NYSE Dow Jones finished today at:

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 26.32 points or ▲ 0.14% on Monday, 18 May 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,298.88 ▲ 26.32 ▲ 0.14%
Nasdaq____ 5,078.44 ▲ 30.15 ▲ 0.60%
S&P_500___ 2,129.20 ▲ 6.47 ▲ 0.30%
30_Yr_Bond____ 3.02 ▲ 0.10 ▲ 3.28%

NYSE Volume 2,891,517,000
Nasdaq Volume 1,601,132,380

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,968.87 ▲ 8.38 ▲ 0.12%
DAX_____ 11,594.28 ▲ 147.25 ▲ 1.29%
CAC_40__ 5,012.31 ▲ 18.49 ▲ 0.37%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,660.00 ▼ -70.00 ▼ -1.22%
Shanghai_Comp 4,283.49 ▼ -25.20 ▼ -0.58%
Taiwan_Weight 9,606.10 ▲ 26.62 ▲ 0.28%
Nikkei_225___ 19,890.27 ▲ 157.35 ▲ 0.80%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,591.25 ▼ -231.03 ▼ -0.83%
Strait_Times.__ 3,459.57 ▼ -3.53 ▼ -0.10%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,772.71 ▲ 12.33 ▲ 0.21%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-close-higher-third-201824633.html

US stocks close higher for a third day; Dow, S&P at records

Stocks edge higher in quiet trading; Dow, S&P 500 indexes close at new records
Associated Press By Ken Sweet, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- The stock market crept to a record high in a quiet session on Monday.

Investors had little news to weigh because most major companies have finished reporting first-quarter results.

The Dow Jones industrial average added 26.32 points, or 0.1 percent, to 18,298.88. The Standard & Poor's rose 6.47 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,129.20 and the Nasdaq composite rose 30.15 points, or 0.6 percent, to 5,078.44.

Among the winners was Apple, which rose $1.42, or 1 percent, to $130.19. Activist investor Carl Icahn published a letter Monday calling for the technology giant to buy back more of its own stock. Icahn said Apple is worth $240 a share. Apple and Icahn have fought the last couple of years, but Icahn has been mostly successful at getting Apple to increase its share buybacks and dividends recently.

While the S&P 500 has notched record highs for three straight days, strategists caution that it will be difficult for the stock market to move substantially higher from here.

First-quarter results are tallied up, and the Federal Reserve appears to be waiting to raise interest rates until later this year.

"We will need to see a clear turnaround in the economic data and start to see earnings growth for investors to find some confidence in this market," said David Lebovitz, a global market strategist with JPMorgan Funds.

There were a couple minor corporate deals to work through. Ann Inc., the parent company of Ann Taylor and Loft, jumped $7.69, or 20 percent, to $46.40 after it agreed to be acquired by The Ascena Retail Group. Pharmaceutical company Endo International fell $4.58, or 5.4 percent, to $80.77 after it agreed to buy the privately held Par Pharmaceutical for $8 billion.

In the energy markets, the price of oil fell for the fourth straight session Monday. Oil has been drifting lower on high supplies of crude and fuels, and a rising dollar has been making oil less attractive to overseas buyers.

Benchmark U.S. crude fell 26 cents to close at $59.43 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, fell 54 cents to close at $66.27 in London.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX, wholesale gasoline fell 1.6 cents to close at $2.041 a gallon, heating oil fell 1.8 cents to close at $1.987 a gallon and natural gas fell 0.6 cent to close at $3.010 per 1,000 cubic feet.

U.S. government bond prices fell. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 2.23 percent from 2.15 percent Friday.

The euro slipped $1.1304 from $1.1390 on Friday. The dollar climbed to 120 yen from 119.38 yen on Friday.

In metals trading, gold rose $2.30 to $1,227.60 an ounce, silver rose 17 cents to $17.73 an ounce and copper edged down two cents to $2.91 a pound.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 13.51 points or ▲ 0.07% on Tuesday, 19 May 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,312.39 ▲ 13.51 ▲ 0.07%
Nasdaq____ 5,070.03 ▼ -8.41 ▼ -0.17%
S&P_500___ 2,127.83 ▼ -1.37 ▼ -0.06%
30_Yr_Bond____ 3.04 ▲ 0.02 ▲ 0.63%

NYSE Volume 3,296,513,500
Nasdaq Volume 1,718,982,620

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,995.10 ▲ 26.23 ▲ 0.38%
DAX_____ 11,853.33 ▲ 259.05 ▲ 2.23%
CAC_40__ 5,117.30 ▲ 104.99 ▲ 2.09%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,619.40 ▼ -40.60 ▼ -0.72%
Shanghai_Comp 4,417.55 ▲ 134.06 ▲ 3.13%
Taiwan_Weight 9,716.77 ▲ 110.67 ▲ 1.15%
Nikkei_225___ 20,026.38 ▲ 136.11 ▲ 0.68%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,693.54 ▲ 102.29 ▲ 0.37%
Strait_Times.__ 3,454.04 ▼ -5.53 ▼ -0.16%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,757.16 ▼ -15.55 ▼ -0.27%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stock-market-drifts-latest-205101785.html

US stock market drifts from latest record highs

US stock indexes drift in afternoon trading as market comes off latest record high; Oil falls

Associated Press By Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- The stock market slipped back from its latest record high in a listless day of trading Tuesday. Oil companies and drillers tugged major indexes down as the price of crude oil dropped for a fifth day straight.

Wal-Mart Stores fell after reporting weak sales and a drop in quarterly earnings, a result of raises for workers and a rising dollar squeezing its profits. Wal-Mart's stock sank $3.49, or 4 percent, to $76.43.

Major indexes headed lower at the opening of trading, wavered between tiny gains and losses throughout the morning then spent much of the afternoon sitting still.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index has gained 2 percent this month, setting record highs along the way. "But it hasn't felt like it," said Hank Smith, chief investment officer at Haverford Trust. "The market pulls back slightly one day, then moves ahead. It has been a grind."

The S&P 500 lost 1.37 points, a sliver of a percent, to 2,127.83. The Nasdaq composite dipped 8.41 points, or 0.2 percent, to 5,070.03.

The Dow Jones industrial average managed a slight gain, edging up 13.51 points, or 0.1 percent, to 18,312.39. That marked the fourth straight daily gain for the Dow.

The government reported that builders started work on new houses at the fastest pace in seven years. Housing starts jumped 20.2 percent to an annual rate of 1.14 million homes, the fastest clip since November 2007.

The news helped lift shares in D.R. Horton, PulteGroup and other builders. "The housing market comes back in the spring, is what realtors always say, and boy is this true today," said Christopher Rupkey, chief financial economist at MUFG Union Bank, in a note to clients.

In other trading, Take-Two Interactive, the company behind the "Grand Theft Auto" video games, surged 18 percent after posting earnings that trounced analysts' estimates. The company's stock jumped $4.42 to $28.62.

Major indexes in Europe closed with solid gains. Germany's DAX surged 2.2 percent, while France's CAC 40 picked up 2.1 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.4 percent.

The rally in Europe came after an official with the European Central Bank said that it would step up its bond-buying program in May and June to avoid slow trading in the summer months. The ECB's effort tends to support stock and bond markets while weakening the euro.

In another development, Greece's finance minister said he expects his government will reach an agreement with its creditors within the next week, potentially saving the cash-strapped country from defaulting on its debts. The talks have run on for almost four months.

In China, the Shanghai Composite Index rose 3.1 percent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.4 percent. Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.7 percent.

Back in the U.S., government bond prices fell, pushing the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note up to 2.28 percent from 2.24 percent late Monday.

In other commodity markets, precious and industrial metals took a hard fall. Gold dropped $20.90 to settle at $1,206.70 an ounce and silver sank 66 cents to $17.07 an ounce. Copper lost 7 cents to $2.84 a pound.

The price of oil fell sharply Tuesday, extending its slide for a fifth day in a row. A rising dollar made oil, which is priced in dollars, more expensive for overseas buyers. Benchmark U.S. crude fell $2.17 to close at $57.26 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, fell $2.25 to close at $64.02 in London.

In other trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange:

— Wholesale gasoline fell 4.6 cents to close at $1.995 a gallon.

— Heating oil fell 5.8 cents to close at $1.929 a gallon.

— Natural gas fell 6.2 cents to close at $2.948 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -26.99 points or ▼ -0.15% on Wednesday, 20 May 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,285.40 ▼ -26.99 ▼ -0.15%
Nasdaq____ 5,071.74 ▲ 1.71 ▲ 0.03%
S&P_500___ 2,125.85 ▼ -1.98 ▼ -0.09%
30_Yr_Bond____ 3.05 ▲ 0.02 ▲ 0.49%

NYSE Volume 3,042,478,500
Nasdaq Volume 1,759,400,880

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,007.26 ▲ 12.16 ▲ 0.17%
DAX_____ 11,848.47 ▼ -4.86 ▼ -0.04%
CAC_40__ 5,133.30 ▲ 16.00 ▲ 0.31%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,614.00 ▼ -5.40 ▼ -0.10%
Shanghai_Comp 4,446.29 ▲ 28.74 ▲ 0.65%
Taiwan_Weight 9,685.31 ▼ -31.46 ▼ -0.32%
Nikkei_225___ 20,196.56 ▲ 170.18 ▲ 0.85%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,585.05 ▼ -108.49 ▼ -0.39%
Strait_Times.__ 3,439.68 ▼ -14.36 ▼ -0.42%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,755.79 ▼ -1.38 ▼ -0.02%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/stocks-barely-move-yet-another-205254916.html

Stocks barely move in yet another listless day for markets

US stock indexes close with tiny changes after another listless day of trading; Etsy plunges

Associated Press By Bernard Condon, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- The stock market showed little life on Wednesday as it closed yet another trading day barely changed from the day before.

Major indexes flitted between tiny gains and losses in the morning, rallied a bit after the Federal Reserve released minutes from its last meeting, then petered out toward the close. The Standard and Poor's 500 ended lower, but barely ”” down just 0.09 percent.

It was the fourth day in a row that the index moved less than one-half of one percentage point.

"There's no real reason to rally and no real reason to decline," said Matthew Tuttle, CEO of money manager Tuttle Tactical Management. "It's been really boring."

The S&P 500 closed down 1.98 points to 2,125.85. The Dow Jones industrial average slipped 26.99 points, or 0.2 percent, to 18,285.40. The Nasdaq composite rose 1.71 points, less than 0.1 percent, to 5,071.74.

Stocks fell from the opening of trading as investors weighed the latest batch of earnings reports for the first quarter. Etsy plunged 18 percent after its first earnings report as a publicly traded company showed a hefty quarterly loss. Stock in the e-commerce retailer of crafts dropped $3.80 to $17.20.

With most companies out with their results, earnings per share for S&P 500 stocks are expected to have risen 3 percent from a year ago, according to S&P Capital IQ, a data provider. That is better than the drop that financial analysts had been predicted in early March, but still low by recent standards.

More worrisome for markets, analysts have been slashing their forecasts for future quarters, too. At the beginning of 2015, they were expecting a 7 percent jump in S&P 500 earnings for the full year. Now they expect an increase of less than 1 percent.

The tiny move down for the Dow on Wednesday came after four straight gains.

Ernie Cecilia, chief investment officer of Bryn Mawr Trust, said investors have feared missing out on a six-year bull market that never seems to falter.

"Even in the brief sell-offs, it seems investors and money managers are buying on weakness," he said.

The minutes of the Fed's meeting from April showed that policymakers at the central bank generally thought June was too early to raise rates. Stocks have been propelled higher in part by easy money policies at central banks. A rate increase would be the first since the global financial crisis.

