; price of oil surges

US stocks fall for a 4th straight day; oil prices surge as conflict escalates in Yemen
Associated Press
By Ken Sweet, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- A see-saw day for U.S. stocks ended with slight losses on Thursday, giving the market its fourth drop in a row.

Edgy investors continue to monitor violence in the Middle East and the rapid ascent of the U.S. dollar, which is causing companies to pull back their profit forecasts for the year.

After hitting record highs earlier this month, stocks have been steadily declining this week. Strategists and traders said the strong dollar, geopolitical tensions and a market that is already expensive have given investors little impetus to buy in recent days.

"We have been due for a pullback," said Brad Sorensen of the Schwab Center for Financial Research. "The markets have been focused on the Fed (potentially raising interest rates) and the impact of a stronger dollar."

The Dow Jones industrial average lost 40.31 points, or 0.2 percent, to 17,678.23. The Standard & Poor's 500 index lost 4.90 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,056.15 and the Nasdaq composite fell 13.16 points, or 0.3 percent, to 4,863.36.

The market has fallen every day this week, bringing the S&P 500 index and the Dow down 2.5 percent each and erasing their gains for the year. The Nasdaq composite has dropped even more this week, 3.2 percent, as traders targeted high-flying biotech companies for heavy selling. The Nasdaq is still up 2.7 percent for the year.

Most of the action Thursday was in energy markets. The price of oil rose sharply as mounting tensions in Yemen got traders worried that the flow of crude from the Persian Gulf region could be disrupted. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states launched strikes on military installations in Yemen in an effort to oust Shiite rebels that forced the country's embattled president to flee.

U.S. crude rose $2.22, or 4.5 percent, to close at $51.43 a barrel in New York. U.S. crude oil has jumped 17 percent since hitting a low of $43.96 a barrel a week ago. It was the first time the benchmark U.S. oil contract closed at $50 or higher since March 9.

Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, rose $2.71, or 4.8 percent, to close at $59.19 a barrel in London.

"The conflict has the potential to act as a drag on oil supplies as most oil tankers from Arab producers must pass by the Yemen coastline in order to get through the Red Sea and Suez Canal," said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA.

The rise in oil was not enough to lift battered energy stocks. The energy sector in the S&P 500 index ended the day down 0.2 percent.

For most investors, the main focus remains the U.S. dollar. The U.S. currency has appreciated 8 percent in the past three months. A stronger dollar tends to make U.S.-made goods more expensive abroad, making it more difficult for U.S. companies to compete.

"The dollar is going to be a drag on company earnings, at least temporarily," said Stephen Freedman, a strategist at UBS Wealth Management Research.

On Thursday, the euro fell to $1.0885 against the dollar, while the dollar declined to 119.18 Japanese yen.

The full impact of the dollar's appreciation will likely be seen early next month, when U.S. companies start reporting their quarterly results. Already some, like the jewelry maker Tiffany, have said the higher dollar has crimped profits.

Alcoa, the aluminum company, will issue its results April 8.

In the bond market, prices for U.S. government bonds fell. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to an even 2 percent from 1.93 percent the day before.

In metals trading, gold rose $7.80 to $1,204.80 an ounce, silver rose 14 cents to $17.14 an ounce and copper rose two cents to $2.81 a pound.

Wholesale gasoline rose 4.5 cents to close at $1.882 a gallon. Heating oil rose 5.9 cents to close at $1.788 a gallon. Natural gas fell 5.1 cents to close at $2.672 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 34.43 points or ▲ 0.19% on Friday, 27 March 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,712.66 ▲ 34.43 ▲ 0.19%
Nasdaq____ 4,891.22 ▲ 27.86 ▲ 0.57%
S&P_500___ 2,061.02 ▲ 4.87 ▲ 0.24%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.53 ▼ -0.07 ▼ -2.81%

NYSE Volume 2,977,894,250
Nasdaq Volume 1,652,377,120

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,855.02 ▼ -40.31 ▼ -0.58%
DAX_____ 11,868.33 ▲ 24.65 ▲ 0.21%
CAC_40__ 5,034.06 ▲ 27.71 ▲ 0.55%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,888.90 ▲ 39.20 ▲ 0.67%
Shanghai_Comp 3,691.10 ▲ 9.00 ▲ 0.24%
Taiwan_Weight 9,503.72 ▼ -115.40 ▼ -1.20%
Nikkei_225___ 19,285.63 ▼ -185.49 ▼ -0.95%
Hang_Seng.__ 24,486.20 ▼ -10.88 ▼ -0.04%
Strait_Times.__ 3,450.10 ▲ 18.51 ▲ 0.54%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,854.25 ▲ 21.08 ▲ 0.36%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/stocks-close-slight-gains-still-203046008.html

Stocks close with slight gains, but still end the week lower

US stocks edge higher after a tough week; oil slumps after a sharp gain the day before
Associated Press
By Ken Sweet, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- A tough week on the stock market ended quietly Friday.

Major indexes notched modest gains, not nearly enough to make up for the four previous days of losses. It wound up being the second-worst week for the market so far this year.

The Dow Jones industrial average remains down slightly for 2015, and the Standard & Poor's 500 index is essentially flat.

There was no one major catalyst to move the market one way or another Friday. Biotechnology stocks, battered over the last week, were among the top gainers, while energy stocks lagged as the price of oil fell.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 34.43 points, or 0.2 percent, to 17,712.66. The S&P 500 rose 4.87 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,061.02 and the Nasdaq composite rose 27.86 points, or 0.6 percent, to 4,891.22.

Stocks fell most of the week due to a combination of weaker-than-expected economic data and concerns that the rapid rise of the dollar may crimp U.S. corporate earnings. Companies start releasing their first-quarter results next month.

The biggest sell-off came on Wednesday, when a report showed orders at U.S. factories for long-lasting manufactured goods fell in February, the latest disappointing data suggesting the U.S. economy has hit a soft patch. The Dow plunged nearly 300 points that day.

The question is whether the U.S. economy is really slowing down or whether the phenomenon can be blamed on the nasty winter weather. In addition to first-quarter earnings reports, investors will also be watching the Labor Department's monthly job markets survey, due out April 3, for insight into how the economy is doing.

"I'm trying to be as forward-looking as possible here. Clearly the weather had some sort of impact this quarter, but I still believe U.S. economic growth is strong," said Scott Wren, a global equity strategist at Wells Fargo Advisors.

The turmoil in Yemen has caused heightened volatility in oil markets this week as well. The tensions have erupted into a regional conflict, with Saudi Arabia and its allies bombing Shiite rebels allied with Iran, while Egyptian officials said a ground assault will follow the airstrikes. Iran denounced the Saudi-led air campaign, calling it "a dangerous step."

While the price of U.S. crude fell sharply Friday, it still finished much higher for week, up more than 10 percent. It was the biggest weekly gain for oil since March 2009.

Benchmark U.S. crude fell 5 percent, or $2.56, to close at $48.87 a barrel in New York. U.S. crude finished last week at $45.72. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, fell 7 cents to close at $56.41 in London.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

— Wholesale gasoline fell 8.4 cents to close at $1.798 a gallon.

— Heating oil fell 5.8 cents to close at $1.728 a gallon.

— Natural gas fell 8.2 cents to close at $2.590 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Prices for U.S. government bonds rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 1.96 percent from 1.99 percent late Thursday.

In the metals market, gold fell $5 to $1,299.80 an ounce, silver fell seven cents to $17.07 an ounce and copper fell four cents to $2.77 an ounce.

9794

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 263.65 points or ▲ 1.49% on Monday, 30 March 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,976.31 ▲ 263.65 ▲ 1.49%
Nasdaq____ 4,947.44 ▲ 56.22 ▲ 1.15%
S&P_500___ 2,086.24 ▲ 25.22 ▲ 1.22%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.56 ▲ 0.03 ▲ 1.15%

NYSE Volume 2,917,815,500
Nasdaq Volume 1,750,127,380

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,891.43 ▲ 36.41 ▲ 0.53%
DAX_____ 12,086.01 ▲ 217.68 ▲ 1.83%
CAC_40__ 5,083.52 ▲ 49.46 ▲ 0.98%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,816.30 ▼ -72.60 ▼ -1.23%
Shanghai_Comp 3,786.57 ▲ 95.47 ▲ 2.59%
Taiwan_Weight 9,521.87 ▲ 18.15 ▲ 0.19%
Nikkei_225___ 19,411.40 ▲ 125.77 ▲ 0.65%
Hang_Seng.__ 24,855.12 ▲ 368.92 ▲ 1.51%
Strait_Times.__ 3,454.26 ▲ 4.16 ▲ 0.12%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,821.29 ▼ -32.96 ▼ -0.56%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/stocks-gain-encouraging-signs-spending-200924713.html

Stocks gain on encouraging signs in spending and home sales

US market indexes close higher following encouraging reports on US home sales and spending
Associated Press
By Alex Veiga, AP Business Writer

Encouraging U.S. economic data and a batch of corporate deals put investors in a buying mood Monday, sending stocks sharply higher.

