NYSE Dow Jones finished today at:

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

The Dow gained 0.7 percent for the week. The S&P 500 rose 0.3 percent and the Nasdaq rose 0.2 percent.

Stocks ended flat on Friday as investors shrugged off encouraging economic signs and a tax-cut package expected to lift economic growth. Trading ended shortly before President Barack Obama signed a tax bill into law.

The $850 billion package extends Bush-era tax cuts for another two years and expiring unemployment benefits through next year. House Democrats had pledged to block the tax proposal, a compromise worked out between Obama and Senate Republicans. But the House passed the bill late Thursday night. Critics said the cost didn't justify the expected boost to economic growth.

In a hopeful sign for the economy, the Conference Board said its index of leading economic indicators rose 1.1 percent in November, the fastest pace since March. The index -- which tracks data such as orders for new goods and materials -- rose 0.4 percent in October.

Stocks wavered in a tight range Friday, a day after major indexes hit two-year highs. The Dow Jones industrial average edged lower on Friday, but added 82 points over the week. The index of 30 large company shares has now gained 400 points, or 3.6 percent, over the last three weeks.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -7.34 points -0.06% on Friday December 17
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,491.91 -7.34 -0.06%
Nasdaq 2,642.97 +5.66 +0.21%
S&P 500 1,243.91 +1.04 +0.08%
30-yr Bond 4.4090% -0.1730

NYSE Volume 5,877,328,500 (prior day 4,863,538,000)
Nasdaq Volume 2,643,109,500 (prior day 1,750,373,125)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,871.75 -9.37 -0.16%
DAX 6,982.45 -41.95 -0.60%
CAC 40 3,867.35 -21.01 -0.54%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,853.00 -15.80 -0.32%
Shanghai Comp 2,893.74 -4.40 -0.15%
Taiwan We... 8,817.90 +35.70 +0.41%
Nikkei 225 10,303.83 -7.46 -0.07%
Hang Seng 22,714.85 +46.07 +0.20%
Straits Times 3,153.01 +5.34 +0.17%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stocks-end-week-flat-Obama-apf-413671082.html?x=0

Stocks end week flat; Obama signs tax bill

Stocks waver before President Obama signs $850B tax package

David K. Randall and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Friday December 17, 2010, 6:01 pm EST

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks ended flat on Friday as investors shrugged off encouraging economic signs and a tax-cut package expected to lift economic growth. Trading ended shortly before President Barack Obama signed a tax bill into law.

The $850 billion package extends Bush-era tax cuts for another two years and expiring unemployment benefits through next year. House Democrats had pledged to block the tax proposal, a compromise worked out between Obama and Senate Republicans. But the House passed the bill late Thursday night. Critics said the cost didn't justify the expected boost to economic growth.

In a hopeful sign for the economy, the Conference Board said its index of leading economic indicators rose 1.1 percent in November, the fastest pace since March. The index -- which tracks data such as orders for new goods and materials -- rose 0.4 percent in October.

Stocks wavered in a tight range Friday, a day after major indexes hit two-year highs. The Dow Jones industrial average edged lower on Friday, but added 82 points over the week. The index of 30 large company shares has now gained 400 points, or 3.6 percent, over the last three weeks.

The Dow Jones fell 7.34 points, or 0.06 percent, to close at 11,491.91.

The broader S&P 500 eked out another 2010 high. The index rose 1.04, or 0.08 percent, to close at 1,243.91. The Nasdaq composite rose 5.66, or 0.2 percent, to 2,642.97.

Rising shares barely outpaced falling ones on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated volume was 5.4 billion shares.

The Dow gained 0.7 percent for the week. The S&P 500 rose 0.3 percent and the Nasdaq rose 0.2 percent.

Bond yields fell at the end of this year's last full week of trading. The yield on the 10-year Treasury dropped to 3.33, after notching a seven-month high of 3.56 percent on Thursday. The 10-year yield is widely used by lenders to set borrowing rates for mortgages, corporate debt and other loans.

Boeing Co. rose 1 percent to $65.03 to lead the 30 stocks that make up the Dow. American Express Co. was the index's laggard. It fell 1.3 percent to $44.01.

Canadian bank BMO Financial Group said it will buy Wisconsin-based Marshall & Ilsley Corp. for $4.1 billion in stock. BMO, which operates the Bank of Montreal, said it will repay the preferred shares that Marshall & Ilsley issued as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program before the deal closes in July. Shares of Marshall & Ilsley bounced 18.3 percent to $6.85.

Oracle Corp.'s stock jumped 3.9 percent to $31.46. After the market closed Thursday, the software giant reported a 28 percent rise in net income last quarter.

Research in Motion Ltd., maker of the BlackBerry, also said late Thursday that its third quarter earnings beat analyst expectations. The company's stock rose 1.6 percent to $60.20.

The dollar rose 0.3 percent against an index of six countries' currencies.

The new site's revised uploading of files is not as easy as the prior processs!!
-- my apoligies for not having the charts in a logical sequence

6774

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Low trading volumes and a lack of economic reports kept stocks confined to a narrow range Monday. Indexes finished mixed and bond yields were barely changed.

American Express Co. had the largest move of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones industrial average. The card issuer fell 3.4 percent to $42.50 after Stifel Nicolaus downgraded the company. New rules proposed by the Federal Reserve could limit fees the company charges merchants.

Aloca Inc. led the Dow index with a 1.4 percent gain to $14.77.

The Dow fell 13.78, or 0.1 percent, to 11,478.13. The Standard and Poor's 500-stock index rose 3.17, or 0.3 percent, to 1,247.08. The Nasdaq composite index gained 6.59, or 0.3 percent, to finish at 2,649.56.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -13.78 points -0.12% on Monday December 20
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,478.13 -13.78 -0.12%
Nasdaq 2,649.56 +6.59 +0.25%
S&P 500 1,247.08 +3.17 +0.25%
30-yr Bond 4.4620% +0.0530

NYSE Volume 4,003,981,500 (prior day 5,877,328,500)
Nasdaq Volume 1,735,017,000 (prior day 2,643,109,500)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,894.10 +22.35 +0.38%
DAX 7,018.60 +36.15 +0.52%
CAC 40 3,885.08 +17.73 +0.46%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,829.20 -23.80 -0.49%
Shanghai Comp 2,852.92 -40.82 -1.41%
Taiwan We... 8,768.72 -49.18 -0.56%
Nikkei 225 10,216.41 -87.42 -0.85%
Hang Seng 22,639.08 -75.77 -0.33%
Straits Times 3,132.96 -20.05 -0.64%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stock...2.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=8&asset=&ccode=

Stocks end flat as light volume marks holiday week

Stock indexes end narrowly mixed and bond rates are flat as holiday-shortened week begins

Chip Cutter and David K. Randall, AP Business Writers, On Monday December 20, 2010, 5:35 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Low trading volumes and a lack of economic reports kept stocks confined to a narrow range Monday. Indexes finished mixed and bond yields were barely changed.

American Express Co. had the largest move of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones industrial average. The card issuer fell 3.4 percent to $42.50 after Stifel Nicolaus downgraded the company. New rules proposed by the Federal Reserve could limit fees the company charges merchants.

Aloca Inc. led the Dow index with a 1.4 percent gain to $14.77.

The Dow fell 13.78, or 0.1 percent, to 11,478.13. The Standard and Poor's 500-stock index rose 3.17, or 0.3 percent, to 1,247.08. The Nasdaq composite index gained 6.59, or 0.3 percent, to finish at 2,649.56.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury bond rose slightly to 3.35 from 3.33 percent late Friday.

Stocks have been rising strongly in December. The Dow has gained 4.3 percent so far this month and the S&P has hit seven new annual highs since Dec. 8.

Investors have been encouraged by improving economic data on retail sales, consumer confidence and factory production, as well as policy changes that will benefit stockholders. President Barack Obama signed a bill last week that will keep Bush-era income tax cuts in place for another two years. The law will also extend favorable tax rates on capital gains and dividends.

"The markets ... made quite a run," said Stephen Carl, principal and head of equity trading at The Williams Capital Group. But the tax cuts "can only go so far," Carl said, and are unlikely to continue sending stocks higher.

In corporate news, Boeing Inc. fell 2.7 percent to $63.27 even as the company said it was increasing the production rate for its 777 aircraft again in response to strong demand. Last week, the aerospace giant said that customers canceled orders for three 777s and one of its 787s.

Medtronic Inc. rose 0.6 percent to $37.62 after the world's largest medical device manufacturer said its chairman and CEO will step down in April after leading the company for three years.

Later in the week, investors will get reports from shoe maker Nike Inc., used car dealership chain CarMax Inc. and pharmacy operator Walgreen Co.

Markets will be closed on Friday in observance of Christmas.

The dollar gained 0.3 percent against an index of six heavily-traded currencies. Commodity prices rose 1.1 percent.

Rising and falling shares were even on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated volume came to 3.6 billion shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Financial companies led stock indexes to new two-year highs Tuesday after another big banking deal raised hopes that more acquisitions could be on the way.

Toronto-Dominion Bank said it is buying Chrysler Financial, the automaker's old lending arm, from Cerberus Capital Management LP for $6.3 billion. It was the latest example of a relatively healthy Canadian bank buying a U.S. lender battered by the financial crisis. Toronto-Dominion bought Commerce Bancorp Inc. in 2008, and just four days ago Bank of Montreal said it would buy Milwaukee-based bank Marshall & Ilsley Corp. for $4.1 billion.

The S&P 500 closed above the level it reached on Sept. 12, 2008, the last trading day before the collapse of Lehman Brothers at the height of the financial crisis. The Dow Jones industrial average is at its highest since Aug. 29, 2008.

