NYSE Dow Jones finished today at:

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks finished flat on Thursday, dragged down by Cisco Systems Inc. and Akamai Technologies Inc. Both issued weak earnings forecasts, raising concerns about business and technology spending.

The Dow Jones industrial average ended an eight-day winning streak, entirely a result of Cisco's 14 percent drop. Other indexes managed slight gains.

Cisco, the world's largest networking equipment maker, had the largest fall of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow. The company said late Wednesday that its fourth-quarter income slid 18 percent because of lower sales to government agencies, a problem that could worsen over the next few quarters.

"Cisco is stumbling," said Rob Lutts, president and chief investment officer of Cabot Money Management. "When you're No. 1, it's hard to stay there." Lutts said the weak results reflect Cisco's struggle to stay competitive, not necessarily weakness in the technology industry overall.


The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -10.60 points -0.09% on Thursday February 10
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,229.29 -10.60 -0.09%
Nasdaq 2,790.45 +1.38 +0.05%
S&P 500 1,321.87 +0.99 +0.07%
30-yr Bond 4.7730% +0.0780

NYSE Volume 4,766,073,000 (prior day 4,522,888,000)
Nasdaq Volume 2,522,485,750 (prior day 1,977,093,500)


Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,020.01 -32.28 -0.53%
DAX 7,340.28 +19.38 +0.26%
CAC 40 4,095.14 +4.40 +0.11%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 5,001.70 +6.60 +0.13%
Shanghai Comp 2,819.06 +45.00 +1.62%
Taiwan We... 8,836.56 -170.26 -1.89%
Nikkei 225 10,605.65 -12.18 -0.11%
Hang Seng 22,708.62 -455.41 -1.97%
Straits Times 3,098.79 -51.77 -1.64%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Cisco...ontent/main/1760791927//date/desc/11/s3839761

Cisco, Akamai pull technology stocks lower

Stocks finish mixed; Cisco, Akamai drag technology stocks lower despite encouraging jobs news

Chip Cutter and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Thursday February 10, 2011, 5:45 pm EST

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks finished flat on Thursday, dragged down by Cisco Systems Inc. and Akamai Technologies Inc. Both issued weak earnings forecasts, raising concerns about business and technology spending.

The Dow Jones industrial average ended an eight-day winning streak, entirely a result of Cisco's 14 percent drop. Other indexes managed slight gains.

Cisco, the world's largest networking equipment maker, had the largest fall of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow. The company said late Wednesday that its fourth-quarter income slid 18 percent because of lower sales to government agencies, a problem that could worsen over the next few quarters.

"Cisco is stumbling," said Rob Lutts, president and chief investment officer of Cabot Money Management. "When you're No. 1, it's hard to stay there." Lutts said the weak results reflect Cisco's struggle to stay competitive, not necessarily weakness in the technology industry overall.

Akamai Technologies fell 15 percent after the company said competitors are forcing it to offer lower prices for its Web streaming services. Akamai was the weakest stock in the Standard & Poor's 500 index of large U.S. companies.

Whole Foods Market Inc. rose 12 percent in after the natural foods grocer reported a 79 percent increase in first quarter net income. It had the biggest gain of any stock in the S&P 500.

Sprint Nextel Corp. rose 5.7 percent after the company increased its subscribers under contract for the first time in about four years.

The Dow lost 10.6 points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 12,229.29. The S&P 500 rose a point, or less than 0.1 percent, to 1,321.87. The Nasdaq composite rose 1.38 to close at 2,790.45.

Rising stocks narrowly outpaced declining ones on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated trading volume was 4.2 billion shares.

Stocks traded lower much of the day despite positive news on jobs. The Labor Department said 383,000 people applied for unemployment benefits for the first time last week, the lowest level in nearly three years. Economists say applications would need to fall to 375,000 or below on a consistent basis before the unemployment rate will decline.

The Commerce Department also reported that businesses at the wholesale level increased their inventories in December even though demand for their products slowed. The hope is that increased demand will keep factories busy.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks ended the week with a moderate gain Friday after the resignation of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak eased investors' fears about a spread of violence to oil-producing countries.

The Dow Jones industrial average, down nearly 50 points early in the day as Mubarak tried to remain in office, closed up 44. The price of oil fell to a 10-week low.