The broad rally nudged the Dow Jones industrial average back into positive territory for the year after a rough stretch for the market most of last week.

Traders welcomed a government report showing that consumer spending and incomes rose in February. Another report hinted at strong start to the spring buying season.

Energy stocks were among the biggest gainers, bucking a slide in the price of crude oil. Several drugmakers soared on merger news.

"You had all the elements today for a positive market," said Quincy Krosby, market strategist for Prudential Financial.

The Dow rose 263.65 points, or 1.5 percent, to 17,976.31. The 30-company index was up as much as 295 points. It's now up 0.9 percent for the year.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 25.22 points, or 1.2 percent, to 2,086.24, while the Nasdaq composite gained 56.22 points, or 1.2 percent, to 4,947.44. Both indexes are also up for the year.

Investors have their eye on economic data as they look ahead to the next round of corporate earnings, beginning next week. While a clutch of weaker-than-expected data sent the market lower much of last week, positive economic news got Monday's rally going early.

In Europe, a survey from the European Commission showed that economic sentiment across the 19-country eurozone was at its highest level since July 2011. In Asia, Chinese stocks soared on hopes of more economic stimulus.

In the U.S., the government said that consumer spending edged up 0.1 percent in February following two straight monthly declines, while consumers' incomes rose a solid 0.4 percent. The National Association of Realtors reported that its index of pending home sales rose to its highest level since June 2013.

"Today's data suggest that the economy is going to be stronger in the next quarter starting in April," Krosby said.

Expectations that any increase in the Federal Reserve's key interest rate this year will be gradual also helped lift the market. On Friday, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said in a speech that continued improvement in the U.S. economy means an increase in the Fed's key interest rate could come later this year, but would likely be gradual.

"The market takes some confidence in that," said Erik Davidson, chief investment officer for Wells Fargo Private Bank.

All told, the 10 sectors in the S&P 500 rose, with energy stocks notching the biggest gain. The sector rose 2.1 percent. It's still down 2.7 percent for the year. Analog Devices led all stocks in the S&P 500, climbing $5.97, or 10.2 percent, to $64.81.

Investors bid up several health care companies and drugmakers involved in deals.

UnitedHealth Group jumped 2.5 percent after the insurer agreed to buy pharmacy benefits manager Catamaran. Shares in UnitedHealth Group added $2.99 to $121. Catamaran vaulted 23.8 percent, adding $11.51 to $59.83.

Auspex Pharmaceuticals soared 41.5 percent after it agreed to be acquired by Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries for about $3.2 billion in cash. Auspex gained $29.45 to $100.36.

Horizon Pharma climbed 18.2 percent on news it is buying Hyperion Therapeutics for $1.1 billion. Horizon gained $3.97 to $25.78. Hyperion added $3.24, or 7.6 percent, to $45.98.

The price of oil fell slightly ahead of Tuesday's deadline for negotiators to reach a general agreement to curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange for an easing of sanctions.

If it appears that more Iranian crude could eventually come on the market, prices could fall. U.S. oil fell 19 cents to $48.68 a barrel. Brent crude, a benchmark for many international oils imported by U.S. refineries, slipped 12 cents to $56.29 a barrel.

In other futures trading:

”” Wholesale gasoline was unchanged at $1.80 a gallon

”” Heating oil was unchanged at $1.73 a gallon

”” Natural gas rose 0.5 cent to $2.644 per 1,000 cubic feet

Precious and industrial metals futures closed mixed. Gold fell $15 to $1,184.80 an ounce, silver fell 40 cents to $16.67 an ounce and copper edged up a penny to $2.78 a pound.

U.S. government bond prices rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note edged down to 1.96 percent from 1.97 percent late Friday.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -200.19 points or ▼ -1.11% on Tuesday, 31 March 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,776.12 ▼ -200.19 ▼ -1.11%
Nasdaq____ 4,900.88 ▼ -46.56 ▼ -0.94%
S&P_500___ 2,067.89 ▼ -18.35 ▼ -0.88%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.54 ▼ -0.01 ▼ -0.47%

NYSE Volume 3,351,032,500
Nasdaq Volume 1,807,052,250

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,773.04 ▼ -118.39 ▼ -1.72%
DAX_____ 11,966.17 ▼ -119.84 ▼ -0.99%
CAC_40__ 5,033.64 ▼ -49.88 ▼ -0.98%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,861.90 ▲ 45.60 ▲ 0.78%
Shanghai_Comp 3,747.90 ▼ -38.67 ▼ -1.02%
Taiwan_Weight 9,586.44 ▲ 64.57 ▲ 0.68%
Nikkei_225___ 19,206.99 ▼ -204.41 ▼ -1.05%
Hang_Seng.__ 24,900.89 ▲ 45.77 ▲ 0.18%
Strait_Times.__ 3,447.01 ▼ -7.25 ▼ -0.21%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,833.98 ▲ 12.70 ▲ 0.22%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/slide-stocks-erases-much-previous-201531873.html

Late slide in stocks erases much of the previous day's gain

US stocks indexes end lower as traders do some end-of-quarter profit-taking, portfolio pruning
Associated Press
By Alex Veiga, AP Business Writer

The stock market closed out the first three months of the year Tuesday on a down note, erasing much of the gains from the prior day's big rally.

The Dow Jones industrial average slumped 200 points, knocking the blue chip index slightly lower for the year. The Standard & Poor's 500 index ended the quarter with a meager gain of half a percent.

The broad decline came as traders seized on the final day of the quarter to do some profit-taking and prune their portfolios. Health care stocks were among the biggest decliners. Oil prices extended their slide.

"It's the end of the quarter," said Anwiti Bahuguna, senior portfolio manager at Columbia Threadneedle Investments. "Today the markets are probably driven by that quite a bit, because people are rebalancing their portfolios."

The Dow fell 200.19 points, or 1.1 percent, to 17,776.12. The 30-company index was down as much as 203 points. It's now down 0.3 percent for the year.

The S&P 500 index slid 18.35 points, or 0.9 percent, to 2,067.89. The index is now up 0.4 percent for the year. The Nasdaq composite lost 46.56 points, or 0.9 percent, to 4,900.88. The tech-heavy index ended the quarter up 3.5 percent.

Traders often look to close out positions to make their books look as healthy as possible at the end of a quarter.

Other factors also contributed to the stepped-up selling on Tuesday.

"There's also rising concern about oil prices, especially as the U.S. gets closer to a deal with Iran," said Paul Christopher, head of international strategy at the Wells Fargo Investment Institute. "There's some speculation that Iran will be able to release a lot of oil into the world."

That could stoke fears of deflation, which can hurt corporate profits, he added.

The price of oil fell Tuesday as talks between the U.S. and Iran progressed somewhat, which could lead to more crude on the global market in the coming months.

Benchmark U.S. crude fell $1.08 to close at $47.60 a barrel in New York. Oil finished down $2.16, or 4.3 percent, for the month. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, fell $1.18 to close at $55.11 in London.

The major stock indexes' anemic quarterly performance reflects lowered investor expectations for corporate earnings due to concerns over the impact falling oil prices and a strong dollar may have on big companies.

"It's a pretty weak start for the S&P 500 because the market is pricing the very sharp decline in earnings that has been coming through the entire quarter," Bahuguna said.

Companies will begin reporting financial results for the first three months of the year next week. Earnings for companies in the S&P 500 index are expected to be down 3 percent overall, according to S&P Capital IQ.

Investors are monitoring economic data for clues about how earnings will unfold.

On Tuesday, they got a dash of encouraging data.

The Conference Board said its consumer confidence index rose to 101.3 in March from revised 98.8 reading in February. The index reflects a pickup in hiring and suggests more consumer spending ahead. Separately, Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller said home prices increased in January.

The market opened lower on Tuesday and stayed in the red the rest of the day.

All 10 sectors in the S&P 500 ended lower. Health care stocks led the decline, falling 1.5 percent. The sector is still up 6.2 percent for the year. Celgene notched the biggest decline in the S&P 500. Its shares fell $4.74, or 4 percent, to $115.28.

U.S. government bond prices rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note slipped to 1.92 percent from 1.95 percent late Monday.

In metals trading, gold fell $1.70 to $1,183.10 an ounce, silver fell eight cents to $16.60 an ounce and copper fell four cents to $2.74 a pound.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline fell 2.1 cents to close at $1.780 a gallon.

”” Heating oil fell 1.3 cents to close at $1.718 a gallon.

”” Natural gas fell 0.4 cents to close at $2.640 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Among other stocks making big moves Tuesday:

”” Synta Pharmaceuticals tumbled 16.7 percent after the biotechnology company priced a public offering of 22 million shares below the prior day's closing price. The stock shed 39 cents to $1.94.

”” Shares in Charter Communications jumped 5.3 percent on news the company has agreed to buy fellow cable operator Bright House Networks in a deal valued at $10.4 billion. Charter added $9.72 to $193.11.