Corporate mergers have picked up strongly this year. That, along with signs of an improving economy and a tax cut package passed last week, have helped drive stocks up. The S&P 500 has jumped 6.3 percent this month and 12.5 percent this year.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +55.03 points +0.48% on Tuesday December 21
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,533.16 +55.03 +0.48%
Nasdaq 2,667.61 +18.05 +0.68%
S&P 500 1,254.60 +7.52 +0.60%
30-yr Bond 4.4310% -0.0310

NYSE Volume 3,925,677,000 (prior day 4,003,981,500)
Nasdaq Volume 1,680,521,625 (prior day 1,735,017,000)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,951.80 +60.19 +1.02%
DAX 7,077.99 +59.39 +0.85%
CAC 40 3,927.49 +42.41 +1.09%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,862.50 +33.30 +0.69%
Shanghai Comp 2,904.11 +51.20 +1.79%
Taiwan We... 8,827.79 +59.07 +0.67%
Nikkei 225 10,370.53 +154.12 +1.51%
Hang Seng 22,993.86 +354.78 +1.57%
Straits Times 3,139.85 +6.89 +0.22%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stock...dcontent/main/962078590/date/desc/11/s2807028

Banking, other deals drive stock indexes higher

Latest cross-border banking acquisition lifts stock prices; Adobe soars after raising forecast

Chip Cutter and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Tuesday December 21, 2010, 5:14 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Financial companies led stock indexes to new two-year highs Tuesday after another big banking deal raised hopes that more acquisitions could be on the way.

Toronto-Dominion Bank said it is buying Chrysler Financial, the automaker's old lending arm, from Cerberus Capital Management LP for $6.3 billion. It was the latest example of a relatively healthy Canadian bank buying a U.S. lender battered by the financial crisis. Toronto-Dominion bought Commerce Bancorp Inc. in 2008, and just four days ago Bank of Montreal said it would buy Milwaukee-based bank Marshall & Ilsley Corp. for $4.1 billion.

The S&P 500 closed above the level it reached on Sept. 12, 2008, the last trading day before the collapse of Lehman Brothers at the height of the financial crisis. The Dow Jones industrial average is at its highest since Aug. 29, 2008.

Corporate mergers have picked up strongly this year. That, along with signs of an improving economy and a tax cut package passed last week, have helped drive stocks up. The S&P 500 has jumped 6.3 percent this month and 12.5 percent this year.

Investors like to see an increase in deals because it shows that companies are becoming more confident in the economy. It also leads investors to hunt for companies that might become targets for buyers.

Research firm Dealogic reported Tuesday that the total dollar amount of corporate deals has jumped 18 percent to $2.7 trillion so far this year compared with all of 2009. Caterpillar Inc., Chevron Corp. and Google Inc. have also made significant deals in 2010.

"There is growing optimism about the economy, or at least the U.S. economy, in 2011," said Alan Gayle, senior investment strategist for RidgeWorth Investments. "We're 18 months into this recovery, and good things are gradually happening."

The Dow rose 55.03, or 0.5 percent, to close at 11,533.16. The Dow is up 4.8 percent so far this month.

The S&P 500 index rose 7.52, or 0.6 percent, to close at 1,254.60. The Nasdaq composite rose 18.05, or 0.7 percent, to 2,667.61.

Financial companies were the best performers. JPMorgan Chase & Co. rose the most among the 30 companies that make up the Dow. The stock rose 2.6 percent to $41. Bank of America Corp., Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Wells Fargo Corp. all rose by more than 1 percent.

"There's a perception that some of the ... bigger banks will start an acquisition program of their own in addition to what we're seeing with some of the Canadian banks," said Randy Bateman, chief investment officer for Huntington Asset Advisors.

Adobe Systems Inc. jumped 6 percent to $30.93 after the software maker reported earnings that were much stronger than analysts had expected. The company also raised its forecast for earnings and revenue in the current quarter.

Another technology company, Jabil Circuit Inc., soared 10.7 percent to $19.55 after its income more than tripled on stronger revenue. Jabil, which makes parts for electronics and other technology companies, also issued a higher earnings and revenue forecast.

CarMax Inc. slumped 7.6 percent to $33.17. The used car dealership chain said its expenses jumped 14 percent last quarter as the company paid more for sales commissions and advertising.

Bond prices were relatively flat. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note edged down to 3.30 percent from 3.35 percent late Monday.

The euro fell against the dollar after Portugal became the latest European country to be warned of a possible credit rating downgrade.

More than two stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange. Trading volume was 809 million shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Major stock indexes edged up to two-year highs on Wednesday after a report showed that the U.S. economy grew faster than previously thought over the summer.

The Commerce Department said the country's gross domestic product rose at an annual rate of 2.6 percent between July and September, a small increase from its earlier estimate of 2.5 percent.

"Some folks will look at 2.6 percent as a disappointment, but the market is taking a look at the bigger picture," said Phil Orlando, the chief stock market strategist at Federated Investors. Many traders expect the economy to grow by 3 percent or more during the fourth quarter and through 2011, he said.

Separately, the National Association of Realtors said sales of previously-occupied homes rose 5.6 percent in November to an annual rate of 4.68 million. That was slightly below analysts' estimates of 4.75 million, according to data provided by FactSet.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +26.33 points +0.23% on Wednesday December 22
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,559.49 +26.33 +0.23%
Nasdaq 2,671.48 +3.87 +0.15%
S&P 500 1,258.84 +4.24 +0.34%
30-yr Bond 4.4460% +0.0150

NYSE Volume 3,900,653,750 (prior day 3,925,677,000)
Nasdaq Volume 1,627,208,250 (prior day 1,680,521,625)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,983.49 +31.69 +0.53%
DAX 7,067.92 -10.07 -0.14%
CAC 40 3,919.71 -7.78 -0.20%


Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,869.60 +7.10 +0.15%
Shanghai Comp 2,877.90 -26.22 -0.90%
Taiwan We... 8,860.49 +32.70 +0.37%
Nikkei 225 10,346.48 -24.05 -0.23%
Hang Seng 23,045.19 +51.33 +0.22%
Straits Times 3,144.31 +4.46 +0.14%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stocks-edge-up-after-GDP-apf-356571578.html?x=0

Stocks edge up after GDP growth revised higher

Stocks close higher after 3rd quarter economic growth is revised up

David K. Randall and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Wednesday December 22, 2010, 4:58 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Major stock indexes edged up to two-year highs on Wednesday after a report showed that the U.S. economy grew faster than previously thought over the summer.

The Commerce Department said the country's gross domestic product rose at an annual rate of 2.6 percent between July and September, a small increase from its earlier estimate of 2.5 percent.

"Some folks will look at 2.6 percent as a disappointment, but the market is taking a look at the bigger picture," said Phil Orlando, the chief stock market strategist at Federated Investors. Many traders expect the economy to grow by 3 percent or more during the fourth quarter and through 2011, he said.

Separately, the National Association of Realtors said sales of previously-occupied homes rose 5.6 percent in November to an annual rate of 4.68 million. That was slightly below analysts' estimates of 4.75 million, according to data provided by FactSet.

"The home sales numbers are significantly off the highs that we saw in the go-go years earlier this decade, but 5 million home sales a year is good enough to keep prices from falling," said Paul Zemsky, the head of asset allocation at ING Investment Management.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 26.33 points, or 0.2 percent, to close at 11,559.49. The S&P 500 index rose 4.23, or 0.3 percent, to 1,258.84. Both indexes closed at their highest levels since July 2008.

The Nasdaq composite index gained 4, or 0.2 percent, to 2,671.48. It was the highest close for the Nasdaq since Dec. 28, 2007.

Trading was light ahead of the Christmas holiday on Friday. Rising stocks outnumbered falling ones by three to two on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume was 784 million shares.

Bank of America Corp. led the 30 stocks that make up the Dow index. It gained 3.1 percent to $13.38. Hewlett Packard had the largest fall. The stock dropped 1 percent to $41.48.

Before the market opened, Walgreen Co. reported revenue and earnings that beat analyst estimates. The country's largest drugstore chain said its income rose 18.8 percent. The stock rose 5.5 percent to $38.85.

Late Tuesday, Nike Inc. said it planned to raise some of its prices because of higher costs for cotton and shipping. Revenue and earnings per share were better than analysts had forecast. Nike fell 5.3 percent to $86.95.

December is shaping up to be a good month for stocks. The S&P 500 has risen 6.6 percent this month and the Dow has gained 5 percent. On Tuesday, the S&P 500 closed above the level it reached on Sept. 12, 2008, the last trading day before the collapse of Lehman Brothers at the height of the financial crisis.

Bond prices fell slightly. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.35 from 3.30 late Tuesday.

The dollar was unchanged against an index of six heavily traded currencies.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Volume was a light 616 million shares on the last trading day before Christmas. Markets will be closed Friday for the holiday

All three indexes ended the shortened trading week higher. The Dow rose 0.7 percent. The S&P 500 rose 1 percent, and the Nasdaq 0.8 percent.

Stocks ended mixed in a light day of trading Thursday after reports showed small improvements in consumer spending and the job market.

The Commerce Department reported that consumer spending rose 0.4 percent in November from the month before. That was slightly below expectations of a 0.5 percent gain.