Investors have been concerned during the nearly three weeks of anti-government demonstrations in Egypt that the unrest could spread to countries like Saudi Arabia, one of the world's biggest exporters of oil. Traders' uneasiness didn't stop the market from rising in response to strong fourth-quarter earnings, and it didn't' stop the Dow from making its first move past 12,000 since June 2008. But Egypt nonetheless has been a nagging concern.

"The market is relieved that the unrest in Egypt has come to an end with Mubarak having relinquished power," said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Avalon Partners.

Cardillo noted that news of Mubarak's resignation came shortly after encouraging U.S. economic news, a pickup in consumer's feelings about the economy. The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index rose to 75.1 in February, from 74.2 in January, economists said. The index of current conditions rose to 86.8, its highest reading since January 2008.


The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +43.97 points +0.36% on Friday February 11
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,273.26 +43.97 +0.36%
Nasdaq 2,809.44 +18.99 +0.68%
S&P 500 1,329.15 +7.28 +0.55%
30-yr Bond 4.7130% -0.0600

NYSE Volume 4,767,235,500 (prior day 4,766,073,000)
Nasdaq Volume 2,076,822,625 (prior day 2,522,485,750)

Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,062.90 +42.89 +0.71%
DAX 7,371.20 +30.92 +0.42%
CAC 40 4,101.31 +6.17 +0.15%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,970.60 -31.10 -0.62%
Shanghai Comp 2,827.77 +9.60 +0.34%
Taiwan We... 8,609.86 -226.70 -2.57%
Nikkei 225 10,605.65 -12.18 -0.11%
Hang Seng 22,828.92 +120.30 +0.53%
Straits Times 3,077.27 -26.12 -0.84%

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

Stocks rally after Mubarak relinquishes power

Stocks rise, erasing earlier losses, after Egypt's Mubarak steps down

Joyce M. Rosenberg, AP Business Writer, On Friday February 11, 2011, 5:00 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks ended the week with a moderate gain Friday after the resignation of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak eased investors' fears about a spread of violence to oil-producing countries.

The Dow Jones industrial average, down nearly 50 points early in the day as Mubarak tried to remain in office, closed up 44. The price of oil fell to a 10-week low.

Investors have been concerned during the nearly three weeks of anti-government demonstrations in Egypt that the unrest could spread to countries like Saudi Arabia, one of the world's biggest exporters of oil. Traders' uneasiness didn't stop the market from rising in response to strong fourth-quarter earnings, and it didn't' stop the Dow from making its first move past 12,000 since June 2008. But Egypt nonetheless has been a nagging concern.

"The market is relieved that the unrest in Egypt has come to an end with Mubarak having relinquished power," said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Avalon Partners.

Cardillo noted that news of Mubarak's resignation came shortly after encouraging U.S. economic news, a pickup in consumer's feelings about the economy. The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index rose to 75.1 in February, from 74.2 in January, economists said. The index of current conditions rose to 86.8, its highest reading since January 2008.

Economists said they expect consumer confidence to continue to rise this year as hiring increases and consumers' finances improve. The next reading on consumer spending comes Tuesday, when the Commerce Department releases retail sales numbers for January.

The Dow rose 43.97, or 0.4 percent, to 12,273.26, its highest close since June 2008.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 7.28, or 0.6 percent, to 1,329.15. The Nasdaq composite index rose 18.99, or 0.7 percent, to 2,809.44.

Bond prices rose. While investors were pleased with the developments in Egypt, many were also The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which is used to help set interest rates on loans including mortgages, fell to 3.64 percent from late Thursday's 3.71 percent.

Egypt is not a major producer of oil, but it plays a key role in the industry because it controls the Suez Canal, a major route for oil tankers and cargo ships. Crude oil was trading higher earlier in the day, but fell $1.15 to $85.58 after the news about Mubarak came out.

Wael Ziada, head of Egypt research at EFG-Hermes, says questions will remain for the next few months about how stable the country is and "how the military will be ruling."

Among big stock moves, Expedia plunged 17 percent after the online travel company said its earnings fell 30 percent due to higher expenses. Chipotle Mexican Grill rose 7 percent after its earnings soared 47 percent.