”” Movado Group surged 11.3 percent after the luxury watch maker reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit and raised its quarterly dividend by 10 percent. The stock gained $2.89 to $28.52.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -77.94 points or ▼ -0.44% on Wednesday, 1 April 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,698.18 ▼ -77.94 ▼ -0.44%
Nasdaq____ 4,880.23 ▼ -20.66 ▼ -0.42%
S&P_500___ 2,059.69 ▼ -8.20 ▼ -0.40%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.47 ▼ -0.07 ▼ -2.71%

NYSE Volume 3,566,501,000
Nasdaq Volume 1,836,582,500

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,809.50 ▲ 36.46 ▲ 0.54%
DAX_____ 12,001.38 ▲ 35.21 ▲ 0.29%
CAC_40__ 5,062.22 ▲ 28.58 ▲ 0.57%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,832.90 ▼ -29.00 ▼ -0.49%
Shanghai_Comp 3,810.29 ▲ 62.40 ▲ 1.66%
Taiwan_Weight 9,507.66 ▼ -78.78 ▼ -0.82%
Nikkei_225___ 19,034.84 ▼ -172.15 ▼ -0.90%
Hang_Seng.__ 25,082.75 ▲ 181.86 ▲ 0.73%
Strait_Times.__ 3,447.02 ▲ 0.01 ▲ 0.00%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,835.58 ▲ 1.60 ▲ 0.03%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-ease-second-day-210447866.html

US stocks ease for second day; price of crude oil soars

US stocks close modestly lower as jobs, manufacturing data disappoint; crude oil price soars
Associated Press
By Alex Veiga, AP Business Writer

A batch of discouraging economic news deepened investors' concerns about corporate earnings, pulling major U.S. stock indexes down on Wednesday for the second day in a row.

The modest slide cut the Standard & Poor's 500 index's gain for the year to less than one-tenth of a percent. Oil prices surged above $50 a barrel on signs that U.S. production growth is slowing.

Payroll processor ADP said U.S. companies added fewer jobs last month than economists had expected, while an index of manufacturing activity declined for the fifth month in a row. In addition, the government said U.S. construction spending fell in February.

"The data show we definitely hit a bit of a slowdown in the first quarter, and now investors are getting worried about the upcoming earnings reports," said Chris Gaffney, a senior market strategist at EverBank Wealth Management.

Many of the stocks that fell the most on Wednesday were also some of the biggest gainers during the first three months of the year. The health care sector notched the biggest decline in the S&P 500. Even so, it's up 4.8 percent this year, leading the nine other sectors in the index.

"We've had a long, good run by the equity markets and, at times, investors look for opportunities to maybe take some gains off the table," Gaffney said.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 77.94 points, or 0.4 percent, to 17,698.18. The 30-company index was down as much as 191 points. It's down 0.7 percent for the year.

The S&P 500 index slid 8.16 points, or 0.4 percent, to 2,059.69. The index is now up 0.04 percent for the year.

The Nasdaq composite lost 20.66 points, or 0.4 percent, to 4,880.23. The tech-heavy index ended is up about 3 percent this year.

Half of the 10 sectors in the S&P 500 fell. Telecommunications services led among the gainers, rising 0.8 percent.

Macerich fell the most in the index, sliding $5.60, or 6.6 percent, to $78.73. The company slumped after rival Simon Property Group called off its hostile $16.8 billion takeover bid for the shopping mall operator.

Investors have been weighing mixed economic data this week in advance of the next round of corporate earnings, which begins next week.

On Tuesday, they got a dash of encouraging data on consumer confidence, spending and home prices. But Wednesday's slate clouded the economic picture.

ADP said U.S. companies added a seasonally adjusted 189,000 jobs last month. That was below market expectations for an increase of around 250,000. Also, the Institute for Supply Management's U.S. manufacturing index slipped in March, reflecting slower growth in factory orders. U.S. construction spending declined in February for the second month in a row.

It's likely the weak ADP jobs report prompted some traders to make moves on Wednesday in anticipation that the government's March payroll employment tally will also be discouraging. That report is due out Friday, but U.S. markets will be closed for the Good Friday holiday.

Earnings for companies in the S&P 500 index are expected to be down 3.1 percent overall, according to S&P Capital IQ. Investors have reduced expectations for corporate earnings due to concerns over the impact falling oil prices and a strong dollar may have on big companies. The dollar has strengthened by about 9 percent so far this year.

"We think the second quarter probably won't look very good as well," said James Liu, Global Market Strategist for J.P. Morgan Asset Management. "The hope is that by the third and fourth quarters, these two big effects with the U.S. dollar and oil will have stabilized, and so you'll see a bounce back in earnings at that point."

The price of oil rose sharply Wednesday on signs that U.S. production growth is slowing, a weaker dollar that makes oil a more attractive investment to overseas buyers, and anticipation that a delay in talks with Iran over its nuclear program could keep Iranian oil off the world market.

Benchmark U.S. crude rose $2.49 to close at $50.09 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, fell $1.99 to close at $57.10 in London.

U.S. government bond prices rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 1.86 percent from 1.93 percent late Tuesday.

In metals trading, gold rose $25 to $1,208.10 an ounce, silver rose 46 cents to $17.06 an ounce and copper edged down less than a penny to $2.75 a pound.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline rose 6.1 cents to close at $1.831 a gallon.

”” Heating oil rose 3.9 cents to close at $1.747 a gallon.

”” Natural gas fell 3.5 cents to close at $2.605 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 65.06 points or ▲ 0.37% on Thursday, 2 April 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,763.24 ▲ 65.06 ▲ 0.37%
Nasdaq____ 4,886.94 ▲ 6.71 ▲ 0.14%
S&P_500___ 2,066.96 ▲ 7.27 ▲ 0.35%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.52 ▲ 0.05 ▲ 1.98%

NYSE Volume 3,099,223,500
Nasdaq Volume 1,539,022,380

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,833.46 ▲ 23.96 ▲ 0.35%
DAX_____ 11,967.39 ▼ -33.99 ▼ -0.28%
CAC_40__ 5,074.14 ▲ 11.92 ▲ 0.24%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,869.70 ▲ 36.80 ▲ 0.63%
Shanghai_Comp 3,863.93 ▲ 38.15 ▲ 1.00%
Taiwan_Weight 9,600.32 ▲ 92.66 ▲ 0.97%
Nikkei_225___ 19,435.08 ▲ 122.29 ▲ 0.63%
Hang_Seng.__ 25,275.64 ▲ 192.89 ▲ 0.77%
Strait_Times.__ 3,453.75 ▲ 6.73 ▲ 0.20%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,831.40 ▼ -4.19 ▼ -0.07%

https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/u...;_ylg=X3oDMTBhczE4NW9pBGxhbmcDZW4tQVU-;_ylv=3

US stocks edge higher after 2 days of losses

US stocks close slightly higher after a 2 days of declines; CarMax jumps on higher profit
By Alex Veiga, AP Business Writer

Major U.S. stock indexes closed slightly higher on Thursday, rebounding from a two-day slide as investors looked ahead to the start of the next round of corporate earnings beginning next week.

Traders drew encouragement from the latest economic data, particularly a government report indicating a steep drop in applications for unemployment benefits last week. That appeared to reassure investors that the government will report solid job growth for March.

"There is a little bit of an expectation that the jobs number will come in good," said JJ Kinahan, TD Ameritrade's chief strategist. That report is due out Friday, when markets will be closed for Good Friday.

Consumer discretionary stocks were among the biggest risers. The price of oil fell back below $50 a barrel after the U.S., five other world powers and Iran reached an agreement that could soon lift sanctions on Iran and allow the country to export more crude.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 65.06 points, or 0.4 percent, to 17,763.24. The 30-company index is down 0.3 percent for the year.

The S&P 500 index rose 7.27 points, or 0.4 percent, to 2,066.96. The index is now up 0.4 percent for the year.

The Nasdaq composite added 6.71 points, or 0.1 percent, to 4,886.94. The tech-heavy index ended is up about 3.2 percent this year.

Trading got off to a turbulent start. Major indexes briefly turned lower at midday before moving higher, a trend that held the rest of the day.

Investors have been weighing mixed economic data as they try to gauge how corporate earnings will unfold in coming weeks.

Earlier in the week, they got a dash of positive data on consumer confidence, spending and home prices, but also discouraging reports on hiring, construction spending and manufacturing.

Thursday's economic data gave investors more reasons to be optimistic.

The Labor Department said applications for unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to a seasonally adjusted 268,000. The decrease is a sign of a strong job market despite evidence of tepid economic growth in the opening months of 2015.

The four-week trend continues to go in the right direction, noted Tim Dreiling, senior portfolio manager at U.S. Bank Wealth Management.

New data on U.S. factory orders also helped lift the market. The Commerce Department said orders edged up 0.2 percent in February, breaking a six-month losing streak. Excluding volatile transportation orders, factory orders rose 0.8 percent, the most since June.

Meanwhile, the Commerce Department said that the nation's trade deficit plunged 16.9 percent to $35.4 billion in February.

Financial analysts anticipate the Labor Department will report Friday that employers added 248,000 jobs last month, according to FactSet. Employers added 295,000 jobs in February.

Earnings for companies in the S&P 500 index are expected to be down 3 percent overall, according to S&P Capital IQ. That would be the first decline in quarterly earnings since the third quarter of 2009, the firm said.