In a separate report, the Labor Department said the number of people applying for unemployment benefits for the first time dropped by 3,000 last week to 420,000. That number is just low enough to indicate modest job growth

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +14.00 points +0.12% on Thursday December 23
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,573.49 +14.00 +0.12%
Nasdaq 2,665.60 -5.88 -0.22%
S&P 500 1,256.77 -2.07 -0.16%
30-yr Bond 4.4750% +0.0290

NYSE Volume 2,831,742,000 (prior day 3,900,653,750)
Nasdaq Volume 1,272,536,625 (prior day 1,627,208,250)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,996.07 +12.58 +0.21%
DAX 7,057.69 -10.23 -0.14%
CAC 40 3,911.32 -8.39 -0.21%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,888.20 +18.60 +0.38%
Shanghai Comp 2,855.22 -22.68 -0.79%
Taiwan We... 8,898.87 +38.38 +0.43%
Nikkei 225 10,346.48 -24.05 -0.23%
Hang Seng 22,902.97 -142.22 -0.62%
Straits Times 3,142.58 -1.73 -0.06%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stock...2.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=4&asset=&ccode=

Stocks mixed on last trading day before Christmas

Stocks finish flat after reports show small drop in unemployment, gain in consumer spending

David K. Randall and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Thursday December 23, 2010, 4:55 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks ended mixed in a light day of trading Thursday after reports showed small improvements in consumer spending and the job market.

The Commerce Department reported that consumer spending rose 0.4 percent in November from the month before. That was slightly below expectations of a 0.5 percent gain.

In a separate report, the Labor Department said the number of people applying for unemployment benefits for the first time dropped by 3,000 last week to 420,000. That number is just low enough to indicate modest job growth.

"While you did not see a marked drop in the jobless numbers, there is a steady decline," said Quincy Krosby, a market strategist at Prudential Financial. "When you look at the four-week moving average, it suggests that we are starting to see a floor in initial unemployment claims."

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 14 points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 11,573.49. The broader Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 2.07, or 0.2 percent, to 1,256.77. The Nasdaq composite index fell 5.88, or 0.2 percent, to 2,665.60.

All three indexes ended the shortened trading week higher. The Dow rose 0.7 percent. The S&P 500 rose 1 percent, and the Nasdaq 0.8 percent.

Alcoa gained 1.3 percent to $15.34 to lead the 30 stocks that make up the Dow. Bank of America Corp. had the largest fall. It lost 2.4 percent to $13.06.

In corporate news, Jo-Ann Stores Inc. said it would be bought by a private equity firm for $1.6 billion. The stock rose 32 percent to $60.19.

Bond prices fell slightly. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.39 percent from 3.35 percent late Wednesday.

The dollar fell 0.3 percent against an index of six heavily-traded currencies.

Falling stocks outpaced rising ones by a small margin on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume was a light 616 million shares on the last trading day before Christmas. Markets will be closed Friday for the holiday.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks were little changed Monday as investors focused on strong holiday shopping results and looked past an interest rate hike in China.

Many traders stayed home because of the snow, but the absence of selling points to growing confidence about the U.S. economy. Data from MasterCard Advisors' SpendingPulse survey estimates that U.S. retail sales between Nov. 5 and Dec. 24 rose 5.5 percent from last year. Wall Street is anticipating that Tuesday's consumer confidence index for December will reflect this optimism.

Also expected on Tuesday is the widely-watched S&P/Case-Shiller house price index for October, which may not capture the exuberance seen in other more recent economic indicators.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -18.46 points -0.16% on Monday December 27
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,555.03 -18.46 -0.16%
Nasdaq 2,667.27 +1.67 +0.06%
S&P 500 1,257.54 +0.77 +0.06%
30-yr Bond 4.4220% -0.0530

NYSE Volume 2,260,164,250 (prior day 2,831,742,000)
Nasdaq Volume 1,112,746,875 (prior day 1,272,536,625

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,008.92 closed Dec 27
DAX 6,970.73 -86.96 -1.23%
CAC 40 3,862.19 -38.20 -0.98%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,868.30 Closed Dec 27
Shanghai Comp 2,781.40 -53.76 -1.90%
Taiwan We... 8,892.31 +31.21 +0.35%
Nikkei 225 10,355.99 +76.80 +0.75%
Hang Seng 22,833.80 Closed Dec 27
Straits Times 3,159.36 +15.56 +0.49%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stock...8.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=1&asset=&ccode=

Stocks flat as Wall St shrugs off China rate move

Stocks end flat as holiday shopping offsets China's interest rate move; blizzard hits volume

David K. Randall and Pallavi Gogoi, AP Business Writers, On Monday December 27, 2010, 5:05 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks were little changed Monday as investors focused on strong holiday shopping results and looked past an interest rate hike in China.

Many traders stayed home because of the snow, but the absence of selling points to growing confidence about the U.S. economy. Data from MasterCard Advisors' SpendingPulse survey estimates that U.S. retail sales between Nov. 5 and Dec. 24 rose 5.5 percent from last year. Wall Street is anticipating that Tuesday's consumer confidence index for December will reflect this optimism.

Also expected on Tuesday is the widely-watched S&P/Case-Shiller house price index for October, which may not capture the exuberance seen in other more recent economic indicators.

The Dow Jones industrial average ended the day down 18.46 points, or 0.2 percent, to 11,555.03. The Standard and Poor's 500 index gained 0.8, or less than 0.1 percent, to 1,257.54. The Nasdaq composite index rose 1.7 points, also less than 0.1 percent, to 2,667.27. Monday's trading was particularly light after a massive blizzard swept the Northeast, disrupting commutes for many people in New York's financial industry. Activity was already expected to be slow in a week sandwiched between the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

China's move over the weekend was the second time in three months that the country took steps to slow the pace of its economic expansion. Inflation jumped to its highest levels in two years in November. Any slowdown in China affects companies worldwide and can drive a decline in many stock markets. Bank of America Corp. estimates that emerging markets like China account for 80 percent of the world's economic growth.

In the U.S., financial stocks were up. American International Group Inc. shares rose 9 percent to $59.38 after the bailed-out insurer said it obtained $3 billion in credit facilities, marking another step on its road to recovery.

Bank of America shares closed up nearly 2 percent to $13.27, while Citigroup Inc. was up 2 percent to $4.77.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose slightly to 3.33 per cent.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks closed barely changed Tuesday amid light trading ahead of the New Year's holiday.

The blue-chip Dow Jones industrial average finished slightly higher, though stocks had dipped earlier on disappointing consumer confidence and home prices reports.

The Dow edged up after Treasury prices fell in the wake of a weak bond auction in the afternoon. Fewer than expected buyers emerged for the government's auction of $35 billion five-year bonds. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.49 percent from 3.34 percent late Monday.

The Dow closed the day higher by 20.51 points, or 0.2 percent, to 11,575.54. The Standard and Poor's 500 index was up 0.97, or less than 0.1 percent, to 1,258.51. The technology-focused Nasdaq composite index lost 4.39, or 0.2 percent, to 2,662.88.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +20.51 points +0.18% on Tuesday December 28
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,575.54 +20.51 +0.18%
Nasdaq 2,662.88 -4.39 -0.16%
S&P 500 1,258.51 +0.97 +0.08%
30-yr Bond 4.5490% +0.1270

NYSE Volume 2,478,062,250 (prior day 2,260,164,250)
Nasdaq Volume 1,145,811,250 (prior day 1,112,746,875)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,008.92 Closed Dec 28
DAX 6,972.10 +1.37 +0.02%
CAC 40 3,858.72 -3.47 -0.09%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,868.30 Closed Dec 28
Shanghai Comp 2,732.99 -48.41 -1.74%
Taiwan We... 8,870.76 -21.55 -0.24%
Nikkei 225 10,292.63 -63.36 -0.61%
Hang Seng 22,621.73 -212.07 -0.93%
Straits Times 3,183.70 +24.34 +0.77%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Dow-f...8.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=3&asset=&ccode=

Dow finishes up, Nasdaq down amid thin trading

Dow up, Nasdaq down amid thin trading, weak reports on consumer confidence, housing market

David K. Randall and Pallavi Gogoi, AP Business Writers, On Tuesday December 28, 2010, 4:58 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks closed barely changed Tuesday amid light trading ahead of the New Year's holiday.

The blue-chip Dow Jones industrial average finished slightly higher, though stocks had dipped earlier on disappointing consumer confidence and home prices reports.

The Dow edged up after Treasury prices fell in the wake of a weak bond auction in the afternoon. Fewer than expected buyers emerged for the government's auction of $35 billion five-year bonds. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.49 percent from 3.34 percent late Monday.

The Dow closed the day higher by 20.51 points, or 0.2 percent, to 11,575.54. The Standard and Poor's 500 index was up 0.97, or less than 0.1 percent, to 1,258.51. The technology-focused Nasdaq composite index lost 4.39, or 0.2 percent, to 2,662.88.

Earlier in the day, the Conference Board announced that consumer confidence in the economy slid to a level of 52.5 in December, down from 54.3 in November, as Americans continued to fret about the high rate of unemployment. The market was expecting a slightly higher reading because of signs of improved consumer spending in the Christmas holiday season this year.

"The spending patterns this Christmas looks better, but unemployment continues to be a big question," said Kim Caughey Forrest, senior equity research analyst at Fort Pitt Capital Group.

Another factor weighing on the minds of traders is fear that the housing market will continue to fall. Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller said Tuesday that home prices fell 1.3 percent in October from a month earlier.

Home prices slid across the country, including the biggest cities. Prices were down 2.9 percent in Atlanta, 2 percent in Chicago, and 1.9 percent in San Francisco.

Energy and materials companies were posting gains as the price of crude oil gained. Chevron Corp. led Dow gainers, rising 1.2 percent to finish at $91.19.

American Express Co. had the largest fall, losing 0.6 percent to $42.79.