2308

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks end mixed after analysts downgrade Wal-Mart; Obama unveils $3.73 trillion budget

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. pulled down the Dow Jones industrial average Monday after analysts at JPMorgan lowered their outlook for the company. The Standard & Poor's 500 index and the Nasdaq closed slightly higher.

JPMorgan's analysts say the world's largest retailer risks losing customers as low-income customers head to discount stores and other shoppers return to more expensive stores. Wal-Mart dropped 1.6 percent and was the weakest company among the 30 that make up the Dow Jones industrial average.

Stocks traded in a tight range throughout the day as investors weighed the impact of President Barack Obama's $3.73 trillion budget proposal for the next fiscal year.

Obama's budget includes a five-year freeze on many domestic spending programs. The White House contends the budget plan for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 puts the government on course to cut deficits by about $1.1 trillion over the coming decade.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -5.07 points -0.04% on Monday February 14
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,268.19 -5.07 -0.04%
Nasdaq 2,817.18 +7.74 +0.28%
S&P 500 1,332.32 +3.17 +0.24%
30-yr Bond 4.6660% -0.0470

NYSE Volume 3,937,917,250 (prior day 4,767,235,500)
Nasdaq Volume 1,975,964,375 (prior day 2,076,822,625)


Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,060.09 -2.81 -0.05%
DAX 7,396.63 +25.43 +0.34%
CAC 40 4,096.62 -4.69 -0.11%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 5,023.40 +52.80 +1.06%
Shanghai Comp 2,898.97 +71.64 +2.53%
Taiwan We... 8,685.47 +75.61 +0.88%
Nikkei 225 10,725.54 +119.89 +1.13%
Hang Seng 23,121.06 +292.14 +1.28%
Straits Times 3,104.42 +27.15 +0.88%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/WalMa...9.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=6&asset=&ccode=

Wal-Mart weighs on Dow; Stocks close mixed

Stocks end mixed after analysts downgrade Wal-Mart; Obama unveils $3.73 trillion budget

David K. Randall and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Monday February 14, 2011, 4:47 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. pulled down the Dow Jones industrial average Monday after analysts at JPMorgan lowered their outlook for the company. The Standard & Poor's 500 index and the Nasdaq closed slightly higher.

JPMorgan's analysts say the world's largest retailer risks losing customers as low-income customers head to discount stores and other shoppers return to more expensive stores. Wal-Mart dropped 1.6 percent and was the weakest company among the 30 that make up the Dow Jones industrial average.

Stocks traded in a tight range throughout the day as investors weighed the impact of President Barack Obama's $3.73 trillion budget proposal for the next fiscal year.

Obama's budget includes a five-year freeze on many domestic spending programs. The White House contends the budget plan for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 puts the government on course to cut deficits by about $1.1 trillion over the coming decade.

Republicans and Democrats have sparred over how much spending to cut. The worry is that slashing spending could imperil the economic recovery.

Bond prices held steady after details of the budget proposal were revealed. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note edged down to 3.62 percent, slightly lower than late Friday. A jump in Treasury bond yields would suggest that investors see U.S. debt as increasingly risky.

MGM Resorts International Inc. fell 3 percent after reporting a loss of $139 million last quarter, a little narrower than analysts had expected.

The Dow fell 5.07 points, or less than 0.1 percent, to 12,268.19. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 3.17 points, or 0.2 percent, to 1,332.32. The Nasdaq composite gained 7.74 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,817.18.

Stocks ended last week with a slight gain after the resignation of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. That helped push both the Dow and S&P 500 to their highest levels since June 2008.

Rising stocks outpaced falling ones by a small margin on the New York Stock Exchange. Trading volume was 817 million shares.

 

[Boggo]

Something is gonna break soon bigdog.

(click to expand)

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

A surprisingly weak retail sales report drove stocks lower on Tuesday, giving the Dow Jones industrial average its second straight day of losses.

The Commerce Department said Tuesday that retail sales rose just 0.3 percent in January, the smallest increase since June and half of what economists had predicted.

Kim Caughey Forrest, equity research analyst at Fort Pitt Capital Group, said higher prices for gasoline and raw materials are beginning to be passed along to consumers. That's hurting retail sales and spending, she said.