Investors have reduced their expectations for corporate earnings due to concerns over the impact that falling oil prices and a strong dollar may have on big companies.

All told, nine of the 10 sectors in the S&P 500 rose, led by consumer discretionary stocks. The sector also leads the index for the year with a gain of 4.8 percent.

CarMax climbed 9.3 percent after the dealership operator said that its profit rose sharply in the latest quarter as purchases of used vehicles increased. The stock climbed the most out of all the stocks in the S&P 500 index, adding $6.34 to $74.73.

U.S. government bond prices fell. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 1.91 percent from 1.86 percent late Wednesday.

The slide in crude oil deepened. Benchmark U.S. crude fell 95 cents to close at $49.14 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, fell $2.15 to close at $54.95 in London.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX, wholesale gasoline fell 7 cents to close at $1.761 a gallon, while heating oil fell 6.4 cents to close at $1.683 a gallon. Natural gas rose 10.8 cents to close at $2.713 per 1,000 cubic feet.

In metals trading, gold fell $7.30 to $1,200.90 an ounce, silver fell 36 cents to $16.70 an ounce and copper edged down a penny to $2.73 a pound.

Among stocks making big moves Thursday:

— Sequential Brands Group surged 12.6 percent on news that the brand management and licensing company will buy a majority stake in Jessica Simpson's clothing, apparel and accessories brand. The stock rose $1.34 to $12.01.

— Repros Therapeutics climbed 4.6 percent after the company said that the Food and Drug Administration accepted its application seeking approval for a testosterone drug. Repros added 39 cents to $8.88.

0418

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 117.61 points or ▲ 0.66% on Monday, 6 April 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,880.85 ▲ 117.61 ▲ 0.66%
Nasdaq____ 4,917.32 ▲ 30.38 ▲ 0.62%
S&P_500___ 2,080.62 ▲ 13.66 ▲ 0.66%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.57 ▲ 0.04 ▲ 1.66%

NYSE Volume 3,286,187,000
Nasdaq Volume 1,702,340,750

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,833.46 ▲ 23.96 ▲ 0.35% HOLIDAY
DAX_____ 11,967.39 ▼ -33.99 ▼ -0.28% HOLIDAY
CAC_40__ 5,074.14 ▲ 11.92 ▲ 0.24% HOLIDAY

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,869.70 ▲ 36.80 ▲ 0.63% HOLIDAY
Shanghai_Comp 3,863.93 ▲ 38.15 ▲ 1.00% HOLIDAY
Taiwan_Weight 9,600.32 ▲ 92.66 ▲ 0.97% HOLIDAY
Nikkei_225___ 19,397.98 ▼ -37.10 ▼ -0.19%
Hang_Seng.__ 25,275.64 ▲ 192.89 ▲ 0.77% HOLIDAY
Strait_Times.__ 3,452.91 ▼ -0.84 ▼ -0.02%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,831.40 ▼ -4.19 ▼ -0.07% HOLIDAY

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stock-indexes-gain-quiet-153441823.html

US stock indexes gain in quiet trading; oil price surges

US stock indexes move higher in quiet trading; energy shares gain as price of crude oil surges
Associated Press By Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Expectations that the Federal Reserve will be slow to raise interest rates following a weak jobs report last week helped send the stock market up on Monday. A jump in the price of crude oil set off a rally in energy stocks.

The stock market was closed Friday when the Labor Department reported that employers added just 126,000 workers to their payrolls in March, the smallest increase since December 2013. It was another sign of weaker economic growth in the winter months and added more pressure on the Federal Reserve to put off raising rates from near zero. Historically low rates have helped stocks soar over the past six years.

David Lefkowitz, senior equity strategist at UBS, said calming words from William Dudley, president of the Fed's New York branch, gave investors encouragement. In a speech Monday morning, Dudley pointed to the recent shaky economic news and said he expects the Fed's rate increases would be "shallow."

"If Fed officials think the economy is not strong enough, they're not going to do anything to jeopardize the economic recovery," Lefkowitz said. "With inflation low and well-contained the Fed can be patient. There's nothing forcing their hand."

The Standard & Poor's 500 index gained 13.66 points, or 0.7 percent, to close at 2,080.62. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 117.61 points, or 0.7 percent, to 17,880.85, and the Nasdaq composite rose 30.38 points, or 0.6 percent, to 4,917.32.

"Had the market been open on Friday, we would have probably had a triple-digit decline in the Dow," said Hank Smith, chief investment officer at Harverford Trust. "The fact that we had a weekend to digest put it in perspective."

Smith said he thought the economy was tracing a route laid out in previous years when rough winters gave way to stronger springs. "This is deja vu," he said. "There was no polar vortex, like last year, but you clearly had weather in New England that was much more severe than last year."

The Institute for Supply Management reported Monday that companies in the service industry expanded at a slightly slower pace in March. The ISM services index slipped to 56.5 last month, from 56.9 in February. Any reading above 50 reflects growth.

Benchmark U.S. crude jumped an even $3, or 6 percent, to close at $52.14 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. That set off a rally in energy-sector stocks. Transocean, an operator of drilling rigs, soared $1.52, or 10 percent, to $16.51.

Major markets in Europe were closed for Easter Monday. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 closed with a loss of 0.2 percent, while Seoul's Kospi gained 0.1 percent. India's SENSEX surged 0.9 percent. Stock exchanges in Australia and China were also closed.

Back in the U.S., Ventas announced plans to buy Ardent Medical Services, a privately owned hospital chain, for $1.75 billion and spin off most of its skilled nursing facilities. Ventas, an investment trust focused on health care, surged $3.67, or 5 percent, to $76.90.

Government bond prices fell, driving the yield on the 10-year Treasury note up to 1.90 percent.

In commodity trading, prices for most precious and industrial metals continued their recent climb. Gold gained $17.70 to settle at $1,218.60 an ounce, while silver rose 41 cents to $17.11 an ounce. Copper slipped 2 cents to $2.72.

Brent crude oil, the international benchmark used by many U.S. refineries, rose $3.17, or 6 percent, to $58.12 a barrel on the ICE exchange in London.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline rose 8.1 cents to close at $1.843 a gallon.

”” Heating oil rose 8.2 cents to close at $1.764 a gallon.

”” Natural gas fell 6.3 cents to close at $2.650 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -5.43 points or ▼ -0.03% on Tuesday, 7 April 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,875.42 ▼ -5.43 ▼ -0.03%
Nasdaq____ 4,910.23 ▼ -7.08 ▼ -0.14%
S&P_500___ 2,076.33 ▼ -4.29 ▼ -0.21%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.53 ▼ -0.04 ▼ -1.40%

NYSE Volume 3,065,618,250
Nasdaq Volume 1,550,275,750

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,961.77 ▲ 128.31 ▲ 1.88%
DAX_____ 12,123.52 ▲ 156.13 ▲ 1.30%
CAC_40__ 5,151.19 ▲ 77.05 ▲ 1.52%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,893.20 ▲ 23.50 ▲ 0.40%
Shanghai_Comp 3,961.38 ▲ 97.45 ▲ 2.52%
Taiwan_Weight 9,641.90 ▲ 41.58 ▲ 0.43%
Nikkei_225___ 19,640.54 ▲ 242.56 ▲ 1.25%
Hang_Seng.__ 25,275.64 ▲ 192.89 ▲ 0.77%
Strait_Times.__ 3,465.62 ▲ 12.71 ▲ 0.37%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,855.44 ▲ 24.04 ▲ 0.41%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-end-lower-following-202933412.html

US stocks end lower following late-day sell-off; oil gains

US stocks fall slightly as indexes retreat in a late-day sell-off; price of crude oil gains
Associated Press By Ken Sweet and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers

NEW YORK (AP) -- U.S. stocks fell Tuesday as an early advance fizzled in the last hour of trading.

Energy stocks rose with the price of oil while consumer discretionary stocks were among the biggest decliners. Utility stocks also dragged down the major indices.

The Dow Jones industrial average lost 5.43 points, or 0.03 percent, to 17,875.42. The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 4.29 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,076.33. The Nasdaq composite lost 7.08 points, or 0.1 percent, to 4,910.23.

Stocks were modestly higher most of the day but sank right before the close. The Dow Jones utility index, an index representing 15 of the nation's largest utility companies, fell 1 percent.

Many traders spent the day focusing on the upcoming earnings season. Earnings season officially starts Wednesday with Alcoa, which reports its results after the closing bell.

Bad news from Alcoa, and other companies, could make for turbulent trading.

Analysts have put the bar for first-quarter profits very low, a result of the stronger dollar and low oil prices squeezing revenues. They expect overall earnings to shrink 3 percent compared with the same quarter of last year, according to S&P Capital IQ. If those forecasts come true, it would be the first earnings drop since 2009

"Equities are trading near all-time highs while earnings expectations get set lower," Terry Sandven, senior equity strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management. "That's just not sustainable."

Investors also had two deals to work through Tuesday.