Among stocks making moves:

”” Staples fell 26 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $16.15 after reporting a sharp drop in first-quarter earnings.

”” Lowe's sank 4.6 percent on earnings and revenue that fell short of what analysts were looking for. Stock of the home-improvement retailer fell $3.33 to $68.50.

In Europe, France's CAC 40 rose 0.3 percent and Britain's FTSE 100 was up 0.2 percent. Germany's DAX was flat.

The price of oil rose for the first time in a week after the Energy Department reported a surprisingly large drop in supplies of both crude oil and fuels. Benchmark U.S. crude rose 99 cents to close at $58.98 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, rose $1.01 to close at $65.03 in London.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline rose 4.6 cents to close at $2.041 a gallon.

”” Heating oil rose 1.7 cents to close at $1.946 a gallon.

”” Natural gas fell 3.3 cents to close at $2.915 per 1,000 cubic feet.

In currency markets, the dollar strengthened to 121.32 yen from 120.67 yen. The euro declined to $1.1095 from $1.1147.

The price of U.S. government bonds rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.26 percent from 2.30 percent late Tuesday.

Precious and industrial metals prices closed little changed. Gold rose $2 to $1,208.70 an ounce, silver rose four cents to $17.11 an ounce, and copper edged down less than a penny to $2.83 a pound.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 0.34 points or ▲ 0.00% on Thursday, 21 May 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,285.74 ▲ 0.34 ▲ 0.00%
Nasdaq____ 5,090.79 ▲ 19.05 ▲ 0.38%
S&P_500___ 2,130.82 ▲ 4.97 ▲ 0.23%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.98 ▼ -0.07 ▼ -2.46%

NYSE Volume 3,090,744,500
Nasdaq Volume 1,658,418,880

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,013.47 ▲ 6.21 ▲ 0.09%
DAX_____ 11,864.59 ▲ 16.12 ▲ 0.14%
CAC_40__ 5,146.70 ▲ 13.40 ▲ 0.26%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,663.60 ▲ 49.60 ▲ 0.88%
Shanghai_Comp 4,529.42 ▲ 83.13 ▲ 1.87%
Taiwan_Weight 9,578.56 ▼ -106.75 ▼ -1.10%
Nikkei_225___ 20,202.87 ▲ 6.31 ▲ 0.03%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,523.72 ▼ -61.33 ▼ -0.22%
Strait_Times.__ 3,439.86 ▲ 0.18 ▲ 0.01%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,769.27 ▲ 13.48 ▲ 0.23%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-notch-record-rising-202736327.html

US stocks notch record as rising oil boosts energy sector

US stocks notch another record as rising oil boosts energy sector; Best Buy gains on earnings

Associated Press By Steve Rothwell, AP Markets Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- The stock market eked out another record close on Thursday as rising oil prices boosted energy stocks.

Best Buy was among the biggest gainers after reporting earnings that exceeded the expectations of Wall Street analysts. Lumber Liquidators, a specialty retailer of hardwood flooring, plunged after its CEO abruptly quit the company.

Stocks are trading at record levels, but the market's gains this week have been modest.

On the one hand, signs that the economy is flagging suggest that the Federal Reserve will likely refrain from raising rates until later in the year at the earliest. The central bank has kept its benchmark interest rate close to zero for more than six years. That's been a good backdrop for stocks.

On the other hand, if the economy fails to pick up sufficiently, corporate earnings will suffer. That would hurt stocks. Also, after a six-year bull market, stocks are no longer cheap.

"At this point, there's a bit of a wait-and-see attitude," said Stephen Freedman, head of cross-asset strategy at UBS Wealth Management. "There's uncertainty about the Fed and there's uncertainty about the growth outlook in the U.S."

The Standard & Poor's closed up 4.97 points, or 0.2 percent, at 2,130.82. The Dow Jones industrial average edged up 0.34 point to 18,285.74. The Nasdaq composite rose 19.05 points, or 0.4 percent, to 5,090.79.

Trading volume was lower than average ahead of the Memorial Day holiday in the U.S. on Monday.

Best Buy was among the day's biggest gainers, jumping after the company reported strong earnings. The electronics retailer said sales of mobile phones, big televisions and major appliances helped sales, offsetting weakness in tablets and computers. Its stock jumped $1.33, or 3.9 percent, to $35.11.

Lumber Liquidators fell sharply after CEO Robert Lynch abruptly resigned. The company is embroiled in an investigation over products imported from China after the CBS news show "60 Minutes" first reported in March that some of its flooring contained high levels of the carcinogen formaldehyde, a dangerous chemical.

The company's stock dropped $4.17, or 16.5 percent, to $21.10.

In energy trading, the price of oil rose sharply for the second day in a row on a decline in the value of the dollar, which made oil, which is priced in dollars, more attractive to overseas buyers.

Benchmark U.S. crude rose $1.74 to close at $60.72 a barrel in New York. The price of oil has now climbed more than 40 percent from its lows in March. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, rose $1.51 to close at $66.54 in London.

The latest gain in oil prices helped push the stocks of energy companies higher. Rig operator Transocean rose 83 cents, or 4.3 percent, to $20.09 and Chesapeake Energy rose 56 cents, or 3.8 percent, to $15.31.

Investors also got some more news on the economy.

More Americans sought unemployment aid last week, though the number of applications remains at a historically low level that is consistent with a healthy job market. Weekly applications increased 10,000 to 274,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. The four-week average, a less volatile figure, fell to a 15-year low of 266,250.

Government bond prices rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.19 percent from 2.25 percent on Wednesday. The dollar declined to 121.03 yen from 121.25 yen. The euro rose to $1.1112 from $1.1094.

In metals trading, precious and industrial metals futures ended narrowly mixed. The price of gold fell $4.60 to $1,204.10 an ounce, silver rose two cents to $17.13 an ounce and copper rose two cents to $2.85 a pound.

In other energy futures trading:

”” Wholesale gasoline rose 4.1 cents to close at $2.082 a gallon.

”” Heating oil rose 4 cents to close at $1.986 a gallon.

”” Natural gas rose 3.4 cents to close at $2.949 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -53.72 points or ▼ -0.29% on Friday, 22 May 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,232.02 ▼ -53.72 ▼ -0.29%
Nasdaq____ 5,089.36 ▼ -1.43 ▼ -0.03%
S&P_500___ 2,126.06 ▼ -4.76 ▼ -0.22%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.99 ▲ 0.01 ▲ 0.27%

NYSE Volume 2,574,319,500
Nasdaq Volume 1,522,411,250

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,031.72 ▲ 18.25 ▲ 0.26%
DAX_____ 11,815.01 ▼ -49.58 ▼ -0.42%
CAC_40__ 5,142.89 ▼ -3.81 ▼ -0.07%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,668.20 ▲ 4.60 ▲ 0.08%
Shanghai_Comp 4,657.60 ▲ 128.17 ▲ 2.83%
Taiwan_Weight 9,638.80 ▲ 60.24 ▲ 0.63%
Nikkei_225___ 20,264.41 ▲ 61.54 ▲ 0.30%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,992.83 ▲ 469.11 ▲ 1.70%
Strait_Times.__ 3,450.18 ▲ 10.32 ▲ 0.30%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,776.02 ▲ 6.75 ▲ 0.12%

http://www.newser.com/article/c1536...et-trading-ahead-of-memorial-day-holiday.html

Stocks slip on lower oil prices, mixed earnings in quiet trading ahead of Memorial Day holiday

US stocks fall slightly on lower oil, mixed earnings news
By BERNARD CONDON | Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — The stock market capped a quiet week of trading on a down note.

Major indexes fell from the start on Friday as oil drillers and other energy-related companies followed oil prices lower. Stocks spent much of the rest of the day drifting between losses and gains as investors considered a mixed bag corporate earnings and a slight increase in inflation.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index closed down 4.76 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,126.06. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 53.72 points, or 0.3 percent, to 18,232.02. The Nasdaq composite edged down 1.43 points to 5,089.36.

Trading was light ahead of the Memorial Day weekend in the U.S. Just 2.5 billion shares changed hands on the New York Stock Exchange, three-quarters of the normal level.

Nine of the 10 industry sectors of the S&P 500 were lower, led by a 0.8 percent drop in telecommunications stocks.

Among stocks making big gains, Deere & Co. rose $3.89, or 4.3 percent, to $93.35 after the equipment maker beat analysts' estimates for its latest quarterly earnings. The company also raised its profit forecast for the year.

Campbell Soup rose 98 cents, or 2 percent, to $47.91 after reporting better-than-expected results, too.

In economic news, the Labor Department reported that inflation rose 0.1 percent in April, its third straight increase. The report also noted that core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, climbed 0.3 percent, the biggest one-month increase in more than two years.

The numbers suggest that an improving economy could be setting the stage for the Federal Reserve to raise its benchmark short-term interest rate. The central market has held the rate near zero for more than six years.

"We don't think inflation is really a problem, but the uptick is a cover for the Fed to do what it wants to do anyway: Get off zero rates," said Jim McDonald, chief investment strategist at Northern Trust.

Later in the day, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said in a speech that she expected the Fed to begin raising rates later this year if the job market improves. But she cautioned that the economy is still facing challenges, including disappointing wage growth and too many people working part-time.

Despite the drop for the day, the S&P 500 still closed up for the week, its third weekly gain in a row. The index has closed at record highs recently, though the gains have been tiny as investors fret over unimpressive earnings and an uncertain global economy.

"It continues to be the rally that no one respects," said JJ Kinahan, chief strategist at TD Ameritrade. "Despite headwinds, it continues to plug along."

Among stocks making moves Friday, Gap Inc. fell 55 cents, or 1.4 percent, to $38.01 on news late Thursday that first-quarter earnings plunged 8 percent as it tries to turn around its Banana Republic and Gap chains. The company also cited a surge in the value of the dollar, which makes sales abroad worth less when translated back to the U.S. currency.

Overseas, the Shanghai Composite Index jumped 2.8 percent to close at its highest level since 2008. Investors are betting that the economic stimulus that has powered the rally will continue after several poor indicators, including a disappointing manufacturing index on Thursday.

Markets in Europe were mixed. Germany's DAX slipped 0.4 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.3 percent.

Benchmark U.S. crude fell $1 to close at $59.72 a barrel in New York as traders worried about supplies of oil outstripping demand. U.S. oil finished the week between $59 and $60 for the fourth straight week. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, fell $1.17 to close at $65.37 a barrel in London.

The national average retail price of gasoline reached its high for the year of $2.74 a gallon just before the Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA, though it remains nearly $1 cheaper than last year at this time.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

— Wholesale gasoline fell 2.8 cents to close at $2.054 a gallon.

— Heating oil fell 3.3 cents to close at $1.953 a gallon.

— Natural gas fell 6.2 cents to close at $2.887 per 1,000 cubic feet.

The rise in consumer prices sent U.S. bond prices lower. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose to 2.21 percent from 2.19 percent late Thursday.

Precious and industrial metals futures closed little changed. Gold edged down 10 cents to $1,204 an ounce, silver rose two cents to $17.13 an ounce, and copper fell four cents to $2.81 a pound.

4991

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

US Markets were due to be closed Monday for the Memorial Day holiday.

Global stocks mostly rose Monday on a quiet trading day with Wall Street, London, Frankfurt and Hong Kong closed for holidays.