In corporate news, General Motors Co. gained 2.1 percent to close at $35.32 after a handful of analysts from investment banks that underwrote the automaker's IPO initiated coverage with favorable ratings.

Home builder Beazer Homes USA Inc. fell 4.5 percent to $5.37 on the disappointing home prices report.

The dollar slid to a 7-week low versus the Japanese yen Tuesday in thin post-Christmas trading, but rose against the euro and pound.

About 559 million shares changed hands, about half the usual volume on Wall Street. Trading is expected to be light for most of the week as many investors have already closed their books for the year.

Falling shares narrowly outpaced rising ones on the New York Stock Exchange

 

[bigdog]

Re: NYSE Dow Jones finished today at:

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks finished higher Wednesday as the market continued on pace for its best December in nearly twenty years.

The Standard and Poor's 500-stock index - the market measure used by most professional investors - has gained 6.7 percent this month. If it closes Friday at this level or higher, it will be the best December return for the index since 1991.

Trading continued to be thin ahead of the New Year's holiday. In the absence of any fresh economic data or major corporate news, investors were attracted to the government's latest bond auction. Treasurys rallied and stocks also drew strength from the successful sale. Traders' moods also appear to be buoyed by the mostly positive economic news of recent weeks.

Strong corporate profits have helped push stocks higher for much of 2010.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +9.84 points +0.09% on Wednesday December 29
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,585.38 +9.84 +0.09%
Nasdaq 2,666.93 +4.05 +0.15%
S&P 500 1,259.78 +1.27 +0.10%
30-yr Bond 4.4090% -0.1400

NYSE Volume 2,366,656,500 (prior day 2,478,062,250)
Nasdaq Volume 1,129,144,875 (prior day 1,145,811,250)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,996.36 -12.56 -0.21%
DAX 6,995.47 +23.37 +0.34%
CAC 40 3,890.65 +31.93 +0.83%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,871.60 +3.30 +0.07%
Shanghai Comp 2,751.53 +18.54 +0.68%
Taiwan We... 8,866.35 -4.41 -0.05%
Nikkei 225 10,344.54 +51.91 +0.50%
Hang Seng 22,969.30 +347.57 +1.54%
Straits Times 3,207.91 +24.21 +0.76%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stock...4.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=1&asset=&ccode=

Stocks end higher as market approaches new year

Stocks finish slightly higher as market continues on pace for best December in nearly 20 years

Pallavi Gogoi and David K. Randall, AP Business Writer, On Wednesday December 29, 2010, 4:39 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks finished higher Wednesday as the market continued on pace for its best December in nearly twenty years.

The Standard and Poor's 500-stock index - the market measure used by most professional investors - has gained 6.7 percent this month. If it closes Friday at this level or higher, it will be the best December return for the index since 1991.

Trading continued to be thin ahead of the New Year's holiday. In the absence of any fresh economic data or major corporate news, investors were attracted to the government's latest bond auction. Treasurys rallied and stocks also drew strength from the successful sale. Traders' moods also appear to be buoyed by the mostly positive economic news of recent weeks.

Strong corporate profits have helped push stocks higher for much of 2010.

"The primary theme of 2010 was that corporate profits were much better than expected," said Philip Dow, director of equity strategy at RBC Wealth Management in Minneapolis. "As we enter into 2011, my hope and belief is that we move from recovery to expansion and a self-sustaining economy."

The Dow Jones Industrial average closed 9.84 points higher, or 0.1 percent, to 11,585.38. The S&P 500 rose 1.27, or 0.1 percent, to 1,259.78. The technology-focused Nasdaq gained 4.05, or nearly 0.2 percent, to 2,666.93.

Stocks rose across the market, with eight of the 10 industry groups in the S&P index posting gains.

Stock trading volumes on Wall Street are expected to be light throughout this week between the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Many investors have already closed their books for the year and are on vacation until January. Trading volume totaled just 2.3 billion shares on the New York Stock Exchange, where seven shares rose for every three that fell.

Traders have been encouraged that Americans took out their wallets to shop during the holiday season, after two years of holding back. However, RBC's Dow warns that America cannot depend on consumers alone to pull it out of the trough this time.

"People probably got bored of not spending and it was time to celebrate a little, but we shouldn't be surprised if the consumer retrenches again," said Dow.

A disappointing report on consumer confidence released Tuesday showed that while holiday spending surged, consumers are still fretting about the economy and high unemployment.

In corporate news Wednesday, BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. rose 7 percent to finish at $47.62 after reports that a private-equity firm might be interested in acquiring the discount club. The firm, Leonard Green & Partners, recently reached deals to buy other retailers including fabric and crafts chain Jo-Ann Stores Inc., and is partnering with TPG Capital to buy preppy clothier J. Crew Group Inc.

The dollar fell 0.7 percent against an index of six heavily traded currencies.

Looking ahead to Thursday, investors will check for signs of how the housing market is performing when November data on pending home sales will be released. In October, there was a 10 percent increase in new contracts signed on falling home prices and low mortgage rates.

Also on Thursday, the Labor Department's report on weekly unemployment claims will be released at 8:30 a.m. Eastern.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks dipped Thursday as investors locked in their positions at the end of the year.

While U.S. markets fell slightly, stocks are set to end 2010 on an upbeat note: The S&P 500 index and the Dow Jones industrial average are both up 14 percent for the year, after dividends, thanks to record corporate profits. The Dow is back to levels last seen in August 2008, prior to the heat of the financial crisis, while the S&P might just eke out the best December in 20 years.

Some investors are taking the last week of the month to sell and notch their profits. Others are selling stocks or funds that have lost money in order to reap the tax benefits.

The Dow Jones industrial average was off 15.67 points, or 0.1 percent, to 11,569.7. The S&P 500 edged down 1.9, or 0.2 percent, to 1,257.88. The technology-focused Nasdaq composite index fell 3.95, or 0.2 percent, to 2,662.98.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -15.67 points -0.14% on Thursday December 30
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,569.71 -15.67 -0.14%
Nasdaq 2,662.98 -3.95 -0.15%
S&P 500 1,257.88 -1.90 -0.15%
30-yr Bond 4.4300% +0.0210

NYSE Volume 2,292,683,750 (prior day 2,366,656,500)
Nasdaq Volume 1,091,271,625 (prior day 1,129,144,875)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,971.01 -25.35 -0.42%
DAX 6,914.19 -81.28 -1.16%
CAC 40 3,850.76 -39.89 -1.03%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,886.70 +15.10 +0.31%
Shanghai Comp 2,759.57 +8.05 +0.29%
Taiwan We... 8,907.91 +41.56 +0.47%
Nikkei 225 10,228.92 -115.62 -1.12%
Hang Seng 22,999.34 +30.04 +0.13%
Straits Times 3,212.46 +4.55 +0.14%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stock...tml?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=main&asset=&ccode=

Stocks down slightly as investors lock in 2010

Stocks edge lower as investors brush aside positive economic data and lock in 2010

Pallavi Gogoi and David K. Randall, AP Business Writers, On Thursday December 30, 2010, 4:57 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks dipped Thursday as investors locked in their positions at the end of the year.

While U.S. markets fell slightly, stocks are set to end 2010 on an upbeat note: The S&P 500 index and the Dow Jones industrial average are both up 14 percent for the year, after dividends, thanks to record corporate profits. The Dow is back to levels last seen in August 2008, prior to the heat of the financial crisis, while the S&P might just eke out the best December in 20 years.

Some investors are taking the last week of the month to sell and notch their profits. Others are selling stocks or funds that have lost money in order to reap the tax benefits.

The Dow Jones industrial average was off 15.67 points, or 0.1 percent, to 11,569.7. The S&P 500 edged down 1.9, or 0.2 percent, to 1,257.88. The technology-focused Nasdaq composite index fell 3.95, or 0.2 percent, to 2,662.98.

Losses came across the market. Energy and telecommunications companies were the only ones among the 10 industry groups that make up the S&P index to post gains.

Alcoa Inc. rose 0.5 percent to $15.21 to lead the 30 stocks that make up the Dow. American Express had the largest loss, falling 0.8 percent to $42.51.

The week has been marked by thin trading. Thursday was considered by many to be the last trading day of note because even fewer traders are expected to show up on Friday, the last day of the year.

Investors received positive economic news. The Labor Department said that the number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits for the first time fell to its lowest point in nearly two and a half years, a sign that the job market is slowly improving. Applications dropped by 34,000 to 388,000, the fewest since July 2008.

The Chicago Purchasing Managers Index for December showed that companies in the Midwest were faring better than analysts anticipated. The index, which surveys business conditions in the states of Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, came in with a reading of 68.6, up from 62.5 in the previous month. Economists had been expecting the index to drop to 61.

Home sales also fared well. The National Association of Realtors said the number of people who signed contracts to buy homes rose in November, the fourth increase since contract signings hit a low in June. Its index of sales agreements for previously occupied homes increased 3.5 percent.

However, with mortgage rates creeping up, investors worried over its effect on home sales. The average rate on 30-year fixed mortgages rose this week to 4.86 percent, the highest level in seven months.

U.S. Treasurys are also down slightly, which has led to a slight bump up in yields. The yield on the benchmark 10-year bond rose to 3.37 percent, up from 3.35 at Wednesday's close.

Rising and falling shares were even on the New York Stock Exchange. Floor volume came to 507 million shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks ended a gut-wrenching 2010 quietly Friday. The major indexes were little changed and trading volume was at one of its lowest levels of the year as many traders took the day off.

Despite investors' concerns about the U.S. economy, the possibility of European countries defaulting on debt, the Standard & Poor's 500 stock index and the Dow Jones industrial average both rose about 14 percent for the year, including dividends. The Nasdaq composite index, meanwhile, rose about 18 percent for the year after dividends.