"Without wage gains," she said, "people are going to buy less."

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -41.55 points -0.34% on Tuesday February 15
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,226.64 -41.55 -0.34%
Nasdaq 2,804.35 -12.83 -0.46%
S&P 500 1,328.01 -4.31 -0.32%
30-yr Bond 4.6650% -0.0010

NYSE Volume 4,356,807,000 (prior day 3,937,917,250)
Nasdaq Volume 2,019,902,000 (prior day 1,975,964,375)


Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,037.08 -23.01 -0.38%
DAX 7,400.04 +3.41 +0.05%
CAC 40 4,110.34 +13.72 +0.33%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 5,019.40 -4.00 -0.08%
Shanghai Comp 2,899.62 +0.49 +0.02%
Taiwan We... 8,721.93 +36.46 +0.42%
Nikkei 225 10,746.67 +21.13 +0.20%
Hang Seng 22,899.78 -221.28 -0.96%
Straits Times 3,080.66 -23.76 -0.77%


http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stocks-fall-after-apf-4064752929.html?x=0

Stocks fall after surprisingly weak retail sales

Stocks drop after government reports smallest increase in retail sales since June

Chip Cutter and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Tuesday February 15, 2011, 4:38 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- A surprisingly weak retail sales report drove stocks lower on Tuesday, giving the Dow Jones industrial average its second straight day of losses.

The Commerce Department said Tuesday that retail sales rose just 0.3 percent in January, the smallest increase since June and half of what economists had predicted.

Kim Caughey Forrest, equity research analyst at Fort Pitt Capital Group, said higher prices for gasoline and raw materials are beginning to be passed along to consumers. That's hurting retail sales and spending, she said.

"Without wage gains," she said, "people are going to buy less."

Energy companies led the way down. Exxon Mobil Corp. lost 2.3 percent, the largest drop among the 30 large companies that make up the Dow. Exxon Mobil said it added 3.5 billion barrels of oil and gas last year to the company's massive reserves, more than twice what Exxon produced in 2010.

The Dow fell 41.55, or 0.3 percent, to close at 12,226.64. That's only the third day this month the Dow has closed lower.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 4.31, or 0.3 percent, to 1,328.01. The Nasdaq composite index fell 12.83, or 0.5 percent, to 2,804.35.

The parent company of the New York Stock Exchange agreed to combine with the operator of the Frankfurt stock exchange, Deutsche Boerse AG, creating the world's largest financial markets company.

Shares of both companies fell after the deal was announced. NYSE Euronext's shares lost 3.4 percent in New York, while Deutsche Boerse's lost 2.4 percent in Frankfurt.

One of NYSE's biggest competitors, Nasdaq OMX Group Inc., fell 4.6 percent.

Limelight Networks Inc. jumped 27 percent after the provider of streaming video services narrowed its fourth-quarter loss and issued a better-than-expected forecast for the current quarter. The company is benefiting from consumers turning to the Internet to watch TV and movies; one of its customers is online video company Netflix Inc.

Roughly three stocks fell for every one that rose on the New York Stock Exchange. Trading volume was 929 million shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks rise on stronger earnings, corporate deals; Family Dollar soars on takeover news

Strong earnings results and another round of corporate deals pushed stocks higher Wednesday.

Family Dollar Stores Inc. rose 21 percent to $53.25 after investor Nelson Peltz's firm offered to pay up to $60 a share to take the discount retailer private. That was a 36 percent premium from Tuesday's closing price. Family Dollar rose the most of any stock in the Standard & Poor's 500 index.

Genzyme Corp. rose 1.1 percent after French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis agreed to buy the U.S. biotechnology firm for $20 billion in cash. The deal ended months of haggling between the two companies.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +61.53 points +0.50% on Wednesday February 16
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,288.17 +61.53 +0.50%
Nasdaq 2,825.56 +21.21 +0.76%
S&P 500 1,336.32 +8.31 +0.63%
30-yr Bond 4.6740% +0.0090

NYSE Volume 4,453,836,500 (prior day 4,356,807,000)
Nasdaq Volume 2,289,081,000 (prior day 2,019,902,000)


Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,085.27 +48.19 +0.80%
DAX 7,414.30 +14.26 +0.19%
CAC 40 4,151.26 +40.92 +1.00%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 5,018.60 -0.80 -0.02%
Shanghai Comp 2,924.19 +24.95 +0.86%
Taiwan We... 8,712.96 -8.97 -0.10%
Nikkei 225 10,808.29 +61.62 +0.57%
Hang Seng 23,156.97 +257.19 +1.12%
Straits Times 3,094.72 +14.06 +0.46%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stock...9.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=1&asset=&ccode=

Stocks rise after strong earnings, deal news

Stocks rise on stronger earnings, corporate deals; Family Dollar soars on takeover news

Chip Cutter, AP Business Writer, On Wednesday February 16, 2011, 4:28 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Strong earnings results and another round of corporate deals pushed stocks higher Wednesday.

Family Dollar Stores Inc. rose 21 percent to $53.25 after investor Nelson Peltz's firm offered to pay up to $60 a share to take the discount retailer private. That was a 36 percent premium from Tuesday's closing price. Family Dollar rose the most of any stock in the Standard & Poor's 500 index.

Genzyme Corp. rose 1.1 percent after French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis agreed to buy the U.S. biotechnology firm for $20 billion in cash. The deal ended months of haggling between the two companies.

Dell Inc. rose 12 percent a day after the personal computer maker raised its full-year revenue forecast, a sign that businesses are spending more on technology.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. rose 7.6 percent after the teen clothing maker said its fourth-quarter net income nearly doubled on strong sales overseas and better U.S. results.

Comcast Corp. also reported earnings that surpassed analysts' expectations. Its stock rose 4 percent after more customers signed up for a combination of TV, high-speed Internet access and digital phone services.

Deere & Co. rose 2.4 percent after the equipment maker said its net income more than doubled, thanks to growing sales of large farm machinery in the U.S. and Canada.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 61.53, or 0.5 percent, to close at 12,288.17, its highest close since June 13, 2008.

The S&P 500 rose 8.31, or 0.6 percent, to 1,336.32. The Nasdaq composite index rose 21.21, or 0.8 percent, to 2,825.56

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.63 percent from 3.61 percent from late Tuesday.

The Commerce Department reported that new home construction rose in January by the largest amount in 20 months. The pace of construction is still way off from levels seen in a healthy economy, but analysts were optimistic about the report.

"Housing is slowly showing some signs of life here," said Ryan Detrick, senior technical strategist at Schaeffer's Investment Research.

The Labor Department also reported that wholesale prices rose sharply in January due to higher costs for gas and other goods. The Federal Reserve reported separately that factories produced more goods for the fifth straight month in January, although overall industrial production fell.

Three stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume was 930 million shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks finished higher Thursday after a strong manufacturing report overshadowed a bigger than expected rise in the number of people applying for unemployment benefits.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said its index of manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region nearly doubled between January and February. The surge in manufacturing was enough to offset a Labor Department report that applications for unemployment benefits rose 25,000 from the previous week.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 29.97 points, or 0.3 percent, to 12,318.1. The Dow has been rising steadily this month, with only three down days in February. For the month, it's already up 3.6 percent.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 4, or 0.3 percent, to 1,340.43. The Nasdaq composite rose 6, or 0.2 percent, to 2,831.58.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +29.97 points +0.24% on Thursday February 17
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,318.14 +29.97 +0.24%
Nasdaq 2,831.58 +6.02 +0.21%
S&P 500 1,340.43 +4.11 +0.31%
30-yr Bond 4.6620% -0.0120


NYSE Volume 4,178,351,250 (prior day 4,453,836,500)
Nasdaq Volume 1,952,114,125 (prior day 2,289,081,000)

Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,087.38 +2.11 +0.03%
DAX 7,405.51 -8.79 -0.12%
CAC 40 4,152.31 +1.05 +0.03%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 5,026.00 +7.40 +0.15%
Shanghai Comp 2,926.96 +3.07 +0.10%
Taiwan We... 8,683.88 -29.08 -0.33%
Nikkei 225 10,836.64 +28.35 +0.26%
Hang Seng 23,301.84 +144.87 +0.63%
Straits Times 3,082.83 -11.89 -0.38%

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

Stocks pull higher on strong manufacturing report

Stocks turn higher as a strong manufacturing report outweighs a rise in unemployment claims