3AW radio got it wrong this morning reporting Fridays US results as Monday May 25 results


The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -53.72 points or ▼ -0.29% on Friday, 22 May 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,232.02 ▼ -53.72 ▼ -0.29% holiday
Nasdaq____ 5,089.36 ▼ -1.43 ▼ -0.03% holiday
S&P_500___ 2,126.06 ▼ -4.76 ▼ -0.22% holiday
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.99 ▲ 0.01 ▲ 0.27% holiday

NYSE Volume 2,574,319,500
Nasdaq Volume 1,522,411,250

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,031.72 ▲ 18.25 ▲ 0.26% holiday
DAX_____ 11,815.01 ▼ -49.58 ▼ -0.42% holiday
CAC_40__ 5,117.17 ▼ -25.72 ▼ -0.50%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,719.90 ▲ 51.70 ▲ 0.91%
Shanghai_Comp 4,813.80 ▲ 156.20 ▲ 3.35%
Taiwan_Weight 9,645.17 ▲ 6.37 ▲ 0.07%
Nikkei_225___ 20,413.77 ▲ 149.36 ▲ 0.74%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,992.83 ▲ 469.11 ▲ 1.70% holiday
Strait_Times.__ 3,460.85 ▲ 10.67 ▲ 0.31%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,794.98 ▲ 18.96 ▲ 0.33%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-stocks-mostly-higher-quiet-084932336.html

Global stocks mostly higher in quiet trading day

Global stock markets mostly higher with Hong Kong, Wall Street, London closed for holidays
Associated Press By Joe Mcdonald, AP Business Writer

BEIJING (AP) -- Global stocks mostly rose Monday on a quiet trading day with Wall Street, London and Hong Kong closed for holidays.

KEEPING SCORE: In in Europe, France's CAC-40 was among the few indexes to trade, shedding 0.7 percent to 5,106.54 points. London and Frankfurt are closed for holidays. Wall Street is closed for Memorial Day. In Asia, the Shanghai Composite Index surged 3.4 percent to close at 4,813.80 and Tokyo's Nikkei 225 rose 0.7 percent to 20,413.77. Sydney's S&P/ASX 200 advanced 1 percent to 5,721.50. Taiwan, Singapore and New Zealand also rose. Jakarta, Bangkok and Manila declined. Hong Kong and Seoul were closed for holidays.

U.S. ECONOMY: Amid the slow trading, investors were digesting economic news from the U.S. on Friday. A report showed inflation rose 0.1 percent in April, its third straight increase. The numbers suggest that an improving economy could be setting the stage for the Federal Reserve to raise its benchmark short-term interest rate. Also Friday, Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen said in a speech that she expected the Fed to begin raising rates later this year if the job market improves. But she cautioned that the economy is still facing challenges, including disappointing wage growth and too many people working part-time.

GREECE DEBT: There were lingering concerns over Greece, where the stock market was down 2 percent. The country's ruling coalition rejected a call by party hardliners to skip its next payment to the International Monetary Fund on June 5. Greece does not have the money to the debt repayment without more bailout loans, but is balking at making new reforms, as creditors demand. Greece says it expects a deal by the end of the month.

WALL STREET: On Friday, major indexes declined as oil drillers and other energy-related companies followed oil prices lower. The S&P 500 fell but closed up for the week. The index has closed at record highs recently, though the gains have been tiny as investors fret over unimpressive earnings and an uncertain global economy. The Standard & Poor's 500 closed down 4.76 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,126.06. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 53.72 points, or 0.3 percent, to 18,232.02. The Nasdaq composite edged down 1.43 points to 5,089.36. Markets were due to be closed Monday for the Memorial Day holiday.

ENERGY: Benchmark U.S. oil lost 45 cents to $59.27 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract shed $1 on Friday to $59.72.

CURRENCIES: The dollar gained to 121.49 yen from Friday's 121.54 yen. The euro declined to $1.0985 from $1.1013.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -190.48 points or ▼ -1.04% on Tuesday, 26 May 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,041.54 ▼ -190.48 ▼ -1.04%
Nasdaq____ 5,032.75 ▼ -56.61 ▼ -1.11%
S&P_500___ 2,104.20 ▼ -21.86 ▼ -1.03%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.89 ▼ -0.09 ▼ -3.15%

NYSE Volume 3,286,942,750
Nasdaq Volume 1,693,017,880

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,948.99 ▼ -82.73 ▼ -1.18%
DAX_____ 11,625.13 ▼ -189.88 ▼ -1.61%
CAC_40__ 5,083.54 ▼ -33.63 ▼ -0.66%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,770.40 ▲ 50.50 ▲ 0.88%
Shanghai_Comp 4,910.90 ▲ 97.10 ▲ 2.02%
Taiwan_Weight 9,669.41 ▲ 24.24 ▲ 0.25%
Nikkei_225___ 20,437.48 ▲ 23.71 ▲ 0.12%
Hang_Seng.__ 28,249.86 ▲ 257.03 ▲ 0.92%
Strait_Times.__ 3,459.98 ▼ -0.87 ▼ -0.03%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,795.85 ▲ 0.87 ▲ 0.02%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/slumping-energy-sector-leads-broad-200909390.html

Slumping energy sector leads a broad sell-off in US stocks

US stocks close broadly lower, led by declines in energy companies as the price of oil slides
Associated Press By Ken Sweet, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- The stock market endured its worst day in three weeks on Tuesday as investors fretted over Greece's debt crisis and a surge in the U.S. dollar.

Investors seeking safety bought U.S. government bonds.

The Dow Jones Industrial average lost 190.48 points, or 1 percent, to 18,041.54. The Standard & Poor's 500 index lost 21.86 points, also 1 percent, to 2,104.20 and the Nasdaq composite fell 56.61 points, or 1.1 percent, to 5,032.75.

Only a handful of stocks, 32 out of the S&P 500's members, posted gains. Time Warner Cable rose after agreeing to be acquired by Charter Communications for $55 billion. Time Warner closed up $12.42, or 7 percent, to $183.60. Charter rose $4.45, or 2.5 percent, to $179.78.

The drop Tuesday can be tied to two phenomena that, when put together, caused the selling to compound.

On one side, investors remain concerned about Greece's ability to repay its debts. Greece might miss a payment on June 5 if it fails to receive bailout funds from creditors, who are demanding that the country make reforms to its economy. Talks to reach a deal resumed Tuesday after a weekend break, but it is unclear whether an agreement can be reached in time.

Also, the value of the U.S. dollar surged Tuesday, causing reverberations in several markets. The price of oil, gold and other commodities, which are priced in dollars, dropped. That, in turn, pushed down the stocks of companies which do business in those commodities, such as copper and gold miners, or do most of their business outside the U.S. Industrial, oil and gas, and material sector companies were all broadly lower.

While investors have considered Greece's financial troubles for years now, the country is precariously close to the edge this time. It owes 6.7 billion euros this month to investors and the International Monetary Fund and does not have the cash to pay it.

Meanwhile, another big question for investors is when the Federal Reserve the Federal Reserve will finally make its first interest rate increase in almost a decade. Many expect that to occur either later this year or early next year.

"If you think Greece is actually in its last throes in the eurozone it's better to be safe and park your money in U.S. dollars and deal with the Fed's interest rate increase down the road," said Quincy Krosby, a market strategist at Prudential Financial.

Both the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan are in the midst of bond-buying programs to stimulate their economies, as the Fed did recently in the U.S. A byproduct of those programs can be a weakened currency. So when the Fed does raise interest rates, it could cause the U.S. dollar to appreciate even more against the euro and Japanese yen.

U.S. government bond prices rose sharply, sending yields lower. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.13 percent from 2.22 percent late Friday.

The price of oil fell sharply Tuesday as dollar gained strength against other currencies. Oil is priced in dollars around the world, so a rising dollar makes oil more expensive to holders of foreign currency.

Benchmark U.S. crude fell $1.69 to close at $58.03 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, fell $1.80 to close at $63.72 in London.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline fell 5.6 cents to close at $1.998 a gallon.

”” Heating oil fell 5.3 cents to close at $1.900 a gallon.

”” Natural gas fell 6.5 cents to close at $2.822 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Precious and industrial metals prices ended broadly lower. Gold fell $17.10 to settle at $1,186.90 an ounce, silver fell 31 cents to $16.75 an ounce and copper fell 3 cents to $2.78 a pound.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 121.45 points or ▲ 0.67% on Wednesday, 27 May 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,162.99 ▲ 121.45 ▲ 0.67%
Nasdaq____ 5,106.59 ▲ 73.84 ▲ 1.47%
S&P_500___ 2,123.48 ▲ 19.28 ▲ 0.92%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.88 ▼ -0.02 ▼ -0.59%

NYSE Volume 3,129,927,750
Nasdaq Volume 1,788,058,380

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,033.33 ▲ 84.34 ▲ 1.21%
DAX_____ 11,771.13 ▲ 146.00 ▲ 1.26%
CAC_40__ 5,182.53 ▲ 98.99 ▲ 1.95%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,724.20 ▼ -46.20 ▼ -0.80%
Shanghai_Comp 4,941.71 ▲ 30.82 ▲ 0.63%
Taiwan_Weight 9,693.54 ▲ 24.13 ▲ 0.25%
Nikkei_225___ 20,472.58 ▲ 35.10 ▲ 0.17%
Hang_Seng.__ 28,081.21 ▼ -168.65 ▼ -0.60%
Strait_Times.__ 3,424.94 ▼ -35.04 ▼ -1.01%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,757.94 ▼ -37.92 ▼ -0.65%

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/us-stocks-open-modestly-higher-quiet-trading-31336789

Stocks of major US airlines end 6-session losing streak

After sliding from 2015 highs, major airline stocks end their losing string as oil prices fall

NEW YORK ”” May 27, 2015, 4:23 PM ET
By KEN SWEET AP Business Writer

Stocks ended higher Wednesday, recovering the most of their losses from the day before, as Greece appeared closer to resolving its latest debt issues.

However, the overall market remains directionless as most investors are focused on figuring out when the Federal Reserve's long-awaited interest rate increase may come.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 121.45 points, or 0.7 percent, to 18,162.99. It had fallen 190 points on Tuesday. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 19.28 points, or 0.9 percent, to 2,123.48 and the Nasdaq composite rose 73.84 points, or 1.5 percent, to 5,106.59.

The stock market was barely higher for the first half of the day, but gained momentum in the afternoon after Greece's Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said his country is near a deal with its creditors. Tsipras stressed that "calm and determination" were needed in the final stretch of negotiations.

Greece might miss a debt payment on June 5 if it fails to receive bailout funds from creditors, who are demanding that the country make reforms to its economy. It is unclear whether an agreement can be reached in time and Greece is dealing with three different creditor institutions: the International Monetary Fund, European Commission and European Central Bank.

Missing those payments could destabilize the country's financial system and eventually push it out of the 19-country eurozone, a step that could shake the currency union and the global economy.

The news helped the euro stabilize against the dollar after its sell-off Tuesday. The drop in the euro was partially blamed for yesterday's stock market sell-off.

Outside of Greece and the dollar, most of investors' attention is on the Fed and when the central bank plans to start raising rates for the first time in almost a decade. Investors and strategists are split on when the central bank will move, with some thinking it could be as early as September and most looking at early 2016.

Market strategists argue that until the market has some more clarity from the Fed or from economic data, stocks are unlikely to post solid gains. There was no major economic data on Wednesday to move the market one way or another.

"It's an old but true expression: the market likes certainty. Until we get that from the Fed, stocks are unlikely to make any headway," said David Lefkowitz, a senior equity strategist at UBS.

In individual stocks, tobacco companies Lorillard and Reynolds American rose after the Federal Trade Commission gave its tacit approval to the companies' $27.4 billion merger. Lorillard, maker of Newport cigarettes, was up 70 cents, or 1 percent, to $72.82. Reynolds American, which makes Camel cigarettes, was up $1.70, or 2.3 percent, to $77.13.