At Friday's close, the Dow gained 7.8 points, or 0.1 percent, to 11,577.51. The S&P 500 fell 0.24 to 1,257.64. The Nasdaq composite index dipped 10.11, or 0.4 percent, to 2,652.87.

The Dow finished the year at its highest level since August 2008, before the height of the financial crisis. The S&P had its best December gain since 1991.

The numbers hide the fact that it was a rocky year. Stocks plunged in the spring after Greece required an emergency bailout to deal with its debt crisis. That raised concerns about debt issues in other European countries, including Ireland, which needed a bailout later in the year.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +7.80 points +0.07% on Friday December 31
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,577.51 +7.80 +0.07%
Nasdaq 2,652.87 -10.11 -0.38%
S&P 500 1,257.64 -0.24 -0.02%
30-yr Bond 4.3620% -0.0680

NYSE Volume 2,208,916,500 (prior day 2,292,683,750)
Nasdaq Volume 1,050,254,500 (prior day 1,091,271,625)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,899.94 -71.07 -1.19%
DAX 6,914.19 -81.28 -1.16%
CAC 40 3,804.78 -45.98 -1.19%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,846.90 -39.80 -0.81%
Shanghai Comp 2,808.08 +48.50 +1.76%
Taiwan We... 8,972.50 +64.59 +0.73%
Nikkei 225 10,228.92 -115.62 -1.12%
Hang Seng 23,035.45 +36.11 +0.16%
Straits Times 3,190.04 -22.42 -0.70%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stock...0.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=2&asset=&ccode=

Stocks mixed on last day of strong year for market

Stocks mixed on final day of trading, but 2010 was still a solid year for investors

Chip Cutter and David K. Randall, AP Business Writers, On Friday December 31, 2010, 4:24 pm EST

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks ended a gut-wrenching 2010 quietly Friday. The major indexes were little changed and trading volume was at one of its lowest levels of the year as many traders took the day off.

Despite investors' concerns about the U.S. economy, the possibility of European countries defaulting on debt, the Standard & Poor's 500 stock index and the Dow Jones industrial average both rose about 14 percent for the year, including dividends. The Nasdaq composite index, meanwhile, rose about 18 percent for the year after dividends.

At Friday's close, the Dow gained 7.8 points, or 0.1 percent, to 11,577.51. The S&P 500 fell 0.24 to 1,257.64. The Nasdaq composite index dipped 10.11, or 0.4 percent, to 2,652.87.

The Dow finished the year at its highest level since August 2008, before the height of the financial crisis. The S&P had its best December gain since 1991.

The numbers hide the fact that it was a rocky year. Stocks plunged in the spring after Greece required an emergency bailout to deal with its debt crisis. That raised concerns about debt issues in other European countries, including Ireland, which needed a bailout later in the year.

The May 6 "flash crash," which sent the Dow down to a loss of nearly 1,000 points in less than a half-hour, also rattled investors. The Dow fell 14 percent from a high of 11,205.03 on April 26 to its low of 9,686.48 on July 2.

The sudden drop -- which was later attributed to a fund company that used a complex computer trading program -- rattled many small investors who were still avoiding stocks after the financial crisis in 2008.

"The flash crash made retail investors take a step back and say, 'Is this really just a legalized gambling arena?'", said Scott Rostan, a financial consultant for investment banks and an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

A distrust of the stock market helped fuel a boom in commodities, which finished 2010 at their highest levels in years. Gold closed above $1,400 an ounce after rising throughout the year on global economic worries. Oil prices rose from a low of $70 a barrel to close the year higher than $90.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to a yearly high of just under 4 percent in April and then plunged as low as 2.38 percent in October. That contributed to a historic drop in mortgage rates that brought 30-year fixed-rate loans to a low of 4.17 percent early in November.

Stocks came back in the last two months of the year after the Federal Reserve announced a $600 billion bond-buying program to lower interest rates and stimulate the economy. Bond yields fell to levels down not seen since the 1950s.

"It was a market that needed stimulus and responded miraculously," said Quincy Krosby, the chief market strategist at Prudential. "Corporate fundamentals were clearly excellent, but to get the push that the market needed to keep it going it needed more buyers."

Investors were also encouraged by an extension of Bush-era tax cuts and improving economic reports on unemployment, retail sales and consumer confidence, which suggested that Americans were beginning to spend again. By the end of December, investors began moving money back into U.S. stock funds after selling for every week since May.

Whether the gains will continue into 2011 will depend on a better jobs market, consumers who are more confident and the ability of corporations to earn more money from higher revenue rather than cost cutting.

Many on Wall Street are optimistic that the bull market will not end next year.

"All of the economic indicators are pointing to stronger growth next year," said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at New York-based brokerage firm Avalon Partners Inc.

Consumer discretionary stocks in the S&P 500 have risen 26 percent this year, making them the best performers of the 10 industry groups in the index. Health care and utility stocks have been the worst performers, rising less than 1 percent for the year.

The Russell 2000 index, made up of small-cap stocks, had the best overall performance of domestic stock indexes. It returned 27.8 percent in 2010, including dividends.

In large part because of worries over the health of the euro, the dollar rose throughout the year against an index of six heavily traded currencies. It reached its peak in June before falling to nearly the level where it began the year.

8429

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks started 2011 with a big lift on Monday, and that could be a promising sign for the rest of the year.

Investors call it the "January barometer." According to the Stock Trader's Almanac, a gain in the Standard and Poor's 500 stock index over the first five days of January has led to annual gains nearly 90 percent of the time.

"All of the forecasts come out of Wall Street, and those expectations for the year give January a nice indicative effect of what the year will look like," said Jeffery Hirsch, the editor of the Stock Trader's Almanac.

Signs that the economy is improving pushed stock indexes higher on the first trading day of the year. Manufacturing activity and construction spending both rose more than analysts were predicting.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +93.24 points +0.81% on Friday January 3
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,670.75 +93.24 +0.81%
Nasdaq 2,691.52 +38.65 +1.46%
S&P 500 1,271.89 +14.25 +1.13%
30-yr Bond 4.3980% +0.0360

NYSE Volume 4,886,556,500 (prior day 2,208,916,500)
Nasdaq Volume 1,950,757,500 (prior day 1,050,254,500)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,899.94 closed Jan 3
DAX 6,989.74 +75.55 +1.09%
CAC 40 3,900.86 +96.08 +2.53%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,846.90 closed Jan 3
Shanghai Comp closed Jan 3
Taiwan We... 9,025.30 +52.80 +0.59%
Nikkei 225 10,228.92 -115.62 -1.12%
Hang Seng 23,436.05 +400.60 +1.74%
Straits Times 3,235.77 +45.73 +1.43%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stock...3.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=1&asset=&ccode=

Stocks start 2011 with a big lift

Stock indexes rise to start 2011 after strong manufacturing reports in US, Europe

David K. Randall, AP Business Writer, On Monday January 3, 2011, 4:56 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks started 2011 with a big lift on Monday, and that could be a promising sign for the rest of the year.

Investors call it the "January barometer." According to the Stock Trader's Almanac, a gain in the Standard and Poor's 500 stock index over the first five days of January has led to annual gains nearly 90 percent of the time.

"All of the forecasts come out of Wall Street, and those expectations for the year give January a nice indicative effect of what the year will look like," said Jeffery Hirsch, the editor of the Stock Trader's Almanac.

Signs that the economy is improving pushed stock indexes higher on the first trading day of the year. Manufacturing activity and construction spending both rose more than analysts were predicting.

The Institute of Supply Management's index of manufacturing activity rose in December for the 17th straight month. Separately, the Commerce Department said construction spending rose 0.4 percent in November.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 93.24 points, or 0.8 percent, to close at 11,670.75.

The S&P 500 gained 14.23, or 1.1 percent, to 1,271.87. The Nasdaq rose 38.65, or 1.5 percent, to 2,691.52.

The gains were broad. All 10 company groups that make up the S&P index rose. Financial companies led the way with a 2.3 percent jump.

Treasury prices fell as the better economic news weakened demand for low-risk investments. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which rises as its price falls, moved up to 3.34 percent from 3.29 percent late Friday.

Bank of America Corp. shot up 6.4 percent to $14.19 after the bank settled a dispute with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac over soured mortgage investments. That was the best performance among the 30 stocks that make up the Dow index. Intel Corp. had the largest fall, losing 0.9 percent to $20.85.

Small companies, which are considered riskier investments, surged. The Russell 2000, which tracks the performance of smaller stocks, jumped 1.9 percent. That's nearly twice as big as the gain posted by the Dow, which tracks large companies.

That, too, could be part of a historical trend. In a pattern known as the "January effect," smaller companies tend to do better early in the year than large ones. Some of that has to do with traders buying smaller companies early in the year after selling stocks they lost money on in December in order to reap tax benefits, Hirsch said.

In corporate news, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. gained 2.9 percent to $173.05 after the New York Times reported that it bought a stake in Facebook in a deal that valued the social-networking company at $50 billion. Facebook remains a private company, though its shares are traded on private stock exchanges.

Stocks rose throughout Europe earlier in the day after a report showed that manufacturing in countries that use the euro expanded faster than analysts had forecast. The Euro Stoxx 50 index rose 0.6 percent. Benchmark indexes in France and Belgium each rose more than 2 percent.

The dollar edged up 0.2 percent against an index of six heavily traded currencies.

Stocks in the U.S. ended mixed on Friday, the last day of trading in 2010. For many investors, 2010 turned out better than expected. Every major stock market index in the U.S. increased by double digits.