FedEx said it reached an agreement to take over TNT Express, one of Europe's largest delivery companies, for 4.4 billion euros, or $4.8 billion. If shareholders approve it, the companies expect to wrap up the deal in the first half of 2016. FedEx's stock surged $4.49, or 3 percent, to $171.16.

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway plans to take a nearly 10 percent stake in Axalta Coating Systems, which makes specialized coatings for cars and trucks. Berkshire is buying 20 million shares for $28 from The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm. Axalta, which went public in November, jumped $2.78, or 10 percent, to $31.11.

Oil prices rose on Tuesday. U.S. crude increased $1.84, or 3.5 percent, to close at $53.98 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, rose 98 cents, or 1.7 percent, to close at $58.10 a barrel in London.

U.S. government bond prices rose slightly. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 1.88 percent from 1.90 percent on Monday

In the metals markets, gold fell $8 to settle at $1,210.60 an ounce, while silver slipped 27 cents to $16.84 an ounce. Copper rose 5 cents to $2.76 a pound.

In other energy futures trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline rose 1.8 cents to close at $1.861 a gallon.

”” Heating oil rose 2 cents to close at $1.784 a gallon.

”” Natural gas rose 3 cents to close at $2.680 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 27.09 points or ▲ 0.15% on Wednesday, 8 April 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,902.51 ▲ 27.09 ▲ 0.15%
Nasdaq____ 4,950.82 ▲ 40.59 ▲ 0.83%
S&P_500___ 2,081.90 ▲ 5.57 ▲ 0.27%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.52 ▼ -0.01 ▼ -0.40%

NYSE Volume 3,265,932,000
Nasdaq Volume 1,685,617,750

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,937.41 ▼ -24.36 ▼ -0.35%
DAX_____ 12,035.86 ▼ -87.66 ▼ -0.72%
CAC_40__ 5,136.86 ▼ -14.33 ▼ -0.28%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,928.30 ▲ 35.10 ▲ 0.60%
Shanghai_Comp 3,994.81 ▲ 33.43 ▲ 0.84%
Taiwan_Weight 9,571.97 ▼ -69.93 ▼ -0.73%
Nikkei_225___ 19,789.81 ▲ 149.27 ▲ 0.76%
Hang_Seng.__ 26,236.86 ▲ 961.22 ▲ 3.80%
Strait_Times.__ 3,460.68 ▼ -4.94 ▼ -0.14%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,859.71 ▲ 4.28 ▲ 0.07%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/stocks-edge-higher-health-care-201230211.html

Stocks edge higher as health care gains on deal news

Stocks rise as Mylan bids $29 billion for Perrigo; Fed minutes give no clarity on rate hikes
Associated Press By Steve Rothwell, AP Markets Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Deal news gave the stock market a lift Wednesday.

Health care stocks rose after generic drugmaker Mylan bid $29 billion for rival Perrigo. That offset a slump in energy stocks prompted by a big drop in oil prices.

In Europe, oil company Royal Dutch Shell agreed to buy BG Group for $69.7 billion in cash and stock.

Corporations worldwide are seeking to increase growth through acquisitions and have announced almost $1 trillion of deals so far this year, according to data provider Dealogic. That's giving a boost to stock markets as the acquiring companies typically offer a premium for their targets.

"There's obviously the big debate about whether (deals are) value-creating or value-destroying," said Dan Morris, Global Investment Strategist at investment company TIAA-CREF. "But in the short term it is generally good for markets."

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 5.57 points, or 0.3 percent, at 2,081.90. The Dow Jones industrial average was up 27.09 points at 17,902.51. The Nasdaq composite gained 40.59 points, or 0.8 percent, to 4,950.82.

Investors were also parsing the minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting for clues about the timing of a possible interest rate increase, and waiting for companies to start reporting their first-quarter earnings.

Alcoa, a metals maker, one of the first major companies to report earnings, said after the close that its revenue fell short of analysts' expectations. Its stock slid 47 cents, or 3.6 percent, to $13.21 in after-hours trading.

Overall, earnings per share are projected to decline by about 3 percent for S&P 500 companies, according to data from S&P Capital IQ. That would be the first contraction since the third quarter of 2009, when the economy was emerging from the Great Recession.

On Wednesday, generic drugmaker Perrigo was the biggest gainer in the S&P 500. The stock surged $30.29, or 18 percent, to $195 after the Mylan announced that it had made a cash-and-stock offer for the company. That's a premium of 24 percent to the latest closing price for Perrigo shares.

Both Mylan and Perrigo recently left the U.S. for Europe. If they combine they would form one of the world's largest makers of generic and over-the-counter generic medicines. Mylan's stock also rose, gaining $8.79, or 15 percent, to $68.36.

Energy stocks were the biggest decliners on the day, slumping as the price of oil plunged.

Oil fell nearly 7 percent, its biggest drop in two months, after the Energy Department reported an increase in oil storage that was about three times what analysts had expected.

Crude stocks rose by 11 million barrels during the week ending April 3, reaching a new high for this time of year. Benchmark U.S. crude fell $3.56 to close at $50.42 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, fell $3.55 to close at $55.55 in London.

Investors also parsed the minutes of the Federal Reserve's March policy meeting that were released in Wednesday afternoon.

Fed officials disagreed widely last month on when they might begin lifting interest rates from record lows. Minutes of the March meeting revealed that several policy makers favored a rate hike in June, while others were concerned about low inflation. Policy makers have held the Fed's benchmark rate at close to zero for more than six years.

"I don't think the minutes are going to cause people to alter their views as to when the Fed is going to raise interest rates," said Sean Lynch, co-head of global equity strategy at Wells Fargo Investment Institute. "Our thoughts are still that they raise rates sometime this summer."

Corporate earnings will also be in focus in coming weeks.

Companies are set to start reporting earnings for the first quarter. Earnings per share are projected to decline by about 3 percent for S&P 500 companies, according to data from S&P Capital IQ. That would be the first contraction since the third quarter of 2009, when the economy was emerging from the Great Recession.

A big slump in oil prices last year his crimped profits at energy companies, and a surging dollar is hurting the earnings of big multinational corporations.

U.S. government bond prices were little changed. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note was flat at 1.89 percent. The dollar fell to 120.06 yen from 120.30 yen Tuesday. The euro slipped to $1.0799 from $1.0823.

In metals trading, gold fell $7.50 to $1,203.10 an ounce, silver fell 39 cents to $16.45 an ounce and copper fell three cents to $16.45 a pound.

In other energy futures trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline fell 12.2 cents to close at $1.739 a gallon.

”” Heating oil fell 8.6 cents to close at $1.698 a gallon.

”” Natural gas fell 6.1 cents to close at $2.619 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 56.22 points or ▲ 0.31% on Thursday, 9 April 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,958.73 ▲ 56.22 ▲ 0.31%
Nasdaq____ 4,974.56 ▲ 23.74 ▲ 0.48%
S&P_500___ 2,091.18 ▲ 9.28 ▲ 0.45%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.60 ▲ 0.08 ▲ 2.98%

NYSE Volume 3,173,060,250
Nasdaq Volume 1,688,780,000

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,015.36 ▲ 77.95 ▲ 1.12%
DAX_____ 12,166.44 ▲ 130.58 ▲ 1.08%
CAC_40__ 5,208.95 ▲ 72.09 ▲ 1.40%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,901.50 ▼ -26.80 ▼ -0.45%
Shanghai_Comp 3,957.53 ▼ -37.28 ▼ -0.93%
Taiwan_Weight 9,568.04 ▼ -3.93 ▼ -0.04%
Nikkei_225___ 19,937.72 ▲ 147.91 ▲ 0.75%
Hang_Seng.__ 26,944.39 ▲ 707.53 ▲ 2.70%
Strait_Times.__ 3,460.30 ▼ -0.38 ▼ -0.01%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,847.17 ▼ -12.54 ▼ -0.21%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-st...;_ylg=X3oDMTBhYWM1a2sxBGxhbmcDZW4tVVM-;_ylv=3

US stocks edge higher; energy stocks gain as oil stabilizes

US stocks edge higher led by gains for energy stocks; investors assess corporate earnings
Associated Press By Steve Rothwell, AP Markets Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- U.S. stocks edged higher Thursday, led by gains for energy companies as the price of oil stabilized following a big drop the day before.

Oil rose as negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program hit a snag. That could mean Iranian oil will continue to be held back from the international market by sanctions.

Investors were also assessing some mixed news on company earnings.

Drugstore chain Walgreens climbed after reporting earnings that surpassed the expectations of Wall Street analysts. The company also said it would expand a cost-cutting program. Alcoa and Bed, Bath & Beyond dropped after delivering earnings reports that disappointed investors.

For the first time in years, the outlook for earnings could prove to be more of a hindrance than a help to stock investors in coming weeks.

Companies in the S&P 500 are expected to report that average earnings per share shrank by 3.1 percent in the first quarter, according to S&P Capital IQ. If the forecast proves accurate, it will be the first time since 2009, when the U.S. economy was emerging from the Great Recession, that earnings have contracted.