Michael Kors Holdings sank $14.66, or 24 percent, to $45.93. The handbag and accessories maker posted a drop in year-over-year sales and predicted sales would be well short of analysts' estimates. And jewelry maker Tiffany & Co. rose $9.01, or 11 percent, to $94.54 after its quarterly results topped analysts' expectations, despite a stronger dollar.

Benchmark U.S. crude fell 52 cents to $57.51 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude fell $1.66 to $62.06 a barrel in London.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline fell 5.4 cents to close at $1.945 a gallon.

”” Heating oil fell 4.4 cents to close at $1.857 a gallon.

”” Natural gas fell 0.7 cents to close at $2.815 per 1,000 cubic feet.

In the bond market, U.S. government bond prices edged higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.13 percent from 2.14 percent the day before

Precious and industrial metals futures ended lower. Gold lost $1.30 to $1,185.60 an ounce, silver fell 10 cents to $16.65 an ounce and copper fell a penny to $2.77 a pound.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -36.87 points or ▼ -0.20% on Thursday, 28 May 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,126.12 ▼ -36.87 ▼ -0.20%
Nasdaq____ 5,097.98 ▼ -8.62 ▼ -0.17%
S&P_500___ 2,120.79 ▼ -2.69 ▼ -0.13%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.88 ▲ 0.01 ▲ 0.35%

NYSE Volume 2,982,402,750
Nasdaq Volume 1,721,275,250

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 7,040.92 ▲ 7.59 ▲ 0.11%
DAX_____ 11,677.57 ▼ -93.56 ▼ -0.79%
CAC_40__ 5,137.83 ▼ -44.70 ▼ -0.86%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,714.60 ▼ -9.60 ▼ -0.17%
Shanghai_Comp 4,620.27 ▼ -321.45 ▼ -6.50%
Taiwan_Weight 9,712.84 ▲ 19.30 ▲ 0.20%
Nikkei_225___ 20,551.46 ▲ 78.88 ▲ 0.39%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,454.31 ▼ -626.90 ▼ -2.23%
Strait_Times.__ 3,417.77 ▼ -7.17 ▼ -0.21%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,777.64 ▲ 19.70 ▲ 0.34%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-fall-slightly-greece-204604902.html

US stocks fall slightly; Greece debt deadline looms

US stock markets edge lower as Greece debt deadline looms; China's Shanghai index tumbles

Associated Press By Ken Sweet, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- U.S. stocks fell slightly Thursday, following a sell-off in the Chinese market and continued worries about the approaching debt payment deadline for cash-starved Greece.

The overall market was quiet, with the Dow moving less than 100 points throughout the session. Energy and industrial stocks were among the biggest decliners. Most investors are in "wait and see" mode regarding Greece and the Federal Reserve, which is weighing when to begin raising interest rates.

The Dow Jones industrial average slipped 36.87 points, or 0.2 percent, to 18,126.12. The Standard & Poor's 500 index edged down 2.69 points, or 0.1 percent, to 2,120.79 and the Nasdaq composite lost 8.62 points, or 0.2 percent, to 5,097.98.

In corporate news, chipmakers Avago Technologies and Broadcom agreed to merge in a $37 billion deal. Avago rose 89 cents, or 1 percent, to $142.38. Broadcom fell 91 cents, or 2 percent, to $56.25. Both stocks had jumped sharply Wednesday ”” Broadcom by 22 percent and Avago by 8 percent ”” on rumors those companies were in talks.

In Greece, progress in talks between that country and its creditors is unclear. Greece said it expected to reach a deal to get more bailout loans in time to make a key debt payment on June 5. Its creditors were quick to temper expectations.

Greece said it aims to clinch a deal by Sunday, which would allow it to receive the much needed final installment of its international bailout and avoid a default.

Greece has given investors a headache for years now, and many are skeptical that this round of talks will resolve any of the country's debt issues.

"They're likely to kick the can down the road as they have been," said Scott Wren, a market strategist with Wells Fargo. "At this point, I think we're likely looking at Greece leaving the eurozone."

In European markets, Greek stocks fell 1.7 percent. Germany's DAX lost 0.8 percent, France's CAC-40 lost 0.9 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 index rose 0.1 percent.

Along with Greece's debt problems, investors are looking for insight into when the Fed might start raising interest rates. The central bank is expected to increase rates as early as September, but the bank's policymakers say any increase will depend on how the U.S. economy is doing.

Investors were also unnerved but a sell-off in Asia. China's Shanghai Composite sank 6.5 percent. Stock market commentator Hexun attributed the fall to several factors, including brokerages tightening lending to individual investors, selling by speculators and a Chinese sovereign wealth fund selling shares in two state banks.

Despite an economic slowdown in China, the index has gained 40 percent in the past three months. Chinese leaders have tried to tap the brakes on the stock boom, fearing it could run out of control and disrupt economic reform plans.

In the U.S., government bond prices were flat. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note held at 2.14 percent.

In energy markets, oil ended slightly higher after the government reported bigger-than-expected declines in U.S. oil and gasoline supplies. The price of U.S. oil rose 17 cents to $57.68 a barrel after being down $1 a barrel earlier. Brent crude, used by many U.S. refiners in the production of gasoline, rose 52 cents to $62.58 in London.

In other energy futures trading, wholesale gasoline gained 4.1 cents to $1.985 a gallon. Heating oil rose 1.4 cents to $1.87 a gallon and natural gas fell 14.1 cents to $2.706 per 1,000 cubic feet.

In the metals markets, gold rose $2.30 to $1,188.80 an ounce, silver rose two cents to $16.67 an ounce and high-grade copper was unchanged at $2.77 a pound.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -115.44 points or ▼ -0.64% on Friday, 29 May 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,010.68 ▼ -115.44 ▼ -0.64%
Nasdaq____ 5,070.03 ▼ -27.95 ▼ -0.55%
S&P_500___ 2,107.39 ▼ -13.40 ▼ -0.63%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.85 ▼ -0.04 ▼ -1.32%

NYSE Volume 3,927,227,750
Nasdaq Volume 1,997,937,620

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,984.43 ▼ -56.49 ▼ -0.80%
DAX_____ 11,413.82 ▼ -263.75 ▼ -2.26%
CAC_40__ 5,007.89 ▼ -129.94 ▼ -2.53%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,774.90 ▲ 60.30 ▲ 1.06%
Shanghai_Comp 4,611.74 ▼ -8.52 ▼ -0.18%
Taiwan_Weight 9,701.07 ▼ -11.77 ▼ -0.12%
Nikkei_225___ 20,563.15 ▲ 11.69 ▲ 0.06%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,424.19 ▼ -30.12 ▼ -0.11%
Strait_Times.__ 3,392.11 ▼ -25.66 ▼ -0.75%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,844.95 ▲ 67.31 ▲ 1.17%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/stocks-end-week-lower-following-203526924.html

Stocks end week lower following disappointing economic data

Stocks end week lower following reports that US economy contracted in the first quarter

Associated Press By Ken Sweet, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks sank Friday following news that the U.S. economy shrank in the first three months of the year.

The revised data showed that gross domestic product contracted 0.7 percent in the first quarter. That was worse than the government's initial estimate of growth of 0.2 percent.

The Dow Jones industrial average lost 115.44 points, or 0.6 percent, to 18,010.68. The Standard & Poor's 500 index lost 13.40 points, or 0.6 percent, to 2,107.39 and the Nasdaq composite lost 27.95 points, or 0.6 percent, to 5,070.03.

All three indexes ended the week lower. It was the first weekly loss for the S&P 500 following three weeks of gains.

Investors had two other disappointing pieces of economic news to work through. A Chicago manufacturing survey fell to 46.2, well below the 53 that economists were anticipating, and a measure of consumer sentiment fell to a six-month low in May.

Along with the disappointing economic data, investors continued to watch developments out of Greece.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has said a deal with the country's creditors could be ready by the weekend, but it appears other key officials are less confident.

"With it being a Friday and the uncertainty around the Greece situation and the disappointing economic data, naturally investors are taking some of their positions off the table," said JJ Kinahan, a strategist at TDAmeritrade.

Christine Lagarde, the head of the International Monetary Fund, said a Greek exit from the euro remains a possibility, while German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble also appeared cautious in comments following the end of a meeting of top finance officials in Berlin. Without a deal to receive its remaining bailout cash soon, Greece faces the grim possibilities of defaulting on its debt or ditching the euro. Figures from the European Central Bank showing Greek bank deposits are at their lowest in more than a decade only added to the prevailing gloom.

Among individual stocks, shares of Humana rose $36.24, or 20 percent, to $214.65 after The Wall Street Journal reported that the health insurance company has hired investment bankers to potentially sell the company.

GameStop rose $2.49, or 6 percent, to $43.41. The video game retailer posted results that exceeded analysts' estimates, helped by the sale of recently released video game titles.

In energy, the price of oil rose nearly 5 percent Friday on an increase in demand and a surprisingly large decline in the number of rigs drilling for oil in the U.S. Benchmark U.S. crude rose $2.62 to close at $60.30 a barrel in New York. Oil finished the week up 1 percent. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, rose $2.98 to close at $65.56 in London.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX, wholesale gasoline rose 10.1 cents to close at $2.086 a gallon, heating oil rose 8.5 cents to close at $1.955 a gallon, and natural gas fell 6.4 cents — its fifth decline in a row — to close at $2.642 per 1,000 cubic feet.

U.S. government bond prices rose slightly. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.12 percent. The euro rose to $1.0984 to the dollar, while the dollar rose to 124.13 yen against the Japanese currency.

Precious and industrial metals futures ended mixed. Gold rose $1.30 to $1,189.40 an ounce, silver rose three cents to $16.70 an ounce and copper fell four cents to $2.73 a pound.

5658

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 29.69 points or ▲ 0.16% on Monday, 1 June 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,040.37 ▲ 29.69 ▲ 0.16%
Nasdaq____ 5,082.93 ▲ 12.90 ▲ 0.25%
S&P_500___ 2,111.73 ▲ 4.34 ▲ 0.21%
30_Yr_Bond____ 2.95 ▲ 0.10 ▲ 3.65%

NYSE Volume 3,008,353,250
Nasdaq Volume 1,881,939,500

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,953.58 ▼ -30.85 ▼ -0.44%
DAX_____ 11,436.05 ▲ 22.23 ▲ 0.19%
CAC_40__ 5,025.30 ▲ 17.41 ▲ 0.35%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,734.00 ▼ -40.90 ▼ -0.71%
Shanghai_Comp 4,828.74 ▲ 216.99 ▲ 4.71%
Taiwan_Weight 9,625.69 ▼ -75.38 ▼ -0.78%
Nikkei_225___ 20,569.87 ▲ 6.72 ▲ 0.03%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,597.16 ▲ 172.97 ▲ 0.63%
Strait_Times.__ 3,392.11 ▼ -25.66 ▼ -0.75%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,844.95 ▲ 67.31 ▲ 1.17%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-gain-broadly-intel-200739972.html

US stocks gain broadly after Intel deal for chip designer

US stocks gain broadly after encouraging economic reports, big Intel deal for chip designer

Associated Press By Bernard Condon, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks rose on Monday after the release of some encouraging economic data and news of a big acquisition in the semiconductor industry.

The gains were modest, but broad. Eight of the 10 industry sectors in the Standard and Poor's 500 index ended higher, led by industrial stocks with a gain of 0.4 percent.