The S&P 500, the market measure used by most professional investors, returned 15.1 percent after dividends. Historically, the index has returned an average of 10.01 percent a year, including dividends.

Stocks ended 2010 especially strong. The S&P gained 20 percent over the last four months of the year, capped by a 7 percent jump in December.

On Monday, rising stocks outnumbered falling shares three to one on the New York Stock Exchange. Trading volume was 1.1 billion shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

A rally that pushed stocks up nearly 7 percent in December took a pause Tuesday as traders shrugged off a pickup in factory orders and a sharp rise in monthly sales from General Motors and Ford.

Stock indexes started out with gains but mostly fell throughout the day, even after a better-than-expected report on factory orders for November. The Dow Jones Industrial average of 30 large company shares wound up slightly higher.

Ryan Detrick, a senior analyst at Schaeffer's Investment Research, said investors were holding off after a sharp jump in stocks on Monday, the first trading day of 2011.

"We had a big start to the year yesterday," Detrick said. The Standard & Poor's 500 index lost 0.1 percent after rising 1.1 percent the day before.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +20.43 points +0.18% on Tuesay January 4
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,691.18 +20.43 +0.18%
Nasdaq 2,681.25 -10.27 -0.38%
S&P 500 1,270.20 -1.69 -0.13%
30-yr Bond 4.4370% +0.0390

NYSE Volume 5,349,663,500 (prior day 4,886,556,500)
Nasdaq Volume 2,034,615,125 (prior day 1,950,757,500)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,013.87 +113.93 +1.93%
DAX 6,975.35 -14.39 -0.21%
CAC 40 3,916.03 +15.17 +0.39%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,849.50 +2.60 +0.05%
Shanghai Comp 2,852.65 +44.57 +1.59%
Taiwan We... 8,997.19 -28.11 -0.31%
Nikkei 225 10,398.10 +169.18 +1.65%
Hang Seng 23,668.48 +232.43 +0.99%
Straits Times 3,250.29 +14.52 +0.45%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stock...1.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=1&asset=&ccode=

Stock rally pauses despite rising factory orders

Stocks end the day mixed after strong factory orders and auto sales

David K. Randall, AP Business Writer, On Tuesday January 4, 2011, 4:44 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- A rally that pushed stocks up nearly 7 percent in December took a pause Tuesday as traders shrugged off a pickup in factory orders and a sharp rise in monthly sales from General Motors and Ford.

Stock indexes started out with gains but mostly fell throughout the day, even after a better-than-expected report on factory orders for November. The Dow Jones Industrial average of 30 large company shares wound up slightly higher.

Ryan Detrick, a senior analyst at Schaeffer's Investment Research, said investors were holding off after a sharp jump in stocks on Monday, the first trading day of 2011.

"We had a big start to the year yesterday," Detrick said. The Standard & Poor's 500 index lost 0.1 percent after rising 1.1 percent the day before.

Investors also received minutes from the Federal Reserve's last policy meeting in December. Fed officials said signs of economic growth weren't enough to cut back its $600 billion bond-buying program, which is aimed at encouraging spending by keeping interest rates low. Fed officials said more time was needed before they would consider changing their plans.

Automakers reported December and year-end sales figures. General Motors Co. rose 2.3 percent to $37.90 after reporting that its sales of cars and trucks in the U.S. rose 6.3 percent last year. Ford Motor Corp. gained 0.8 percent to $17.38 after reporting that its sales rose 15 percent in 2010.

"These companies finally have the right cost structure and all the players on board to make them profitable businesses," said Frank Ingarra, a portfolio manager at Hennessy Funds. "The companies that survived are benefiting from facing less competition."

The Dow rose 20.43 points, or 0.2 percent, to end the day at 11,691.18. The broader S&P 500 index dipped 1.69 points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 1,270.20. The Nasdaq lost 10.27 points, or 0.4 percent, to 2,681.25.

Grocery store chains Supervalu Inc., Safeway Inc., and Whole Foods Market Inc. each fell more than 3 percent after a round of analyst downgrades.

Alcoa Inc. jumped 4.6 percent to $16.52 to lead the 30 stocks that make up the Dow. McDonald's Corp. had the largest fall, losing 3 percent to $74.31.

Treasury prices were mixed after the Fed minutes were released. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which moves opposite its price, edged down to 3.33 percent from 3.34 percent late Monday.

Nearly two stocks fell for every one that rose on the New York Stock Exchange. Trading volume was 1.1 billion shares.

 

[Vicki]

A rally that pushed stocks up nearly 7 percent in December took a pause Tuesday as traders shrugged off a pickup in factory orders and a sharp rise in monthly sales from General Motors and Ford.

Just on the subject of GM.
Wasn't it only a short while ago that they weren't profitable enough to stay in business?

They've now launched an IPO at around $33.00 I think, & paid back some of the TARP money, But I don't fully understand why all of sudden they're business is so viable?

People who bought shares might want to hope that they can keep selling cars into pos. another GFC in the near future.

Vicki

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

A surprising jump in hiring sent bond prices lower and lifted the dollar Wednesday. The Dow Jones industrial average edged higher for the third day in a row.

A survey from payroll processor ADP found that private companies added 297,000 jobs last month, nearly triple the number that economists were expecting. The report is the first chance for investors to see how strong the job market was in December.

The next look comes Friday morning when the Labor Department releases its monthly report on total U.S. payrolls and the unemployment rate. Economists expect the rate will dip to 9.7 percent from 9.8 percent.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +31.71 points +0.27% on Wednesday January 5
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,722.89 +31.71 +0.27%
Nasdaq 2,702.20 +20.95 +0.78%
S&P 500 1,276.56 +6.36 +0.50%
30-yr Bond 4.5510% +0.1140

NYSE Volume 5,273,315,500 (prior day 5,349,663,500)
Nasdaq Volume 2,082,016,875 (prior day 2,034,615,125)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,043.86 +29.99 +0.50%
DAX 6,939.82 -35.53 -0.51%
CAC 40 3,904.61 -11.42 -0.29%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,820.90 -28.60 -0.59%
Shanghai Comp 2,838.59 -14.06 -0.49%
Taiwan We... 8,846.31 -150.88 -1.68%
Nikkei 225 10,380.77 -17.33 -0.17%
Hang Seng 23,757.82 +89.34 +0.38%
Straits Times 3,254.25 +3.96 +0.12%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Jump-in-hiring-sends-bonds-apf-3820982577.html?x=0

Jump in hiring sends bonds lower and stocks higher

Treasurys slide after a report shows hiring shot higher in December; stocks rise

Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer, On Wednesday January 5, 2011, 4:41 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- A surprising jump in hiring sent bond prices lower and lifted the dollar Wednesday. The Dow Jones industrial average edged higher for the third day in a row.

A survey from payroll processor ADP found that private companies added 297,000 jobs last month, nearly triple the number that economists were expecting. The report is the first chance for investors to see how strong the job market was in December.

The next look comes Friday morning when the Labor Department releases its monthly report on total U.S. payrolls and the unemployment rate. Economists expect the rate will dip to 9.7 percent from 9.8 percent.

The unexpectedly high jobs survey from ADP suggests that the Labor Department report will also be strong. But economists cautioned against reading too much into the ADP figures, which also take into account weekly figures on claims for unemployment insurance, said Thomas Simons, market economist at Jefferies & Co.

"When the ADP number comes in strong, it doesn't mean all the other labor reports will come in strong," Simons said. "But it does show that the labor market is improving. You have to take all these numbers together and come up with a mosaic view."

Signs that the economy is improving weakened demand for low-risk investments. Treasurys prices slid, pushing their yields higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.47 percent from 3.33 percent late Tuesday. The yield helps set interest rates on many kinds of loans including mortgages.

The higher rates in the Treasury market helped push the dollar up against other currencies. The dollar rose 1 percent against an index of six other currencies.

The Dow gained 31.71 points, or 0.3 percent, to 11,722.8.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 6.36, or 0.5 percent, to 1,276.56. The Nasdaq rose 20.95, or 0.8 percent, to 2,702.20.

Financial companies led the 10 groups that make up the S&P index with a 1.2 percent gain. Utilities did the worst, losing 0.6 percent.

American Express Co. rose 2.9 percent to $45.04, the largest increase among the 30 stocks that make up the Dow. Intel Corp. had the largest fall, slumping 1 percent to $20.94.

A survey from the Institute for Supply Management showed that service companies reported more new orders and higher prices last month. The ISM's monthly index measuring the economic strength of U.S. service providers rose to its highest level since May 2006.

Service providers such as retailers, hotels, banks and construction companies employ about 80 percent of the country's work force. But their growth has lagged behind manufacturers since the recession ended June 2009.

Qualcomm Inc. rose 2.1 percent to $52.03 after the technology company said it had agreed to buy chip maker Atheros Communications Inc. for $3.2 billion. The deal is aimed at giving Qualcomm, which makes chips for cell phones, a foothold in the growing market for tablet computers.

BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. fell 2.2 percent to $45.96 after the retailer said it would cut jobs and close five stores.

Two shares rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume came to 1 billion shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks slipped Thursday after the government reported an increase in applications for unemployment benefits last week.

The Labor Department said Thursday that 409,000 people made first-time claims for benefits. That's up 18,000 from the previous week, when applications fell to their lowest level in more than two years. The number of applications suggests that companies are adding jobs, but slowly.