"If the U.S. market is going to advance this year, it's going to need to advance mostly on the back of earnings," said Russ Koesterich, chief investment strategist at BlackRock. "The guidance going forward is going to be critical for the market."

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 9.28 points, or 0.5 percent, to 2,091.18. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 56.22 points, or 0.3 percent, to 17,958.73. The Nasdaq composite gained 23.74 points, or 0.5 percent, to 4,974.56.

After six years of gains, U.S. stocks have made only modest advances this year. A big slump in oil prices since June last year have hit profits at energy companies and a surge in the U.S. dollar is hurting multi-national corporations that have a lot of sales overseas. Investors are also unsettled by the prospect of the Federal Reserve's first interest rate increase after more than six years of near-zero rates.

While U.S. stocks have struggled to gain traction this year, markets in Europe have surged.

On Thursday, the Stoxx Europe 600, an index that tracks large and medium-sized companies in Europe, closed at a record 409.15, surpassing the previous record of 405.50 set in March, 2000 during the technology boom. Stocks in the region are getting a boost from a combination of European Central Bank stimulus, a weaker euro and low oil prices.

The index is up almost 20 percent this year. By contrast, the S&P 500 index is up 1.6 percent, so far.

Walgreens was one of the day's biggest gainers on the U.S. market.

The company's stock jumped $4.94, or 5.6 percent, to $92.62 after it earnings surpassed analysts' expectations. The drugstore chain said it will shutter about 200 U.S. stores as part of an expanded cost reduction push.

Alcoa was among the losers.

The company posted a first-quarter profit that beat Wall Street expectations, but its revenue fell short.

Alcoa is striving to transform itself from an aluminum maker into a supplier for the auto and aerospace industries, making it less sensitive to swings in commodity prices. Analysts were disappointed by the outlook for the company's rolled metal products, which include sheets used for drinks and food cans. Alcoa's stock dropped 46 cents, or 3.4 percent, to $13.21.

Bed Bath & Beyond also slumped after reporting earnings.

The results for the housewares retailer fell short of the expectations of Wall Street analysts. Its earnings outlook was also less than forecast. Wedbush analyst Seth Basham described the outlook as "somber" and said the company's profitability was being threatened more and more by online competition.

The stock dropped $4.22, or 5.4 percent, to $73.46.

In energy trading, benchmark U.S. crude rose 37 cents to close at $50.79 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, rose $1.02 to close at $56.57 in London.

U.S. government bond prices fell. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note edged up to 1.96 percent. The euro fell to $1.0661 versus $1.0797 on Wednesday. The dollar rose to 120.35 yen from 120.15 yen the day before.

Gold fell $9.50 to $1,193.60 an ounce, silver fell 28 cents to $16.18 an ounce and copper edged down less than a penny to $2.73 a pound.

In other energy trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline rose 2 cents to close at $1.759 a gallon.

”” Heating oil fell 2.9 cents to close at $1.727 a gallon.

”” Natural gas fell 9.1 cents to close at $2.528 per 1,000 cubic feet, the lowest since June of 2012.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 98.92 points or ▲ 0.55% on Friday, 10 April 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,057.65 ▲ 98.92 ▲ 0.55%
Nasdaq____ 4,995.98 ▲ 21.41 ▲ 0.43%
S&P_500___ 2,102.06 ▲ 10.88 ▲ 0.52%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.58 ▼ -0.01 ▼ -0.46%

NYSE Volume 3,111,218,000
Nasdaq Volume 1,466,659,620

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,089.77 ▲ 74.41 ▲ 1.06%
DAX_____ 12,374.73 ▲ 208.29 ▲ 1.71%
CAC_40__ 5,240.46 ▲ 31.51 ▲ 0.60%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,935.40 ▲ 33.90 ▲ 0.57%
Shanghai_Comp 4,034.31 ▲ 76.78 ▲ 1.94%
Taiwan_Weight 9,617.70 ▲ 49.66 ▲ 0.52%
Nikkei_225___ 19,907.63 ▼ -30.09 ▼ -0.15%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,272.39 ▲ 328.00 ▲ 1.22%
Strait_Times.__ 3,472.38 ▲ 12.08 ▲ 0.35%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,847.36 ▲ 0.19 ▲ 0.00%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-close-higher-second-week-202127509.html

US close higher for second week; GE soars on deal news

US close higher, capping off second week of gains; General Electric soars on deal news
Associated Press By Ken Sweet, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- U.S. stocks advanced Friday, capping off a second straight weekly advance for the market. Investors were encouraged by the latest corporate deal news, that General Electric would be selling its long-struggling lending business.

Investors are turning their focus to next week, when corporate earnings ramp up. So far the outlook isn't encouraging. With economic sluggishness in the U.S. and Europe, as wells the rapid appreciation of the dollar, analysts expect first-quarter results to be down 4.6 percent.

"Earnings are not going to be down because the U.S. economy is struggling," said James Liu, global market strategist at JPMorgan Funds. "It's going to be because of what has happened in energy and the dollar."

Next week the nation's biggest banks will report their results, including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs. Thirty-five of the members of the Standard & Poor's 500 will report their results, as well as seven members of the Dow Jones industrial average

On Friday the Dow rose 98.92 points, or 0.6 percent, to 18,057.65. The S&P 500 rose 10.88 points, or 0.5 percent, to 2,102.06 and the Nasdaq composite rose 21.41 points, or 0.4 percent, to 4,995.98.

General Electric soared after the company said it would sell most of its lending arm, known as GE Capital, and shift its focus back to its industrial business.

GE's stock jumped $2.78, or 11 percent, to $28.51, making it the biggest gainer in the Dow and the S&P 500.

GE is known for making jet engines, light bulbs and other electronics, but a significant part of the company's business has been financing. GE Capital was a huge business until the financial crisis, when new regulations made being non-bank company in the lending business more difficult. GE spun off its credit card operation into a new company last year called Synchrony Financial.

It was a solid week for the market overall. The Dow and S&P 500 each rose 1.7 percent, while the Nasdaq rose 2.2 percent. The U.S. stock market has not had two straight weeks of gains since mid-February.

Most of this week's gains can be attributed to the Federal Reserve. After the disappointing March jobs report released April 3, traders now believe that the nation's central bank is not going to raise interest rates until September instead of the originally anticipated June timeframe.

William Dudley, president of the Federal Reserve's New York branch, said Monday that the Fed's rate increases would be "shallow" when he cited the recent weak economic data including the jobs report.

"I think we are still looking at two rate hikes this year, but they will likely be later this year," JPMorgan's Liu said.

Bond prices rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 1.95 percent. The dollar edged down to 120.20 yen from 120.57 yen while the euro fell to $1.0597 from $1.0662.

In energy markets, the price of oil rose Friday after a closely-watched count of working drill rigs declined more sharply than expected, suggesting supplies will soon fall.

Benchmark U.S. crude rose 85 cents to close at $51.64 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, rose $1.30 to close at $57.87 in London.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

— Wholesale gasoline rose 4.8 cents to close at $1.807 a gallon.

— Heating oil rose 3.9 cents to close at $1.766 a gallon.

— Natural gas fell 1.7 cents to close at $2.511 per 1,000 cubic feet.

In metals trading, gold rose $11 to $1,204.60 an ounce, silver rose 21 cents to $16.38 an ounce and copper edged up half a penny to $2.73 an ounce.

0911

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -80.61 points or ▼ -0.45% on Monday, 13 April 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,977.04 ▼ -80.61 ▼ -0.45%
Nasdaq____ 4,988.25 ▼ -7.73 ▼ -0.15%
S&P_500___ 2,092.43 ▼ -9.63 ▼ -0.46%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.58 ▲ 0.00 ▼ -0.08%

NYSE Volume 2,910,137,750
Nasdaq Volume 1,504,866,250

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,064.30 ▲ 48.94 ▲ 0.70%
DAX_____ 12,338.73 ▼ -36.00 ▼ -0.29%
CAC_40__ 5,254.12 ▲ 13.66 ▲ 0.26%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,928.10 ▼ -7.30 ▼ -0.12%
Shanghai_Comp 4,121.71 ▲ 87.40 ▲ 2.17%
Taiwan_Weight 9,666.52 ▲ 48.82 ▲ 0.51%
Nikkei_225___ 19,905.46 ▼ -2.17 ▼ -0.01%
Hang_Seng.__ 28,016.34 ▲ 743.95 ▲ 2.73%
Strait_Times.__ 3,484.39 ▲ 12.01 ▲ 0.35%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,854.32 ▲ 6.96 ▲ 0.12%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-st...;_ylg=X3oDMTBhYWM1a2sxBGxhbmcDZW4tVVM-;_ylv=3

US stock market slips in light trading

US stock market drifts lower as investors look toward busy week for corporate earnings
Associated Press By Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Investors sent stocks slightly lower Monday ahead of a busy week for company earnings.

With little news to move the market either way, major indexes spent the day wavering between slim gains and losses. Stocks started higher in the morning, turned lower shortly after midday, then drifted downward until the closing bell.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 80.61 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 17,977.04. The Standard & Poor's 500 index slipped 9.63 points, or 0.5 percent, to 2,092.43. The Nasdaq lost 7.73 points, or 0.2 percent, to 4,988.25.