The biggest gainer in the S&P 500 was chip designer Altera, the target of a $17 billion cash offer by giant chip-maker Intel. Altera jumped $2.83 to $51.68, a 6 percent gain. Companies have been combining at a rapid clip, helping to boost stocks in the seventh year of the bull market.

The S&P 500 rose 4.34 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,111.73. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 29.69 points, or 0.2 percent, to 18,040.37. The Nasdaq composite climbed 12.90 points, or 0.3 percent, to 5,082.93.

In economic news, U.S. manufacturing growth accelerated in May for the first time in six months, propelled by more new orders and an increase in hiring, according to the Institute for Supply Management, a trade group. A separate report showed construction spending climbed in April to the highest level in more than six years.

Investors are anxious about U.S. growth following a series of weak data, capped by news Friday that the economy shrank in the first three months of the year. They'll have a better sense of the growth outlook later this week after several other economic reports are released, culminating Friday with one on hiring in May.

"The market is looking at the data and saying, this is good," said Mizuho Securities' chief economist Steven Ricchiuto, referring to Monday's construction and factory reports. "It supports the idea that GDP will rebound in the second quarter."

Ricchiuto cautioned that he doesn't think economic growth will be fast enough to result in big corporate profit gains that will push stock prices higher. Earnings for companies in the S&P 500 are expected to rise just 0.6 percent for the full year, according to the S&P Capital IQ, a research firm.

Investors are also anxious about when the Federal Reserve will raise short-term interest rates. It has held them near zero since for more than six years to encourage borrowing and spending.

The Altera deal follows several other blockbuster corporate deals recently, including a $55 billion acquisition by Charter Communications for rival Time Warner Cable last week. So far this year, more than $700 billion in deals have been announced, a 43 percent jump from the same period a year ago, according to S&P Capital IQ.

Intel fell 55 cents to $33.91, a loss of 1.6 percent, the biggest drop in the Dow index.

Among other stocks making big moves, the solid construction data helped push up homebuilders. D.R. Horton rose 32 cents, or 1.2 percent, to $26.44. Toll Brothers rose 38 cents, or 1.2 percent, to $36.55.

In Europe, tensions remain high as Greece inches closer to a Friday deadline to make a debt payment to the International Monetary Fund. Greece is struggling to convince the IMF and creditors in Europe that it has a reform strategy in place so it can get access to more bailout cash.

"Concerns about Greece continue to hold investors back from taking on too much risk," said Fawad Razaqzada, an analyst at Forex.com.

Germany's DAX rose 0.2 percent while the CAC-40 in France gained 0.4 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.4 percent.

In Asia, the Shanghai Composite jumped 4.7 percent following a steep plunge last week triggered partly by a pullback on lending to investors at brokerages. Officials in China are worried that stocks have risen too far, too fast. The index is up 137 percent in the past 12 months.

The price of oil slipped slightly as the dollar gained strength, making oil less attractive to holders of foreign currencies. Benchmark U.S. crude fell 10 cents to close at $60.20 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, fell 68 cents to close at $64.88 a barrel in London.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline fell 2.1 cents to close at $2.042 a gallon.

”” Heating oil fell 2.4 cents to close at $1.926 a gallon.

”” Natural gas rose 7 cents to close at $2.649 per 1,000 cubic feet.

In the currency markets, the euro was little changed at $1.0931 and the dollar rose slightly to 124.79 Japanese yen.

U.S. government bond prices fell. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 2.18 percent from 2.12 percent late Friday.

Precious and industrial metals futures closed broadly lower. Gold fell $1.10 to $1,188.70 an ounce. Silver fell two cents to $16.68 an ounce. Copper edged down a penny to $2.72 a pound.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -28.43 points or ▼ -0.16% on Tuesday, 2 June 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,011.94 ▼ -28.43 ▼ -0.16%
Nasdaq____ 5,076.52 ▼ -6.40 ▼ -0.13%
S&P_500___ 2,109.60 ▼ -2.13 ▼ -0.10%
30_Yr_Bond____ 3.02 ▲ 0.07 ▲ 2.37%

NYSE Volume 3,050,861,000
Nasdaq Volume 1,708,800,250

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,928.27 ▼ -25.31 ▼ -0.36%
DAX_____ 11,328.80 ▼ -107.25 ▼ -0.94%
CAC_40__ 5,004.46 ▼ -20.84 ▼ -0.41%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,639.90 ▼ -94.10 ▼ -1.64%
Shanghai_Comp 4,910.53 ▲ 81.79 ▲ 1.69%
Taiwan_Weight 9,614.26 ▼ -11.43 ▼ -0.12%
Nikkei_225___ 20,543.19 ▼ -26.68 ▼ -0.13%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,466.72 ▼ -130.44 ▼ -0.47%
Strait_Times.__ 3,340.75 ▼ -51.36 ▼ -1.51%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,863.74 ▲ 18.79 ▲ 0.32%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/stocks-drop-energy-gains-offset-205133078.html

Stocks drop as energy gains are offset by utilities slump

Stocks drop as energy sector gains are offset by slump in utilities; PVH climbs on earnings

Associated Press By Steve Rothwell, AP Markets Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- The stock market remains stuck in a rut.

On Tuesday, U.S. stocks ended the day with a slight loss as gains for the energy sector were offset by a slump in utilities. Treasury notes fell for a second day after a report showed that consumer prices rose in Europe for the first time since November, a sign that global inflation is picking up from a low base.

Stocks have been treading water for a month now as a series of modest gains and losses have cancelled each other out. The market remains close to record levels after a six-year bull-run, but investors appear reluctant to push prices any without first seeing evidence that the economy is recovering from its winter slump.

"It's still a decent market," said Jerry Braakman, chief investment officer of First American Trust. "We're up for the year but it's not flying off the roof like it has been for the last five, or six years."

The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 2.13 points, or 0.1 percent, to 2,109.60. The index has gained 0.1 percent in the past month.

The Dow Jones industrial average dropped 28.43 points, or 0.2 percent, to 18,011.94. The Nasdaq composite fell 6.40 points, or 0.1 percent, to 5,076.52.

Utilities led declines for stocks as bond yields climbed for a second day.

Investors bought dividend-rich utility stocks last year as bond yields plunged, but that trend has reversed as bond yields have edged higher in the last four months. The sector has dropped 7.6 percent this year, making it the worst performer among the 10 industry groups that make up the S&P 500.

The slump in that sector was offset by a gain in energy stocks, which benefited from higher oil prices.

Oil closed at its highest level since December as the dollar fell against the euro. Oil is priced in dollars, and a drop in the value of the U.S. currency pushes up the price that producers demand for oil.

Despite the recent lack of momentum for stocks, the trend still points for higher prices, said Karyn Cavanaugh, a senior Vice President at Voya Investment Management. She believes that stocks will resume their ascent as the economy strengthens and company earnings keep rising.

"The tendency is up, but it's not always a straight line," said Cavanaugh.

Among the day's biggest winners on Tuesday was PVH. The stock jumped after the company reported earnings that beat the expectations of Wall Street analysts. The company also announced that its board had approved a $500 million share buyback program.

Investors were also following developments with Greece, a day after an emergency meeting of the nation's international creditors.

Greece has submitted a proposal it hopes will secure a deal to get more funds from its lenders. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said it is now up Europe's leaders to accept a deal or risk potentially disastrous consequences for the region. For four months, Greece and its creditors have been locked in a standoff over what reforms the country needs to make to get more loans.

In bond trading, prices fell, pushing yields higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note climbed to 2.26 percent from 2.18 percent on Monday. European government bond yields also rose broadly. The yield on the 10-year German government bond rose to 0.72 percent from 0.55 percent, a large move.

The dollar weakened against the Japanese yen. Earlier, it climbed above 125 yen for the first time since 2002. The U.S. currency also weakened against the dollar after the consumer prices report. The currency traded up at $1.1153, from $1.0934 the day before.

In metals trading, gold was little changed at $1,194.40 an ounce. The price of silver rose 12 cents to $16.80 an ounce. Copper climbed 1.6 cents to $2.74 per pound.

The price of oil rose nearly two percent to its highest level since December on a sharp rise in the euro against the dollar. Benchmark U.S. crude rose $1.06 to close at $61.26 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, rose 61 cents to close at $65.49 a barrel in London.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline rose 2.3 cents to close at $2.065 a gallon.

”” Heating oil rose 2 cents to close at $1.946 a gallon.

”” Natural gas rose 4.9 cents to close at $2.698 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 64.33 points or ▲ 0.36% on Wednesday, 3 June 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,076.27 ▲ 64.33 ▲ 0.36%
Nasdaq____ 5,099.23 ▲ 22.71 ▲ 0.45%
S&P_500___ 2,114.07 ▲ 4.47 ▲ 0.21%
30_Yr_Bond____ 3.11 ▲ 0.09 ▲ 2.85%

NYSE Volume 3,101,246,500
Nasdaq Volume 1,828,776,380

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,950.46 ▲ 22.19 ▲ 0.32%
DAX_____ 11,419.62 ▲ 90.82 ▲ 0.80%
CAC_40__ 5,034.17 ▲ 29.71 ▲ 0.59%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,588.30 ▼ -51.60 ▼ -0.91%
Shanghai_Comp 4,909.98 ▼ -0.55 ▼ -0.01%
Taiwan_Weight 9,556.52 ▼ -57.74 ▼ -0.60%
Nikkei_225___ 20,473.51 ▼ -69.68 ▼ -0.34%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,657.47 ▲ 190.75 ▲ 0.69%
Strait_Times.__ 3,349.84 ▲ 9.09 ▲ 0.27%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,858.71 ▼ -5.04 ▼ -0.09%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/encouraging-economic-news-gives-us-201519164.html

Encouraging economic news gives US stocks a modest bump

Stocks rise following solid news on hiring, trade and business conditions; utilities slump

Associated Press By Bernard Condon, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Encouraging economic news pushed stocks higher Wednesday, although a slump in energy companies and utilities kept broader gains in check.

Stocks climbed from the start of trading on news that U.S. exports rose in April and that hiring picked up in May. The buying followed a rise in overseas markets on hopes of a breakthrough in Greece's talks with its creditors.

By the end of the day, seven of 10 industry groups in the Standard and Poor's 500 index rose. Utility stocks dropped 1.4 percent and energy companies fell 0.7 percent, along with the price of oil.

The S&P 500 edged up 4.47 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,114.07. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 64.33 points, or 0.4 percent, to end at 18,076.27. The Nasdaq composite climbed 22.71 points, or 0.5 percent, to 5,099.23.

The Federal Reserve said that a survey of business conditions showed that manufacturing held steady or increased in most parts of the country. A separate report from the Institute for Supply Management showed U.S. service firms grew in May at the slowest pace in a year. But any reading over 50 indicates that services firms are expanding.

Investors are anxious for signs that U.S. growth is picking up, but not so much that the Fed will feel compelled to raise interest rates too fast and send stocks down sharply.

Colleen S. Supran, principal at investment firm Bingham, Osborn & Scarborough, said Wednesday's reports seemed to strike a sort of Goldilocks' balance of hot, but not too hot.

"It's not so robust, that anyone can come out and say, 'The Fed has got to raise rates,'" she said. "Everything is just good enough."

Utility companies were driven down by a sharp rise in bond yields. Investors like utility stocks for their fat dividends, but bonds are becoming more attractive as a source of income. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose on Wednesday to 2.37 percent, the highest since November.

Energy stocks fell as the price of benchmark U.S. oil slid nearly 3 percent. The two biggest decliners in the S&P 500, Chesapeake Energy and Diamond Offshore Drilling, each fell by more than 3 percent.