The report came a day after ADP estimated that companies added nearly 300,000 jobs last month, far more than the 100,000 economists expected. That report pushed stock prices higher and Treasury prices lower as investors became more optimistic about the job market.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER -25.58 points -0.22% onThursday January 6
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,697.31 -25.58 -0.22%
Nasdaq 2,709.89 +7.69 +0.28%
S&P 500 1,273.85 -2.71 -0.21%
30-yr Bond 4.5340% -0.0170

NYSE Volume 5,440,569,500 (prior day 5,273,315,500)
Nasdaq Volume 2,122,733,000 (prior day 2,082,016,875)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,019.51 -24.35 -0.40%
DAX 6,981.39 +41.57 +0.60%
CAC 40 3,904.42 -0.19 -0.00%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,831.10 +10.20 +0.21%
Shanghai Comp 2,824.20 -14.40 -0.51%
Taiwan We... 8,883.21 +36.90 +0.42%
Nikkei 225 10,529.76 +148.99 +1.44%
Hang Seng 23,786.30 +28.48 +0.12%
Straits Times 3,279.70 +25.45 +0.78%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stock...3.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=5&asset=&ccode=

Stocks end lower after unemployment claims rise

Stocks edge lower after government reports an increase in claims for unemployment benefits

Chip Cutter and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Thursday January 6, 2011, 4:39 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks slipped Thursday after the government reported an increase in applications for unemployment benefits last week.

The Labor Department said Thursday that 409,000 people made first-time claims for benefits. That's up 18,000 from the previous week, when applications fell to their lowest level in more than two years. The number of applications suggests that companies are adding jobs, but slowly.

The report came a day after ADP estimated that companies added nearly 300,000 jobs last month, far more than the 100,000 economists expected. That report pushed stock prices higher and Treasury prices lower as investors became more optimistic about the job market.

In a week with several reports on employment, the most important one will arrive on Friday morning when the Labor Department releases its monthly survey of all U.S. payrolls and the unemployment rate. Economists expect the rate fell to 9.7 percent in December from 9.8 percent the previous month.

Many retailers fell after reporting weaker sales in December. Target Corp. fell 7 percent to $54.93 and Gap Inc. fell 7 percent to $20.70. Macy's Inc. fell 4 percent to $23.97.

A blizzard in the Northeast hurt sales after Christmas. Retail sales were strong in November since many customers shopped earlier in the holiday season this year. Analysts still expect overall retail spending in November and December to increase by the largest amount since 2006.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 25.58 points, or 0.2 percent, to close at 11,697.31.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 2.71, or 0.2 percent, to close at 1,273.85. The Nasdaq composite index rose 7.69, or 0.3 percent, to 2,709.89.

Three stocks fell for every two that rose on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume was 1 billion shares.

Bond prices rose, sending their yields lower. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 3.40 percent from 3.46 percent late Wednesday. The yield is used to set interest rates on many kinds of loans including mortgages.

Monsanto Co. rose 2 percent to $70.79 after the company reported that higher sales of corn, soybean, vegetable and cotton seeds helped it become profitable again.

Constellation Brands Inc. fell 8 percent to $19.84 after the maker of Robert Mondavi wine and Svedka vodka said revenue fell 2 percent on weak wine sales.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks end lower but gain overall for 6th week

A disappointing jobs report dragged stocks lower Friday. Banks took a hit after a Massachusetts court upheld a ruling in a foreclosure case against U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo & Co. that could lead to more trouble for lenders.

The Labor Department said employers added 103,000 jobs in December, less than analysts expected. Job growth has remained sluggish in the U.S. since the recession ended in June 2009.

A separate survey found that the unemployment rate fell to 9.4 percent last month. That's a decrease from 9.8 percent in November and the lowest rate in 19 months. But the drop came partly because many people gave up looking for work.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -22.55 points -0.19% on Friday January 7
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,674.76 -22.55 -0.19%
Nasdaq 2,703.17 -6.72 -0.25%
S&P 500 1,271.50 -2.35 -0.18%
30-yr Bond 4.4900% -0.0440


NYSE Volume 5,659,251,000 (prior day 5,440,569,500)
Nasdaq Volume 1,994,591,625 (prior day 2,122,733,000)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,984.33 -35.18 -0.58%
DAX 6,947.84 -33.55 -0.48%
CAC 40 3,865.58 -38.84 -0.99%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,812.00 -19.10 -0.40%
Shanghai Comp 2,838.80 +14.60 +0.52%
Taiwan We... 8,782.72 -100.49 -1.13%
Nikkei 225 10,541.04 +11.28 +0.11%
Hang Seng 23,686.63 -99.67 -0.42%
Straits Times 3,261.35 -18.35 -0.56%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/JPMor...7.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=6&asset=&ccode=

JPMorgan, other banks lead stocks lower

Weak jobs report and a ruling against banks on foreclosures send stock prices lower

Chip Cutter and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Friday January 7, 2011, 5:02 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- A disappointing jobs report dragged stocks lower Friday. Banks took a hit after a Massachusetts court upheld a ruling in a foreclosure case against U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo & Co. that could lead to more trouble for lenders.

The Labor Department said employers added 103,000 jobs in December, less than analysts expected. Job growth has remained sluggish in the U.S. since the recession ended in June 2009.

A separate survey found that the unemployment rate fell to 9.4 percent last month. That's a decrease from 9.8 percent in November and the lowest rate in 19 months. But the drop came partly because many people gave up looking for work.

"On balance, this was a pretty disappointing report," said Hugh Johnson, chairman and chief investment officer of Johnson Advisors. It "suggests we have a long way to go to recover the 8.4 million jobs that we lost during the crisis."

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 22.55 points, or 0.2 percent, to close at 11,674.76.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 2.35, or 0.2 percent, to 1,271.50. The Nasdaq composite fell 6.72, or 0.3 percent, to 2,703.17.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bank of America Corp. were two of the biggest losers among the 30 stocks that make up the Dow. Banks fell as investors worried that the foreclosure ruling in Massachusetts could set a precedent for other cases against lenders. Bank of America, the largest holder of mortgages in the U.S., fell 1 percent to $14.25. JPMorgan lost 2 percent to $43.64.

The highest court in Massachusetts found that U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo failed to prove that they owned the mortgages in two cases where homeowners were in foreclosure. Lenders have been under scrutiny from law enforcement officials since last fall over accusations that they bungled foreclosure proceedings and had shoddy record-keeping practices.

"This court ruling is a reminder that banks are still facing some headwinds left over from the financial crisis," said Alan Gayle, senior investment strategist at RidgeWorth Investments. "It's going to be tough sledding for the financial industry until they get these mortgage problems sorted out."

Wells Fargo fell 2 percent to $31.50. U.S. Bancorp fell 0.8 percent to $26.09.

In testimony on Capitol Hill, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said he was optimistic that the economy would grow this year. But he also said it could take up to five years for the unemployment rate to move significantly lower.

Bond prices rose, sending their yields lower. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 3.32 percent from 3.40 percent late Thursday. The yield helps set interest rates on many kinds of loans including mortgages.

KB Home rose 6 percent to $15.25 after the homebuilder surprised Wall Street with a profit.

Falling stocks outnumbered rising ones on the New York Stock Exchange by a small margin. Volume was 1 billion shares.

9205

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks indexes were mostly lower on Monday, with telecommunication companies leading the way down.

AT&T Inc. fell the most out of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones industrial average. Its competitor, Verizon Wireless, is expected to announce Tuesday that it will start selling Apple Inc.'s iPhone, breaking AT&T's long hold on iPhone customers.

AT&T's stock dropped 1.8 percent to $28.34. Apple gained 1.8 percent to $342.45.

Stocks spent most of the day lower ahead of the latest round of corporate earnings reports. After the market closed, Alcoa Inc. reported that rising sales of aluminum products helped it turn a profit of 24 cents a share in its fourth quarter. The results topped analysts' estimates of 18 cents a share.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -37.31 points -0.32% on Monday January 10
Sym. .........Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,637.45 -37.31 -0.32%
Nasdaq 2,707.80 +4.63 +0.17%
S&P 500 1,269.75 -1.75 -0.14%
30-yr Bond 4.4880% -0.0020

NYSE Volume 4,552,878,000 (prior day 5,659,251,000)
Nasdaq Volume 1,887,066,625 (prior day 1,994,591,625)

Europe
Symbol.... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,956.30 -28.03 -0.47%
DAX 6,857.06 -90.78 -1.31%
CAC 40 3,802.03 -63.55 -1.64%

Asia Pacific
Symbol ........... Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,818.70 +6.70 +0.14%
Shanghai Comp 2,792.38 -46.42 -1.64%
Taiwan We... 8,817.88 +35.16 +0.40%
Nikkei 225 10,541.04 +11.28 +0.11%
Hang Seng 23,527.26 -159.37 -0.67%
Straits Times 3,229.27 -32.08 -0.98%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stocks-mixed-ahead-of-Alcoa-apf-327577487.html?x=0

Telecoms lead stocks lower; Europe falls

Stocks mixed ahead of start of earnings season; Duke Energy and DuPont reach deals


David K. Randall and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Monday January 10, 2011, 5:09 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks indexes were mostly lower on Monday, with telecommunication companies leading the way down.

AT&T Inc. fell the most out of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones industrial average. Its competitor, Verizon Wireless, is expected to announce Tuesday that it will start selling Apple Inc.'s iPhone, breaking AT&T's long hold on iPhone customers.

AT&T's stock dropped 1.8 percent to $28.34. Apple gained 1.8 percent to $342.45.

Stocks spent most of the day lower ahead of the latest round of corporate earnings reports. After the market closed, Alcoa Inc. reported that rising sales of aluminum products helped it turn a profit of 24 cents a share in its fourth quarter. The results topped analysts' estimates of 18 cents a share.