JetBlue Airways surged after the airline reported a 9 percent increase in passengers last month compared with the same period a year ago. The company's stock gained 80 cents, or 4 percent, to $19.85.

JPMorgan Chase, Johnson & Johnson, and Wells Fargo are among the big names turning in quarterly results Tuesday as earnings season gets underway. Investors are braced for bad news, a result of the stronger dollar and low oil prices squeezing revenues. Analysts forecast that first-quarter earnings shrank 3 percent compared with the same quarter of last year, according to S&P Capital IQ. If that winds up happening, it would be the first drop in quarterly profits since 2009.

Brad McMillan, chief investment officer for Commonwealth Financial Network, said those numbers shouldn't raise too many worries. "Usually when earnings go down it means the economy is going in the tank, because most earnings come from domestic sales," he said. "This time is different. The big hit to earnings is from energy companies just getting hammered by oil prices. And a big chunk of the rest is from the stronger dollar."

Major stock markets in Europe were mixed. Germany's DAX sank 0.3 percent, while France's CAC 40 rose 0.3 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.4 percent.

Markets in China jumped on expectations that Beijing will launch additional support for the world's second-largest economy. Imports fell 12 percent in March from a year earlier and exports declined 15 percent. That added to signs that economic growth in the first three months of the year, due to be reported Wednesday, might decline further from 7 percent the previous quarter.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 2.7 percent, closing at its highest level since December 2007. The Shanghai Composite Index climbed 2.1 percent, hitting its highest level since March 2008. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 closed nearly unchanged.

Back in the U.S., Builders FirstSource said it's buying ProBuild, a supplier of building materials, for roughly $1.6 billion, aiming to expand its geographic reach. The deal is expected to close in the second half of the year. Builders FirstSource soared $4.67, or 68 percent, to $11.57.

Two gold mining companies, Alamos Gold and AuRico Gold, announced a plan to merge on Monday in a deal worth $1.5 billion. It's the latest merger between gold miners attempting to cut costs in the face of slumping prices for precious metals. Alamos Gold jumped 39 cents, or 6 percent, to $6.28. The price of gold has lost a third of its value since late 2012, when it traded as high as $1,780 an ounce.

Gold and other precious metals fell slightly in Monday trading. Gold lost $5.30 to settle at $1,199.30 an ounce, while silver slid 9 cents to $16.29. Copper lost 2 cents to $2.72.

Prices for U.S. government bonds crept up, pushing the yield on the 10-year Treasury note down to 1.93 percent.

In the market for oil and gas, benchmark U.S. crude oil rose 27 cents to close at $51.91 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, a benchmark for many oils imported by U.S. refineries, gained 6 cents to $57.93 a barrel.

In other trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline fell less than a cent to $1.805 a gallon

”” Heating oil gained 1.7 cents to $1.783 a gallon

”” Natural gas was unchanged at $2.511 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 59.66 points or ▲ 0.33% on Tuesday, 14 April 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,036.70 ▲ 59.66 ▲ 0.33%
Nasdaq____ 4,977.29 ▼ -10.96 ▼ -0.22%
S&P_500___ 2,095.84 ▲ 3.41 ▲ 0.16%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.55 ▼ -0.03 ▼ -1.32%

NYSE Volume 3,301,391,000
Nasdaq Volume 1,551,643,500

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,075.26 ▲ 10.96 ▲ 0.16%
DAX_____ 12,227.60 ▼ -111.13 ▼ -0.90%
CAC_40__ 5,218.06 ▼ -36.06 ▼ -0.69%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,916.20 ▼ -11.90 ▼ -0.20%
Shanghai_Comp 4,135.57 ▲ 13.85 ▲ 0.34%
Taiwan_Weight 9,642.22 ▼ -24.30 ▼ -0.25%
Nikkei_225___ 19,908.68 ▲ 3.22 ▲ 0.02%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,561.49 ▼ -454.85 ▼ -1.62%
Strait_Times.__ 3,521.08 ▲ 36.69 ▲ 1.05%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,882.11 ▲ 27.79 ▲ 0.47%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-st...;_ylg=X3oDMTBhYWM1a2sxBGxhbmcDZW4tVVM-;_ylv=3

US stocks mostly higher after rise in oil, mixed earnings

US stocks end mostly higher after rise in oil, mixed earnings reports; bond prices rise
Associated Press By Bernard Condon, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Rising oil prices helped push the stock market mostly higher on Tuesday, but the gains were tiny as investors weighed mixed results from companies reporting earnings.

Stocks fell shortly after the open, then headed mostly higher along with the price of oil. Chevron led the Dow Jones industrial average higher with a 2.2 percent gain.

A jump in JPMorgan Chase after the bank reported strong first-quarter earnings also helped push the blue-chip index higher. Wells Fargo slumped after reporting that its earnings had fallen.

The Dow Jones rose 59.66 points, or 0.3 percent, to 18,036.70. The Standard & Poor's 500 climbed 3.41 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,095.84. The Nasdaq composite fell 10.96 points, or 0.2 percent, to 4,977.29.

Stocks have generally been rising this year, but the gains have been modest as several factors from labor strife at West Coast ports, bad weather, a slump in oil prices and a strengthening dollar have dug into earnings. A stronger currency makes profits earned overseas by U.S. multinationals worth less when translated back to dollars.

Companies in the S&P 500 are expected to report a 3.5 percent slump in earnings per share in the first quarter, according to S&P Capital IQ. That would be the first quarterly drop since the U.S. was climbing out of recession in 2009.

Many financial analysts and stock strategists are shrugging off the profit hit as temporary. But not everyone is convinced, said LPL Financial economist John Canally, and worry is beginning to creep in.

"What will be the further impact of the strong dollar? If you're an energy company, what do you do if oil prices don't rise? There are no answers yet," said Canally. "And that uncertainly is what markets don't like and so trading is choppy."

The impact of stronger dollar was seen in Johnson & Johnson's results released Tuesday. The company said a stronger dollar was partly to blame for an 8.6 percent drop in its first-quarter profit. The company also cut its full-year profit forecast. Shares fell three cents to $100.52.

Investors will have more results to mull over in the coming days. Bank of America, Delta Air Lines and Netflix report on Wednesday, giant money manager BlackRock and Goldman Sachs on Thursday and General Electric and IBM on Friday.

In total, 35 members of the S&P 500 are expected to report this week.

In economic news, the Commerce Department reported that retail sales rose 0.9 percent last month, after declining 0.5 percent in February. The rebound suggests that shoppers are returning after an unseasonably cold winter froze sales.

But the rise was less than economists had expected, and it follows other indicators that the U.S. economic growth is slowing. A jobs report released earlier this month showed that hiring had slowed dramatically in the March.

"It's remarkable that we've had relatively weak economic data but the market has held up," said Mark Luschini, chief investment strategist at Janney Montgomery Scott. He added, "Investors are willing to look through that."

Among stocks making moves:

”” JPMorgan Chase gained 97 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $63.04 after reporting earnings rose 11 percent in the first quarter. The nation's largest bank by assets was helped by strong results in its currency, commodities and fixed-income trading businesses.

”” Norfolk Southern slumped 4.2 percent after forecasting disappointing first-quarter results after the close of trading on Monday. It said demand for coal shipments for export fell. Shares dropped $4.38 to $100.49. The railroad company reports results on April 29.

”” Wells Fargo fell 40 cents, or 0.7 percent, to $54.19 after reporting first-quarter earnings fell slightly from the same period a year earlier. Gains from trading and mortgages were offset by lower income from other sources, such as card fees and deposit service charges.

”” Avon Products surged 14 percent after The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with matter, reported that the beauty company is considering "strategic alternatives" that could include selling its North American business. Shares rose $1.14 to $9.15.

The rise in oil Tuesday came on indications that U.S. oil production in places like North Dakota is beginning to slip as a result of a sharp pullback in drilling activity in recent months. Benchmark U.S. crude rose $1.38 to close at $53.29 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, rose 50 cents to close at $58.43 in London.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline rose 3.1 cents to close at $1.836 a gallon.

”” Heating oil rose 1.9 cents to close at $1.802 a gallon.

”” Natural gas rose 1.9 cents to close at $2.530 per 1,000 cubic feet.

In currency markets, the dollar slipped to 119.37 yen from 120.32 yen. The euro rose to $1.0655 from $1.0597.

Gold fell $6.70 to $1,192.60 an ounce, silver fell 13 cents to $16.16 an ounce and copper fell two cents to $2.70 a pound.