Among big gainers for the day was clothing maker G-III Apparel Group, which reported earnings and revenue that came in well ahead of what Wall Street analysts were looking for. Its stock surged $7.06, or 12 percent, to $67.15.

Investors were also keeping an eye on Greece. The country's prime minister is trying to persuade creditors to accept a proposal that could unlock much-delayed bailout loans, but he's running out of time.

Greece has to make a payment of over 300 million euros ($333 million) to the International Monetary Fund this Friday, then make a series of other payments in the coming months. If it fails to repay past loans and get new ones, Greece may have to exit from the euro, a development that could roil the 19-country eurozone.

"The consensus is that they'll meet the June 5th payment ... but the concern is they'll struggle mightily to meet their July payment," said JJ Kinahan, chief strategist at TD Ameritrade. "The market is taking one payment at a time, but this continues to loom as a major point of concern."

In the U.S. hiring report, payroll processor ADP said that companies added 201,000 jobs last month, up from just 165,000 in April. That raised hopes for more good news on Friday, when the government releases its broader survey of the job market.

Benchmark U.S. crude fell $1.62 to close at $59.64 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, fell $1.69 to close at $63.80 in London.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline fell 2 cents to close at $2.045 a gallon.

”” Heating oil fell 5.4 cents to close at $1.892 a gallon.

”” Natural gas fell 6.4 cents to close at $2.634 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Gold fell $9.50, or nearly 1 percent, to $1,184.90 an ounce.

Silver slipped 32 cents, or 2 percent, to $16.48 an ounce.

Copper edged down 1 cent to $2.72 a pound.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -170.69 points or ▼ -0.94% on Thursday, 4 June 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,905.58 ▼ -170.69 ▼ -0.94%
Nasdaq____ 5,059.12 ▼ -40.11 ▼ -0.79%
S&P_500___ 2,095.84 ▼ -18.23 ▼ -0.86%
30_Yr_Bond____ 3.03 ▼ -0.07 ▼ -2.35%

NYSE Volume 3,210,475,250
Nasdaq Volume 1,783,752,620

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,859.24 ▼ -91.22 ▼ -1.31%
DAX_____ 11,340.60 ▼ -79.02 ▼ -0.69%
CAC_40__ 4,987.13 ▼ -47.04 ▼ -0.93%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,511.30 ▼ -77.00 ▼ -1.38%
Shanghai_Comp 4,947.10 ▲ 37.12 ▲ 0.76%
Taiwan_Weight 9,348.63 ▼ -207.89 ▼ -2.18%
Nikkei_225___ 20,488.19 ▲ 14.68 ▲ 0.07%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,551.89 ▼ -105.58 ▼ -0.38%
Strait_Times.__ 3,347.26 ▼ -2.58 ▼ -0.08%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,865.44 ▲ 6.73 ▲ 0.11%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-head-lower-greece-200551947.html

US stocks head lower as Greece talks remain stuck

Wall Street follows Europe lower as Greece remains at impasse with creditors over loan terms

Associated Press By Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Uncertainty surrounding Greece's debts helped knock the U.S. stock market lower Thursday as an impasse between Greece and its creditors dragged on. The drop put major indexes on track for a weekly loss. Oil and gas stocks had some of the biggest losses as the price of crude sank 3 percent.

Major indexes headed lower at the outset of trading, briefly returned to the starting line, then lost ground throughout the afternoon.

Hank Smith, chief investment officer at Haverford Trust, said he thinks Greece and its creditors will eventually reach an agreement that allows the country to receive new loans. But just the possibility that Greece could default on its debts and become the first country to drop the euro currency makes investors nervous. "It creates a tremendous amount of anxiety because we don't have a playbook," Smith said. "It just hasn't happened before."

The Standard & Poor's 500 index lost 18.23 points, or 0.9 percent, to finish at 2,095.84. All 10 industry groups in the Standard & Poor's 500 fell, with Du Pont and other materials companies leading the way down.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 170.69 points, or 0.9 percent, to 17,905.58 and the Nasdaq composite lost 40.11 points, or 0.8 percent, to 5,059.12.

Before the market opened, J.M. Smucker reported a loss in its latest quarter even though sales climbed. The maker of Folger's coffee said higher prices for coffee beans and a strong dollar pinched results. Smucker's stock fell $4.44, or 4 percent, to $113.75.

A report that Dish Network is talking to T-Mobile US about a possible merger sent both stocks up. The Wall Street Journal said that the two sides have yet to nail down crucial details, including a purchase price. Dish's stock jumped $3.44, or 5 percent, to $74.25, while T-Mobile's surged $1.01, or 3 percent, to $39.34.

A meeting on Wednesday between Greece's Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, and the head of the European Union's executive arm ran into the early morning hours on Thursday yet failed to yield an agreement to release vital loans. Later Thursday, Greece told the International Monetary Fund that it would postpone a payment due Friday and bundle it together with three other payments at the end of the month.

Major European markets finished broadly lower, erasing gains made earlier in the week. Germany's DAX sank 0.7 percent, while the CAC-40 in France fell 0.9 percent. The FTSE 100 index of leading British shares lost 1.3 percent. Greece's main index slumped 1.3 percent.

"It looks like investors put a bit too much stock in the ... meeting last night," said Connor Campbell, a trader at Spreadex.

In Asia, Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index edged up 0.1 percent. In China, the Shanghai index finished 0.8 percent higher, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.4 percent. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 dropped 1.4 percent.

Back in the U.S., government bond prices rose, pushing Treasury yields down. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note dropped to 2.31 percent from 2.36 percent late Wednesday.

Precious and industrial metals futures fell. Gold lost $9.70 to $1,175.20 an ounce, and silver sank 38 cents to $16.10 an ounce. Copper lost four cents to close at $2.69 a pound.

The price of oil fell nearly 3 percent on expectations that OPEC will decide to keep its output high at its Friday meeting in Vienna. Benchmark U.S. crude fell $1.64 to close at $58.00 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, fell $1.77 to close at $62.03 a barrel in London.

In other futures trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange:

”” Wholesale gasoline fell 6.4 cents to close at $1.981 a gallon.

”” Heating oil fell 4.8 cents to close at $1.844 a gallon.

”” Natural gas fell 0.8 cents to close at $2.626 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -56.12 points or ▼ -0.31% on Friday, 5 June 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,849.46 ▼ -56.12 ▼ -0.31%
Nasdaq____ 5,068.46 ▲ 9.33 ▲ 0.18%
S&P_500___ 2,092.83 ▼ -3.01 ▼ -0.14%
30_Yr_Bond____ 3.11 ▲ 0.08 ▲ 2.54%

NYSE Volume 3,259,034,250
Nasdaq Volume 1,819,666,750

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,804.60 ▼ -54.64 ▼ -0.80%
DAX_____ 11,197.15 ▼ -143.45 ▼ -1.26%
CAC_40__ 4,920.74 ▼ -66.39 ▼ -1.33%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,506.50 ▼ -4.80 ▼ -0.09%
Shanghai_Comp 5,023.10 ▲ 75.99 ▲ 1.54%
Taiwan_Weight 9,340.13 ▼ -8.50 ▼ -0.09%
Nikkei_225___ 20,460.90 ▼ -27.29 ▼ -0.13%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,260.16 ▼ -291.73 ▼ -1.06%
Strait_Times.__ 3,333.67 ▼ -11.33 ▼ -0.34%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,867.90 ▲ 2.46 ▲ 0.04%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/burst-hiring-drives-us-bonds-201053555.html

Burst of hiring drives US bonds lower; stocks slip

Surge in US hiring sends bond yields higher as traders anticipate rate increase; stocks slip

Associated Press By Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- A burst of hiring last month led to a drop in the bond market Friday as traders placed bets that the Federal Reserve would raise interest rates later this year. Despite the good economic news, the stock market drifted to another loss, finishing lower for the second week in a row.

The Labor Department reported that U.S. employers added 280,000 workers to their payrolls in May and also tweaked its estimate of hiring in March and April, raising hiring numbers for the two months by a combined 32,000.

Traders reacted immediately to the report, dropping U.S. government bonds and shooting yields up. The benchmark 10-year Treasury note bounced to a high for the year, 2.43 percent, before drifting back to 2.40 percent. The dollar gained strength against the Japanese yen and other major currencies.

"I was pleasantly surprised," said Russell Price, Ameriprise Financial's senior economist. "This adds to the recent spate of positive data that shows the economy is really pulling out of its winter slump."

But major stock indexes finished mixed. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 56.12 points, or 0.3 percent, to 17,849.46.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index lost 3.01 points, or 0.1 percent, to 2,092.83, while the Nasdaq edged up 9.33 points, or 0.2 percent, to 5,068.46.

Big banks and other companies that benefit from rising interest rates made gains: JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, PNC Financial Services hit all-time highs.

Jeremy Zirin, head of investment strategy at UBS Wealth Management, said the rapid rise in interest rates over recent months has unsettled some investors. In April, when traders were more concerned about the strength of the global economy, the yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped below 1.90 percent.

In general, a rise in interest rates reflects economic growth, but a quick leap could slow the economy down by triggering a sudden drop in lending.

Zirin said investors "want to see the rise in bond yields be more tempered. They can handle higher interest rates as long as they come at a measured pace."

In Europe, markets were rattled by Greece's decision to bundle together its upcoming payments to the International Monetary Fund. The move heightened concerns that the country could default on its debts and drop the euro. It was the first time a developed country has taken the option of rolling debt payments together, an emergency move last taken up last by Zambia in the 1980s. At an emergency session of Greece's parliament on Friday, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said his government cannot accept "irrational" proposals like one made this week by the international organizations overseeing Greece's bailout.

Greece's stock market led the way lower. The benchmark Athens index slumped 5 percent. Elsewhere, both France's CAC 40 and Germany's DAX ended with a loss of 1.3 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 sank 0.8 percent.

Japan's Nikkei 225 finished with a drop of 0.1 percent, and South Korea's Kospi fell 0.2 percent. In China, Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 1.1 percent, and the Shanghai Composite Index gained 1.5 percent.

Precious and industrial metals futures settled mostly lower. Gold lost $7.10 to $1,168.10 an ounce, and silver slipped 12 cents to $15.98 an ounce. Copper picked up a penny to close at $2.69 a pound.

In other commodity trading, the price of oil rose 2 percent following news that the number of rigs drilling for oil in the U.S. decreased. Benchmark U.S. crude rose $1.13 to close at $59.13 a barrel in New York. Oil finished the week down 1 percent. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, rose $1.28 to close at $63.31 in London.

In other futures trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange:

— Wholesale gasoline rose 4.9 cents to close at $2.030 a gallon.

— Heating oil rose 2.6 cents to close at $1.870 a gallon.

— Natural gas fell 3.6 cents to close at $2.590 per 1,000 cubic feet.

6245

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -82.91 points or ▼ -0.46% on Monday, 8 June 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,766.55 ▼ -82.91 ▼ -0.46%
Nasdaq____ 5,021.63 ▼ -46.83 ▼ -0.92%
S&P_500___ 2,079.28 ▼ -13.55 ▼ -0.65%
30_Yr_Bond____ 3.10 ▼ -0.01 ▼ -0.23%

NYSE Volume 2,918,886,000
Nasdaq Volume 1,691,527,750

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,790.04 ▼ -14.56 ▼ -0.21%
DAX_____ 11,064.92 ▼ -132.23 ▼ -1.18%
CAC_40__ 4,857.66 ▼ -63.08 ▼ -1.28%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,506.50 ▼ -4.80 ▼ -0.09% Queens Birthday Holiday June 8
Shanghai_Comp 5,131.88 ▲ 108.78 ▲ 2.17%
Taiwan_Weight 9,368.43 ▲ 28.30 ▲ 0.30%
Nikkei_225___ 20,457.19 ▼ -3.71 ▼ -0.02%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,316.28 ▲ 56.12 ▲ 0.21%
Strait_Times.__ 3,322.78 ▼ -10.89 ▼ -0.33%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,885.81 ▲ 17.91 ▲ 0.31%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-end-lower-pushing-200955107.html

US stocks end lower, pushing Dow into the red for the year

US stocks slide, pushing Dow into red for year; Airlines drop amid worries about capacity

Associated Press By Steve Rothwell, AP Markets Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Dow Jones industrial average slipped into the red for the year on Monday as stocks extended their slump.