Matthew Craft and David K. Randall, AP Business Writers, On Thursday February 17, 2011, 4:25 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks finished higher Thursday after a strong manufacturing report overshadowed a bigger than expected rise in the number of people applying for unemployment benefits.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said its index of manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region nearly doubled between January and February. The surge in manufacturing was enough to offset a Labor Department report that applications for unemployment benefits rose 25,000 from the previous week.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 29.97 points, or 0.3 percent, to 12,318.1. The Dow has been rising steadily this month, with only three down days in February. For the month, it's already up 3.6 percent.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 4, or 0.3 percent, to 1,340.43. The Nasdaq composite rose 6, or 0.2 percent, to 2,831.58.

"The initial jobless claims data look disappointing," said Anthony Chan, chief economist at JPMorgan Private Wealth Management. "But from a longer-term perspective we're seeing a pickup in employment."

Chan said the most recent data appears bad compared to the previous week, when claims for unemployment benefits fell to the lowest level since July 2008. But that was partly a result of winter weather in many parts of the country that closed government offices and kept people from applying for benefits.

The government also reported that consumer prices in January were slightly higher than forecast, largely a result of rising food and gas prices. The Consumer Price Index rose 0.4 percent. The core index, which excludes food and energy costs, looked relatively tame, rising 0.2 percent.

Forecasters had expected to see the price index rise 0.3 percent last month, and the core index inch up 0.1 percent.

Barrick Gold Corp., Duke Energy Corp. and J.M. Smucker Co. all rose after reporting stronger earnings results.

Barrick's quarterly profit jumped four-fold, helped by higher production and lower costs. The world's largest gold miner's stock gained 1.9 percent.

Duke Energy's net income grew 23 percent, boosted by gains from selling assets and rising customer demand. Duke gained 2.3 percent.

Profit fell at J.M. Smucker, maker of Jif peanut butter and Folgers coffee, but still beat analysts' expectations. The company also raised its earnings outlook for the year. J.M. Smucker rose 4.2 percent.

Coca-Cola Co. gained 1.8 percent after it announced that it increased its dividend.

Two stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume came to 875 million shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Markets will be closed Monday for the President's Day holiday.

The Dow Jones industrial average continued climbing on Friday, notching its third straight week of gains.

The Dow has lost ground only three days in February. The average of 30 large companies rose 1 percent this week and 4.2 percent for the month.

The broader Standard & Poor's 500 index gained 1 percent this week and is up 4.4 percent in February.

Better manufacturing reports and stronger profits from Dell Inc., McDonald's Corp. and other companies have pushed stocks higher this month. With the earnings season coming to a close, nearly 70 percent of the companies in the S&P 500 that reported results so far have beat analysts' expectations, according to Royal Bank of Scotland.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +73.11 points +0.59% on Fridsday February 18
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,391.25 +73.11 +0.59%
Nasdaq 2,833.95 +2.37 +0.08%
S&P 500 1,343.01 +2.58 +0.19%
30-yr Bond 4.6980% +0.0360

NYSE Volume 4,419,606,000 (prior day 4,178,351,250)
Nasdaq Volume 2,123,685,000 (prior day 1,952,114,125)


Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,082.99 -4.39 -0.07%
DAX 7,426.81 +21.30 +0.29%
CAC 40 4,157.14 +4.83 +0.12%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 5,026.10 +0.10 +0.00%
Shanghai Comp 2,899.98 -26.99 -0.92%
Taiwan We... 8,843.84 +159.96 +1.84%
Nikkei 225 10,842.80 +6.16 +0.06%
Hang Seng 23,595.24 +293.40 +1.26%
Straits Times 3,086.92 +4.09 +0.13%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stock...content/main/1831595591/date/desc/11/s4054556

Dow notches third straight week of gains

Dow and S&P 500 make gains; Caterpillar leads the Dow higher

David K. Randall and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Friday February 18, 2011, 5:45 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Dow Jones industrial average continued climbing on Friday, notching its third straight week of gains.

The Dow has lost ground only three days in February. The average of 30 large companies rose 1 percent this week and 4.2 percent for the month.

The broader Standard & Poor's 500 index gained 1 percent this week and is up 4.4 percent in February.