Bond prices rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 1.89 percent from 1.93 percent late Monday.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 75.91 points or ▲ 0.42% on Wednesday, 15 April 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,112.61 ▲ 75.91 ▲ 0.42%
Nasdaq____ 5,011.02 ▲ 33.73 ▲ 0.68%
S&P_500___ 2,106.63 ▲ 10.79 ▲ 0.51%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.56 ▲ 0.01 ▲ 0.35%

NYSE Volume 3,998,632,500
Nasdaq Volume 1,769,250,250

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,096.78 ▲ 21.52 ▲ 0.30%
DAX_____ 12,231.34 ▲ 3.74 ▲ 0.03%
CAC_40__ 5,254.35 ▲ 36.29 ▲ 0.70%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,877.30 ▼ -38.90 ▼ -0.66%
Shanghai_Comp 4,084.16 ▼ -51.40 ▼ -1.24%
Taiwan_Weight 9,540.06 ▼ -102.16 ▼ -1.06%
Nikkei_225___ 19,869.76 ▼ -38.92 ▼ -0.20%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,618.82 ▲ 57.33 ▲ 0.21%
Strait_Times.__ 3,539.95 ▲ 18.87 ▲ 0.54%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,856.08 ▼ -26.03 ▼ -0.44%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-rise-earnings-roll-171822985.html

US stocks rise as earnings roll in, oil prices climb

US stock market climbs as earnings roll in and oil prices rise, lifting energy companies
Associated Press By Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Rising corporate profits and a jump in oil prices helped push the stock market to a modest gain on Wednesday. Delta and Intel led the way up after turning in results that beat Wall Street's forecasts. The price of oil soared to its highest price this year, driving up energy stocks.

For investors, any good news comes as a welcome surprise this earnings season, which is widely expected to be the worst in years. Analysts predict that companies in the S&P 500 will report a 3 percent drop in profits. Most of the blame lies with the slump in oil prices over the past year, which has squeezed oil and gas companies, and a strong dollar, which diminishes the value of profits earned abroad when they're brought back home.

"So far, there's no signal that this quarter is really a harbinger of a profit recession," said Jeremy Zirin, head of investment strategy at UBS Wealth Management. I think that's why the market is reacting positively today."

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 10.79 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 2,106.63. Transocean, an operator of drilling rigs, soared 10 percent, the biggest gain in the index.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 75.91 points, or 0.4 percent, to 18,112.61, while the Nasdaq composite added 33.73 points, or 0.7 percent, to 5,011.02.

Delta Air Lines said its quarterly profit more than tripled as passengers flew more and fuel prices plunged from a year ago. The results sent Delta's stock up $1.12, or 3 percent, to $44.20.

After the market closed Tuesday, Intel, the world's largest maker of computer chips, reported quarterly profits that beat analysts' targets. Intel's stock surged $1.34, or 4 percent, to $32.83.

Crude oil jumped $3.10 to settle at $56.39, hitting its highest price this year, after the Energy Department said that storage of crude rose by the smallest amount in three months. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, rose $1.89 to close at $60.32 in London.

Major markets in Europe ended the day mixed. Germany's DAX finished flat while France's CAC-40 gained 0.7 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 index of leading shares added 0.3 percent.

Minutes after being forced from the stage by a protester, Mario Draghi, the president of the European Central Bank, indicated that the bank will stick with its monthly purchases of bonds. A recent run of solid economic data fed speculation that the ECB will ease the pace of its bond-buying, aimed at spurring economic growth. His briefing came after the bank kept its main interest rate unchanged at a record low of 0.05 percent.

In Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 stock index slipped 0.2 percent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.2 percent, while the Shanghai composite index lost 1.2 percent.

Back in the U.S., Bank of America turned in a quarterly profit following a big loss a year ago as it put some of its legal troubles behind it. But revenue remained flat for its main businesses. The bank's stock dropped 18 cents, or 1 percent, to $15.64.

Aduro Biotech more than doubled on its first day of trading, closing at $42, far above its initial offering price of $17. The 147 percent increase beat the 119 percent first-day gain for Shake Shack on Jan. 15, making it the biggest first-day pop for an IPO this year.

Precious and industrial metals traded higher. Gold rose $8.70 to settle at $1,201.30 an ounce, while silver rose 12 cents to $16.28 an ounce. Copper picked up a penny to $2.71 a pound.

In the market for U.S. government bonds, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note was unchanged at 1.90 percent.

In other trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange:

”” Wholesale gasoline rose 10 cents to close at $1.936 a gallon.

”” Heating oil rose 8.7 cents to close at $1.889 a gallon.

”” Natural gas rose 0.8 cents to close at $2.610 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -6.84 points or ▼ -0.04% on Thursday, 16 April 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,105.77 ▼ -6.84 ▼ -0.04%
Nasdaq____ 5,007.79 ▼ -3.23 ▼ -0.06%
S&P_500___ 2,104.99 ▼ -1.64 ▼ -0.08%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.56 ▲ 0.00 ▲ 0.00%

NYSE Volume 3,437,865,750
Nasdaq Volume 1,630,186,620

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,060.45 ▼ -36.33 ▼ -0.51%
DAX_____ 11,998.86 ▼ -232.48 ▼ -1.90%
CAC_40__ 5,224.49 ▼ -29.86 ▼ -0.57%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,917.60 ▲ 40.30 ▲ 0.69%
Shanghai_Comp 4,194.82 ▲ 110.66 ▲ 2.71%
Taiwan_Weight 9,656.87 ▲ 116.81 ▲ 1.22%
Nikkei_225___ 19,885.77 ▲ 16.01 ▲ 0.08%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,739.71 ▲ 120.89 ▲ 0.44%
Strait_Times.__ 3,531.61 ▼ -8.34 ▼ -0.24%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,881.76 ▲ 25.68 ▲ 0.44%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/giving-afternoon-gain-us-stocks-203525919.html

Giving up an afternoon gain, US stocks close with tiny loss

An afternoon gain fades for US indexes, leaving the market slightly lower; Netflix, Etsy soar
Associated Press By Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Netflix soared, big corporations turned in quarterly results, and investors welcomed new companies into the market. There was plenty of news, but major indexes finished the day just short of where they started.

Stocks drifted lower at the start of trading, followed oil prices higher in the early afternoon, then flipped back to slight losses in the last hour before the closing bell.

David Lebovitz, global market strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, said investors are trying to figure out if the recent run of uninspiring economic news will hit corporate profits. At the same time, big banks and other corporations have turned in better results than Wall Street expected this week.

"There's a bit of a tug of war right now," Lebovitz said. "So far, it looks like the earnings season is off to a decent start."

The Standard & Poor's 500 index edged down 1.64 points, a fraction of a percent, to 2,104.99.

The Dow Jones industrial average slipped 6.84 points, less than 0.1 percent, to 18,105.77, and the Nasdaq composite lost 3.23 points, also less than 0.1 percent, to 5,007.79.

Netflix said it added 4.9 million subscribers in the first three months of the year, better than any other quarter since the company started streaming video eight years ago. All told, Netflix finished March with 62 million subscribers around the world. Traders drove the company's stock up $86.59, or 18 percent, to $562.05, the biggest gain in the S&P 500.

Citigroup's quarterly net income rose as the bank trimmed expenses and legal costs, which compensated for a decline in revenue. The results beat Wall Street's estimates, sending Citi's stock up 81 cents, or 2 percent, to $54.02.

The first-quarter earnings season is supposed to be the worst in years, with analysts forecasting a 3 percent drop in earnings compared with the year before. The early results suggest things might not turn out that way. Earnings from more than seven out of 10 companies have come in higher than Wall Street's estimates, according to S&P Capital IQ.

The economic news out Thursday gave traders little direction. The Labor Department reported that the number of Americans applying for unemployment aid last week inched up for the second week in a row. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, edged up to 282,750, still close to the lowest level in nearly 15 years.

In Europe, mounting fears that Greece could default on its debts shot the country's borrowing costs higher. The latest jitters followed a report Thursday in the Financial Times that Greece made an "informal approach" to the International Monetary Fund to have its bailout repayments delayed. Many in the markets think the Greek government will struggle to make a payment due next month to the IMF if it fails to reach a deal in negotiations with European creditors.

"There seems little chance of talks being resolved," said Neil MacKinnon, global macro strategist at VTB Capital. "A debt default looms."

European stock markets fell. Germany's DAX dropped 1.9 percent and France's CAC 40 lost 0.6 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 slid 0.5 percent.

Back in the U.S., Etsy nearly doubled in its first day of trading, jumping $14, or 88 percent, to $30. The online market for handmade crafts and vintage goods raised $267 million in its initial public offering late Wednesday, selling shares at $16 each.

U.S. government bonds held steady, with the 10-year Treasury yield trading at 1.88 percent.

In the commodity markets, industrial metals surged while precious metals barely budged. Copper rose 6 cents to settle at $2.77 a pound. Gold fell $3.30 to $1,198 an ounce, and silver added a penny to $16.28 an ounce.

The price of oil rose for the sixth day in a row on expectations that growth in U.S. supplies is slowing. Benchmark U.S. crude inched up 32 cents to close at $56.71 a barrel in New York. Brent crude for June delivery, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, rose 66 cents to close at $63.98 a barrel in London. The Brent contract for delivery in May expired Wednesday at $60.32.

In other trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange:

”” Wholesale gasoline fell 0.1 cent to close at $1.935 a gallon.

”” Heating oil rose 1.9 cents to close at $1.908 a gallon.

”” Natural gas rose 7.4 cents to close at $2.684 per 1,000 cubic feet.