Airlines were among the biggest losers amid concern that capacity growth in the industry may curb profitability. JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines were among the carriers that declined.

Stocks have sagged in the past two weeks as investors try to assess if Federal Reserve policymakers will raise their benchmark interest rate later this year for the first time since the recession. A stronger-than-forecast jobs report on Friday suggested that the economy is recovering from its winter slump.

The Fed has kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at close to zero for more than six years to help support lending and boost the economy. Those low rates have also boosted the stock market in that time, pushing it to record levels.

"The market is suggesting that if the data continue at this pace, the Fed will be more inclined to raise rates in September, rather than waiting," said Quincy Krosby, a market strategist at Prudential Financial.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index dropped 13.55 points, or 0.7 percent, to 2,079.28. The Dow fell 82.91 points, or 0.5 percent, to 17,766.55, giving it a loss of 0.3 percent for 2015.

The Nasdaq composite declined 46.83 points, or 0.9 percent, to 5,021.63.

On Monday, slumped as industry executives met in Miami for the International Air Transportation group's annual general meeting.

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker told Reuters at the meeting Sunday that he was worried that growth in airline capacity could depress profits.

Brokerage Raymond James cut its earnings forecasts for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Continental. The firm said in a note that "softer" economic growth would mean that airlines would struggle to raise fares as much as they had previously anticipated during the stronger summer months.

American Airlines was among the leading decliners in the S&P 500, dropping $1.86, or 4.5 percent, to $39.86. Delta Air Lines, United, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue also fell.

The drop for airlines extended a theme of weakness for the transport sector.

The Dow Jones Transportation average is down almost 9 percent this year, a slump that is giving a potentially worrying signal about the economy even as hiring picks up. A drop in transport companies could mean that fewer goods are being transported by boat, plane or rail, suggesting that demand remains weak six years after the end of the recession.

"You do want to see transport stocks gaining," said Prudential's Krosby. "It would lend confirmation (to expectations) that the economy is gaining that crucial momentum that we have been waiting for."

Talks between Greece and its creditors have been deadlocked since late last week, when Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras rejected as unacceptable a proposal made by the three institutions overseeing the country's bailout: the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission.

A resolution to the talks is needed by June 30, when Greece's emergency financing program ends. Without fresh funds, Greece is unlikely to be able to repay its debts and could end up crashing out of the euro. Jitters over Greece's financial future have been a cloud over markets in recent days, notably in Germany, where the DAX index is down more than 10 percent from its April peak.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Greece's creditors have suggested extending the country's bailout program until the end of March 2016. The report cited people familiar with negotiations.

Still, some analysts forecast that the current weakness in stocks will prove transitory and stocks will eventually continue to move higher. That's because corporate profits are still strong and interest rates will still be low enough to boost growth.

"Even when the Fed begins to raise rates later this year, we will be going from zero to something that is slightly above zero," said Michael Arone, Chief Investment Strategist for State Street Global Advisors.

In energy trading, the price of oil fell as import data suggested a slowdown in Chinese trade, which could lead to weaker global demand for diesel, gasoline and other fuels.

Benchmark U.S. crude fell 99 cents to close at $58.14 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, fell 62 cents to close at $62.69 in London

In U.S. government bond trading, prices rose. The yield on the 10-year note fell to 2.38 percent. The yield had risen to its highest level of the year on Friday. The dollar slipped to 124.42 yen from 125.61 yen on Friday. The euro strengthened to $1.1298 from $1.1113.

Metals prices were little changed.

Gold rose $5.50, or 0.5 percent, to $1,173.60 an ounce. Silver dropped 2.5 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $15.96 an ounce and copper was little changed at $2.70 a pound

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

— Wholesale gasoline fell 2.3 cents to close at $2.007 a gallon.

— Heating oil fell 1.5 cents to close at $1.855 a gallon.

— Natural gas rose 11.5 cents to close at $2.705 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -2.51 points or ▼ -0.01% on Tuesday, 9 June 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,764.04 ▼ -2.51 ▼ -0.01%
Nasdaq____ 5,013.87 ▼ -7.76 ▼ -0.15%
S&P_500___ 2,080.15 ▲ 0.87 ▲ 0.04%
30_Yr_Bond____ 3.15 ▲ 0.05 ▲ 1.51%

NYSE Volume 3,017,609,750
Nasdaq Volume 1,731,601,620

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,753.80 ▼ -36.24 ▼ -0.53%
DAX_____ 11,001.29 ▼ -63.63 ▼ -0.58%
CAC_40__ 4,850.22 ▼ -7.44 ▼ -0.15%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,479.70 ▼ -26.80 ▼ -0.49%
Shanghai_Comp 5,113.53 ▼ -18.35 ▼ -0.36%
Taiwan_Weight 9,191.87 ▼ -176.56 ▼ -1.88%
Nikkei_225___ 20,096.30 ▼ -360.89 ▼ -1.76%
Hang_Seng.__ 26,989.52 ▼ -326.76 ▼ -1.20%
Strait_Times.__ 3,295.13 ▼ -25.20 ▼ -0.76%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,862.11 ▼ -23.70 ▼ -0.40%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-drift-mostly-lower-194739532.html

US stocks drift mostly lower; Treasury rates rise

US indexes drift mostly lower, extending a weak streak; benchmark rate hits high for the year

Associated Press By Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- With little news to drive trading, major market indexes drifted mostly lower in a listless day of trading on Tuesday. Bond prices fell, driving a benchmark interest rate to its high for the year, and crude oil jumped back above $60 a barrel.

John Canally, an investment strategist at LPL Financial, expects the market to coast until the Federal Reserve meets next week. "Basically, we're in a waiting period for the Fed," he said. "Today is probably what you can expect for the rest of the week: a lack of direction."

The Standard & Poor's 500 index picked up 0.87 of a point, a sliver of a percent, to finish at 2,080.15.

The Dow Jones industrial average slipped 2.51 points, less than 0.1 percent, to 17,764.04, while the Nasdaq composite lost 7.76 points, or 0.2 percent, to 5,013.87.

The major indexes have lost ground in recent weeks as investors speculated over the Federal Reserve's next move. Many think an improving economy will push the Fed to raise its benchmark interest rate later this year for the first time since the Great Recession. A solid jobs report on Friday suggested that the economy has started to recover from its winter slump.

Prices for U.S. government bonds dropped Tuesday, sending the yield on the 10-year Treasury note to a new high for the year, 2.44 percent. Signs that the economy has started to shake off its winter slump have driven long-term interest rates up over the past two months.

In other trading, United Natural Foods, a supplier to Whole Food Markets and other stores, slumped 5 percent after it posted results that fell short of analysts' targets late Monday. It also cut its full-year forecast for profits. The company's stock dropped $2.92 to $60.74.

Major stock markets in Europe extended their slump. Germany's DAX slipped 0.6 percent, and France's CAC 40 lost 0.2 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 finished with a loss of 0.5 percent.

HSBC Holdings, Europe's largest bank by market value, fell 1 percent in London after it said it was slashing jobs and shifting its focus toward Asia, where it has a large and growing business.

In Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 sank 1.8 percent. China's Shanghai Composite shed 0.4 percent, while Hang Seng in Hong Kong fell 1.1 percent.

Back in the U.S., precious and industrial metals futures closed narrowly mixed. Gold rose $4 to settle at $1,177.60 an ounce, while silver was little changed at $15.96 an ounce. Copper edged up two cents to $2.71 a pound.

The price of oil surged as an Energy Department monthly report predicted a decline in U.S. output later this year and next. Benchmark U.S. crude jumped $2.00 to close at $60.14 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, rose $2.19 to close at $64.88 in London.

In other futures trading:

”” Wholesale gasoline rose 7 cents to close at $2.077 a gallon.

”” Heating oil rose 6.3 cents to close at $1.918 a gallon.

”” Natural gas rose 14.1 cents to close at $2.846 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 236.36 points or ▲ 1.33% on Wednesday, 10 June 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,000.40 ▲ 236.36 ▲ 1.33%
Nasdaq____ 5,076.69 ▲ 62.82 ▲ 1.25%
S&P_500___ 2,105.20 ▲ 25.05 ▲ 1.20%
30_Yr_Bond____ 3.21 ▲ 0.06 ▲ 1.84%

NYSE Volume 3,414,258,250
Nasdaq Volume 1,795,095,000

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,830.27 ▲ 76.47 ▲ 1.13%
DAX_____ 11,265.39 ▲ 264.10 ▲ 2.40%
CAC_40__ 4,934.91 ▲ 84.69 ▲ 1.75%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,486.00 ▲ 6.30 ▲ 0.11%
Shanghai_Comp 5,106.04 ▼ -7.50 ▼ -0.15%
Taiwan_Weight 9,298.50 ▲ 106.63 ▲ 1.16%
Nikkei_225___ 20,046.36 ▼ -49.94 ▼ -0.25%
Hang_Seng.__ 26,687.64 ▼ -301.88 ▼ -1.12%
Strait_Times.__ 3,325.77 ▲ 30.64 ▲ 0.93%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,803.87 ▼ -58.24 ▼ -0.99%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-rally-breaking-weeklong-154056971.html

US stocks rally, breaking a weeklong losing streak

US stock market surges, breaking a weeklong slump; Dow average erases its loss for the year

Associated Press By Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Signs of progress in negotiations over Greece's debts helped launch a stock market rally Wednesday, snapping a weeklong slump.

The rally was broad: All 30 stocks in the Dow Jones industrial average and all 10 industry groups in the S&P 500 index made gains.

"Everybody's screen is full of green," said Matt Kaufler, a fund manager at Federated Investors.

Major indexes started higher at the opening of trading, putting the market on track for solid gains. Around midday, Bloomberg reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel may be willing to release more money from Greece's bailout fund if the Greek government commits to at least one move to tighten its budget. Without a deal by the end of the month, Greece faces the prospect of going bankrupt and dropping the euro.

The stock market surged after the news broke and held most of its gains until the closing bell.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index climbed 25.05 points, or 1.2 percent, to close at 2,105.20. It was the best day for the broad-market benchmark in a month.

The Dow Jones industrial average rallied 236.36 points, or 1.3 percent, to 18,000.40, while the Nasdaq composite gained 62.82 points, or 1.3 percent, to 5,076.69.

U.S. government bond prices continued to slide. The drop nudged the yield on the 10-year Treasury note to another high for the year, 2.49 percent. In late trading the yield was 2.48 percent. Long-term interest rates have surged in recent months as the economy shows signs of shaking off its winter slump.

"The market is starting to price in an improving economy," said Brad McMillan, the chief investment officer at Commonwealth Financial. "And we're seeing a lot of great economic numbers."

McMillan pointed to last Friday's report from the Labor Department that showed employers added 280,000 workers to their payrolls last month. Wages, which had barely moved in previous months, also edged up. "There was just a lot to like in that report," he said.