The week started with news of two big corporate deals. DuPont, a major chemical company, said it would buy a Danish food maker for $5.8 billion. Duke Energy Corp. said it will buy Progress Energy Inc. in a $13 billion deal that would create one of the country's largest utilities. Duke fell 1.2 percent to $17.58.

The Dow ended the day down 37.31 points, or 0.3 percent, to close at 11,637.45

The Standard & Poor's 500 lost 1.75, or 0.1 percent, to 1,269.75. The Nasdaq composite gained 4.63, or 0.2 percent, to 2,707.80.

Losses were spread across the market. Five of the 10 industry groups that make up the S&P 500 index fell. Telecommunications companies fell the most, 1 percent, followed by utilities and energy. 3M Co. led the 30 stocks that make up the Dow with a 1 percent gain.

The Nasdaq index posted small gains thanks in part to the shares of Apple as well as Netflix Inc., which jumped 4.8 percent. Playboy Enterprises Inc. soared 17 percent after agreeing to be taken private by a group of investors led by the company's founder, Hugh Hefner.

European stocks fell after a German magazine reported that France and Germany are pressing Portugal to accept outside aid to keep Europe's financial crisis from spreading. Portugal has denied that it needs to do so. If the country asks for help it will join Greece and Ireland as the third member of the European Union to tap its neighbors for a bailout.

Italy, Spain and Portugal are each scheduled to sell bonds this week. If the sales go poorly it could further weaken confidence in Europe's financial system.

"Italy and Spain are the big wildcards," said Paul Zemsky, the head of asset allocation at ING Investment Management. "If they got into trouble there's not enough money to bail them out."

No major economic reports came out Monday. On Friday, the Labor Department said that employers added fewer jobs in December than analysts expected. That report helped push the S&P down 0.2 percent.

Oil companies fell after a pipeline in Alaska was shut down because of a leak. Exxon Mobil Corp. fell 0.6 percent and Chevron Corp. gave up 1 percent.

Bond prices rose slightly, pushing their yields slightly lower. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 3.28 percent from 3.33 percent late Friday. The yield is used to set interest rates on many kinds of loans including mortgages.

Rising shares outnumbered falling shares by a slight margin on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume was 1.1 billion shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Strong profits from major retailers and an upgrade to Hewlett-Packard helped push stocks higher on Tuesday.

Sears Holdings Corp. and Tiffany & Co. raised their earnings forecasts. Sears said it could earn twice as much as analysts had predicted this year. Tiffany said brisk holiday sales would push earnings higher.

"Consumer stocks have been left for dead," said Matt Lloyd, the chief investment strategist at Advisors Asset Management. Consumer companies cut so many costs during the recession that any slight bump in spending "has a much bigger effect on margins," he said.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +34.43 points +0.30% on Tuesday January 11
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,671.88 +34.43 +0.30%
Nasdaq 2,716.83 +9.03 +0.33%
S&P 500 1,274.48 +4.73 +0.37%
30-yr Bond 4.4830% -0.0050

NYSE Volume 4,489,654,000 (prior day 4,552,878,000)
Nasdaq Volume 1,913,339,375 (prior day 1,887,066,625)

Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,014.03 +57.73 +0.97%
DAX 6,941.57 +84.51 +1.23%
CAC 40 3,861.92 +59.89 +1.58%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,814.90 -3.80 -0.08%
Shanghai Comp 2,805.40 +13.03 +0.47%
Taiwan We... 8,931.36 +113.48 +1.29%
Nikkei 225 10,510.68 -30.36 -0.29%
Hang Seng 23,760.34 +233.08 +0.99%
Straits Times 3,241.49 +12.22 +0.38%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stron...7.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=7&asset=&ccode=

Stronger earnings reports push stocks higher

Stocks rise as retailers predict better results; European markets jump

David K. Randall and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Tuesday January 11, 2011, 5:54 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Strong profits from major retailers and an upgrade to Hewlett-Packard helped push stocks higher on Tuesday.

Sears Holdings Corp. and Tiffany & Co. raised their earnings forecasts. Sears said it could earn twice as much as analysts had predicted this year. Tiffany said brisk holiday sales would push earnings higher.

"Consumer stocks have been left for dead," said Matt Lloyd, the chief investment strategist at Advisors Asset Management. Consumer companies cut so many costs during the recession that any slight bump in spending "has a much bigger effect on margins," he said.

Hewlett-Packard Co. was among the leaders in the Dow Jones industrial average after analysts at UBS raised their earnings estimates for the computer maker.

The Dow rose 34.43 points, or 0.3 percent, to close at 11,671.88. The Standard & Poor's 500 gained 4.73, or 0.4 percent, to 1,274.48. The Nasdaq rose 9, or 0.3 percent, to 2,716.83.

Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc. were the Dow's laggards. Verizon said it will start selling a version of Apple Inc.'s iPhone on Feb. 10, breaking AT&T's hold on the popular phone. AT&T had been the exclusive carrier since the phone launched in 2007. Verizon fell 1.6 percent to $35.36. AT&T fell 1.5 percent to $27.91.

Gains were spread across the market. Energy companies rose 1.6 percent to lead the S&P 500 index. Three of the 10 industry groups in the index fell, led by telecommunications companies. They fell 1.5 percent.

European stock markets jumped after Japan said it would buy bonds being issued to finance Europe's bailout fund. That would help send bond yields down and ease debt pressures on countries like Ireland and Portugal. The Euro Stoxx 50, which tracks blue chip companies in countries that use the euro, rose 1.1 percent.

Supervalu Inc. fell 11 percent to $7.59 after the supermarket chain said it lost money in its last quarter. Homebuilder Lennar Corp. gained 7 percent, to $20.24, after its results topped analysts' forecasts.

Bond prices fell, sending their yields higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.34 percent from 3.29 percent late Monday. The yield is used to set interest rates on many kinds of loans including mortgages.

Roughly three stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated volume was 4.1 billion shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

ALL INDEXES IN GREEN TODAY!!

The Dow's highest close since Aug. 11, 2008.

Hopes that banks would start raising their dividends sent financial stocks sharply higher Wednesday. Indexes closed at their highest levels in more than two years after a successful bond auction in Portugal eased worries about Europe's debt crisis.

Portugal borrowed $1.6 billion at a lower long-term interest rate than many expected. Investors have been concerned that Portugal will struggle with its debts and become the third European country to require a bailout after Greece and Ireland.

Analysts cautioned that it's still possible Portugal could need a financial lifeline if its economy slips back into recession this year.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +83.56 points +0.72% on Wednesday January 12
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 11,755.44 +83.56 +0.72%
Nasdaq 2,737.33 +20.50 +0.75%
S&P 500 1,285.96 +11.48 +0.90%
30-yr Bond 4.5160% +0.0330

NYSE Volume 4,733,707,500 (prior day 4,489,654,000)
Nasdaq Volume 1,882,021,875 (prior day 1,913,339,375)

Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,050.72 +36.69 +0.61%
DAX 7,068.78 +127.21 +1.83%
CAC 40 3,945.07 +83.15 +2.15%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,831.90 +17.00 +0.35%
Shanghai Comp 2,821.00 +15.60 +0.56%
Taiwan We... 8,965.00 +33.64 +0.38%
Nikkei 225 10,512.80 +2.12 +0.02%
Hang Seng 24,125.61 +365.27 +1.54%
Straits Times 3,244.94 +3.45 +0.11%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stock...9.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=4&asset=&ccode=

Stocks close higher as worries about Europe ease

Stocks rise after a bond sale by Portugal eases worries over Europe's debt crisis; Banks jump

Chip Cutter and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Wednesday January 12, 2011, 4:55 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Hopes that banks would start raising their dividends sent financial stocks sharply higher Wednesday. Indexes closed at their highest levels in more than two years after a successful bond auction in Portugal eased worries about Europe's debt crisis.

Portugal borrowed $1.6 billion at a lower long-term interest rate than many expected. Investors have been concerned that Portugal will struggle with its debts and become the third European country to require a bailout after Greece and Ireland.

Analysts cautioned that it's still possible Portugal could need a financial lifeline if its economy slips back into recession this year.

"Things are not resolved completely here," said Rob Lutts, president and chief investment officer of Cabot Money Management.

Banks led the market higher after an analyst at Wells Fargo Securities issued a report saying their earnings should grow much faster than other companies this year. He also said banks were likely to distribute more of their earnings to shareholders as dividends.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. rose 2.5 percent to $44.71 after the company's CEO, Jamie Dimon, told CNBC late Tuesday that the bank hopes to raise its dividend in the second quarter. JPMorgan's stock led the 30 large companies that make up the Dow Jones industrial average, followed closely by Bank of America. Bank of America gained 2 percent to $14.99.

The Dow rose 83.56 points, or 0.7 percent, to close at 11,755.44. That's the Dow's highest close since Aug. 11, 2008.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index also reached its highest level since Aug. 28, 2008. The index gained 11.48, or 0.9 percent, to 1,285.96.

The Nasdaq composite rose 20.50, or 0.8 percent, to 2,737.33.

ITT Corp. jumped 16 percent to $61.50 after the defense contractor said it would split itself into three publicly traded companies. ITT plans to separate its defense and information, water technology and industrial products divisions. That should make it easier for investors to understand the company's various businesses, said Robert Pavlik, chief market strategist with Banyan Partners.

American International Group Inc. slipped 1 percent to $58.40 after the company agreed to sell its stake in Taiwan's third-largest insurer for $2.2 billion. The deal is part of AIG's plan to raise money to repay the $182 billion it received in government bailout funds.

More than two stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume was 964 million shares.

 

[KurwaJegoMac]

Hi Bigdog,

Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to post this information every day.

It's very appreciated