Major markets in Europe finished with solid gains Wednesday. Germany's DAX jumped 2.4 percent, while France's CAC-40 closed with a gain of 1.7 percent. The FTSE 100 index of leading British shares added 1.1 percent.

The yen jumped against the dollar after the head of the Bank of Japan said the country's currency was unlikely to continue its slump. The dollar fell 1.4 percent to 122.64 yen.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 slipped 0.2 percent, and South Korea's Kospi shed 0.6 percent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng lost 1.1 percent, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 closed 0.1 percent lower.

Back in the U.S., Netflix's stock soared to a new high after shareholders cleared the way for the Internet video service to split its stock. Netflix rose $23.95, or 4 percent, to $671.10. Netflix has nearly doubled in price this year.

An announcement by Johnson Controls, an industrial parts supplier, that it was considering splitting off its automotive business propelled the company's stock higher. Johnson Controls gained $2.03, or 4 percent, to $53.59.

In the commodity markets, precious and industrial metals futures settled slightly higher. Gold rose $9 to $1,186.60 an ounce, while silver was unchanged at $15.96 an ounce. Copper picked up 3 cents to close at $2.75 a pound.

The price of oil closed at its highest level since December after the Energy Department's weekly supply report showed a surprisingly big drop in crude inventories along with rising demand for gasoline.

Benchmark U.S. crude rose $1.29 to close at $61.43 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, rose 82 cents to close at $65.70 a barrel in London.

In other futures trading:

”” Wholesale gasoline rose 6.9 cents to close at $2.146 a gallon.

”” Heating oil rose 2.8 cents to close at $1.946 a gallon.

”” Natural gas rose 4.5 cents to close at $2.891 per 1,000 cubic feet.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed HIGHER ▲ 38.97 points or ▲ 0.22% on Thursday, 11 June 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 18,039.37 ▲ 38.97 ▲ 0.22%
Nasdaq____ 5,082.51 ▲ 5.82 ▲ 0.11%
S&P_500___ 2,108.86 ▲ 3.66 ▲ 0.17%
30_Yr_Bond____ 3.11 ▼ -0.10 ▼ -3.24%

NYSE Volume 3,139,819,000
Nasdaq Volume 1,626,314,750

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,846.74 ▲ 16.47 ▲ 0.24%
DAX_____ 11,332.78 ▲ 67.39 ▲ 0.60%
CAC_40__ 4,971.37 ▲ 36.46 ▲ 0.74%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,562.60 ▲ 76.60 ▲ 1.40%
Shanghai_Comp 5,121.59 ▲ 15.56 ▲ 0.30%
Taiwan_Weight 9,302.49 ▲ 3.99 ▲ 0.04%
Nikkei_225___ 20,382.97 ▲ 336.61 ▲ 1.68%
Hang_Seng.__ 26,907.85 ▲ 220.21 ▲ 0.83%
Strait_Times.__ 3,347.67 ▲ 21.90 ▲ 0.66%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,858.41 ▲ 54.55 ▲ 0.94%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-end-higher-building-201042284.html

US stocks end higher, building on gains of a day earlier

Stocks gain broadly after an encouraging gain in retail sales last month; energy stocks fall

Associated Press By Bernard Condon, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks rose for a second day after an encouraging report on retail sales suggested that Americans are finally feeling confident enough to spend more.

The market climbed from the start of trading on Thursday, pulled back at mid-morning on fears over a possible Greek default, but managed to hold on to modest gains across industries. Seven of the 10 sectors of the Standard and Poor's 500 rose, led by a 0.7 percent increase in utility stocks.

Investors have worried that corporate profits would stall if the U.S. economy, and the consumers who drive much of its growth, didn't show more vigor. The retail report for May helped ease those concerns, for the moment at least.

"Today's news suggests that the consumer is back on track," said Clark Yingst, chief stock strategist at Joseph Gunnar & Co.

The S&P 500 climbed 3.66 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,108.86. The Dow Jones industrial average increased 38.97 points, or 0.2 percent, to 18,039.37. The Nasdaq composite rose 5.82 points, or 0.1 percent, to 5,082.51.

A drop in the price of oil pushed down energy stocks. The top 5 biggest losers in the S&P 500 were all energy companies. Offshore-rig owner Transocean fell 5 percent.

Investors have been watching economic news closely. The economy contracted in the first three months of this year, but recent data, including a report last week of a burst of hiring last month, suggest things are picking up.

The retail report showed that Americans ramped up their spending on autos, building materials and clothing, a sign that strong job growth is starting to boost sales at stores. Retail sales climbed 1.2 percent in May, the Commerce Department said.

James Abate, chief investment officer at Centre Funds, said investors want the economy to strengthen, but not so much as to force interest rates up. Ultra-low rates have helped send stocks higher in the past six years.

Abate said the retail report seemed to strike the right balance.

"Retail sales are showing some strength, but not so much to get the Federal Reserve to act in an aggressive manner to raise rates," Abate said.

The rise in U.S. stocks followed a climb overseas on hopes that Greece was making progress in its talks with creditors. The rally, which started in Asia and spread to Europe, faded after news that creditors had told Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to tone down his demands over the next week or face financial ruin. The International Monetary Fund took the toughest stance, saying it was bringing its negotiators back to Washington.

Germany's DAX ended the day up 0.6 percent, half as high as it was earlier in the day. France's CAC 40 added 0.7 percent while Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.2 percent.

Among other U.S. stocks making moves, Boeing gained $1.34, or 1 percent, to $142.96 after predicting demand for planes will rise as millions of people in developing countries fly for the first time. Boeing forecast a need for 43,560 airplanes worldwide by 2034, double the existing fleet.

Amgen rose $2.41, or 1.5 percent, to $157.96 after a panel of advisers at the Food and Drug Administration recommended approval of a cholesterol-lowering drug for people at especially high risk of clogged arteries.

Citrix Systems jumped 7 percent after the software company received a letter from investment firm Elliott Management proposing a shakeup in strategy. The software company rose $4.42 to $70.39.

In afterhours trading, Twitter jumped $2.66, or 7 percent, to $38.50 after announcing that CEO Dick Costolo will step down after almost five years leading the company.

Benchmark U.S. crude fell 66 cents to close at $60.77 a barrel in New York after the International Energy Agency projected higher global crude production in a monthly report. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oil used by many U.S. refineries, fell 59 cents to close at $65.11 in London.

In other futures trading on the NYMEX:

”” Wholesale gasoline fell 0.8 cent to close at $2.138 a gallon.

”” Heating oil fell 2.5 cents to close at $1.921 a gallon.

”” Natural gas fell 6.6 cents to close at $2.825 per 1,000 cubic feet.

The euro fell slightly to $1.1258 from $1.1348 late Wednesday. The dollar rose to 123.45 yen from 122.70 yen.

In government bond trading, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.38 percent, down sharply from 2.49 percent the day before, its highest level of the year.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The NYSE DOW closed LOWER ▼ -140.53 points or ▼ -0.78% on Friday, 12 June 2015
Symbol …........Last …......Change.......
Dow_Jones 17,898.84 ▼ -140.53 ▼ -0.78%
Nasdaq____ 5,051.10 ▼ -31.41 ▼ -0.62%
S&P_500___ 2,094.11 ▼ -14.75 ▼ -0.70%
30_Yr_Bond____ 3.10 ▼ -0.01 ▼ -0.19%

NYSE Volume 2,719,436,500
Nasdaq Volume 1,430,966,000

Europe
Symbol... .....Last ….....Change.......
FTSE_100 6,784.92 ▼ -61.82 ▼ -0.90%
DAX_____ 11,196.49 ▼ -136.29 ▼ -1.20%
CAC_40__ 4,901.19 ▼ -70.18 ▼ -1.41%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... ….......Last .....Change…......
ASX_All_Ord___ 5,552.10 ▼ -10.50 ▼ -0.19%
Shanghai_Comp 5,166.35 ▲ 44.76 ▲ 0.87%
Taiwan_Weight 9,301.93 ▼ -0.56 ▼ -0.01%
Nikkei_225___ 20,407.08 ▲ 24.11 ▲ 0.12%
Hang_Seng.__ 27,280.54 ▲ 372.69 ▲ 1.39%
Strait_Times.__ 3,353.85 ▲ 6.18 ▲ 0.18%
NZX_50_Index_ 5,846.97 ▼ -11.45 ▼ -0.20%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/greek-jitters-upset-us-european-203822629.html

Greek jitters upset US, European stock markets

US, European stock markets sag after creditor walks away from Greek debt talks

Associated Press By Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- A setback in talks between Greece and its creditors helped knock the stock market lower on Friday, amid renewed concerns that the country could default on its debts.

Despite the drop, the Standard & Poor's 500 index managed to eke out a 1-point gain for the week, snapping a two-week slump.

An unexpected decision by the International Monetary Fund to walk away from talks with Greece spurred the selling. At a summit meeting in Brussels late Thursday, the IMF pulled its negotiators out of talks with Greece, saying there had been no progress and that major differences remained on key issues. Without a deal by the end of the month, Greece faces the prospect of going bankrupt and dropping the euro currency.

Markets are likely to make sudden turns until Greece and its creditors reach a deal, said Ninh Chung, head of investment strategy at SVB Asset Management. Earlier this week, stocks on both sides of the Atlantic rallied on reports of progress in the talks.

"There had been optimism over Greece," Chung said, "and now it seems like we've had a complete 180."

The S&P 500 slipped 14.75 points, or 0.7 percent, to close at 2,094.11. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 140.53 points, or 0.8 percent, to 17,898.84, and the Nasdaq composite lost 31.41 points, or 0.6 percent, to 5,051.10.

The losses were modest but broad: All 30 companies in the Dow and all 10 industries in the S&P 500 finished with losses.

Speculation over Greece's fate and the Federal Reserve's first interest rate increase have weighed on markets over recent weeks. Many think an improving U.S. economy will push the Fed to raise its benchmark interest rate later this year for the first time since the Great Recession. The Fed's ultra-cheap interest rates have helped fuel the six-year bull market in stocks.

"I'm not sure the downside risk with Greece is as big as investors believe, but it's caught investors' attention," said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at BMO Private Bank. "It's the same with the Fed tightening."

Major indexes in Europe slumped on Friday, wiping out gains from earlier in the week. Greece's market fell the most, with the main Athens index down 6 percent. Germany's DAX sank 1.2 percent, and the CAC-40 in France finished with a loss of 1.4 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 lost 1 percent.

In Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 inched up 0.1 percent. In China, the Shanghai composite index advanced 0.9 percent, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 1.4 percent.

Back in the U.S., shares of Wingstop vaulted 61 percent in their first day of trading as a public company. The chicken-wings chain raised $110.2 million in its initial public offering late Thursday, selling shares at $19 each. Wingstop soared $11.59 to $30.59.

Government bond prices wavered, finishing the day slightly lower. The yield on the10 -year Treasury inched up to 2.39 percent from 2.38 percent the day before.

In metals trading, gold fell $1.20 to settle at $1,179.20 an ounce, while silver slipped 14 cents to $15.83 an ounce. Copper picked up a penny to $2.68 a pound.

Oil fell for a second straight day after reaching a high for the year on Wednesday. Benchmark crude oil sank 81 cents to settle at $59.96 a barrel. Brent crude, an international benchmark, dropped $1.24 to $63.87 a barrel.

In other trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange:

— Wholesale gasoline fell 1.7 cents to $2.121 a gallon

— Heating oil declined 3.18 cents to $1.889 a gallon

— Natural gas dropped 7.5 cents to $2.75 per 1,000 cubic feet.

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