Better manufacturing reports and stronger profits from Dell Inc., McDonald's Corp. and other companies have pushed stocks higher this month. With the earnings season coming to a close, nearly 70 percent of the companies in the S&P 500 that reported results so far have beat analysts' expectations, according to Royal Bank of Scotland.

Caterpillar Inc. rose 2.4 percent to lead the Dow. The company said sales of its heavy construction and mining equipment surged 49 percent last month.

Alcoa Inc. fell 1.4 percent, the largest drop.

The Dow gained 73.11 points, or 0.6 percent, to close at 12,391.25. The S&P 500 rose 2.58 points, or 0.2 percent, to 1,343.01. The Nasdaq composite rose 2.37, or less than 0.1 percent, to 2,833.95.

The Nasdaq is now 25 points away from reaching a 10-year high.

Finance ministers and central bankers from countries in the Group of 20 met in Paris Friday to discuss issues affecting the global economy. In a speech at the conference, Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said that countries with large trade surpluses like China should let their currencies rise in value in order to prevent another financial crisis. He also said that countries with large trade deficits must reduce government spending over time, an apparent reference to the United States.

Campbell Soup Co. fell 4 percent after the company said its profit fell 8 percent in its latest quarter. The company also cut its outlook for the rest of its fiscal year.

Intuit Inc. jumped 7 percent after the personal finance software maker raised its forecast for full-year earnings growth late Thursday.

Rising shares outpaced falling ones by a nearly three to two margin on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated trading volume was 4 billion shares.

Markets will be closed Monday for the President's Day holiday.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Fears that Libya is heading toward deepening chaos hit stocks Monday and pushed oil prices sharply higher.

With reports suggesting that over 200 people have been killed in clashes across the country, which have spread to the capital Tripoli, investors are getting increasingly worried about the escalating violence in one of Africa's biggest oil producers.

NYSE Markets were closed Monday for the President's Day holiday.

Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,391.25 NYSE Markets were closed Monday for the President's Day holiday
Nasdaq 2,833.95
S&P 500 1,343.01
30-yr Bond 4.6980%

NYSE Volume 4,419,606,000
Nasdaq Volume 2,123,685,000


Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,014.80 -68.19 -1.12%
DAX 7,321.81 -105.00 -1.41%
CAC 40 4,097.41 -59.73 -1.44%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,990.90 -35.20 -0.70%
Taiwan We... 8,839.22 -4.62 -0.05%
Shanghai Comp 2,932.76 +32.96 +1.14%
Nikkei 225 10,857.53 +14.73 +0.14%
Hang Seng 23,485.42 -109.82 -0.47%
Straits Times 3,070.60 -16.32

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Libyan-clashes-hits-stocks-as-apf-1713905282.html?x=0

Libyan clashes hits stocks as oil prices surge

Libyan violence hits stocks as oil prices surge; Brent crude hits new 2 and a half year high

Pan Pylas, AP Business Writer, On Monday February 21, 2011, 12:00 pm EST

LONDON (AP) -- Fears that Libya is heading toward deepening chaos hit stocks Monday and pushed oil prices sharply higher.

With reports suggesting that over 200 people have been killed in clashes across the country, which have spread to the capital Tripoli, investors are getting increasingly worried about the escalating violence in one of Africa's biggest oil producers.

Those concerns were heightened by a statement from Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, the son of Libya's longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi. Blaming everyone from drug addicts to the media for the current turmoil afflicting Libya, he warned that civil war was a real possibility and that his father would fight until "the last bullet."

Unlike Tunisia and Egypt, which have already seen popular uprisings that deposed longtime leaders, Libya is a member of producer cartel OPEC and has a direct impact on global oil production.

The country is one of the world's biggest oil producers, accounting for around 2 percent of global daily output, and has the biggest proven oil reserves in Africa. Already three leading oil companies, Italy's ENI, Norway's Statoil and Britain's BP, have already said they are pulling some employees out of Libya or preparing to do so.

"Libya is the first major oil exporter to be engulfed by the crisis and the first to see significant disruption to oil production," said Julian Jessop, chief international economist at Capital Economics.

Unsurprisingly, the main impact was in the oil markets. Benchmark crude for March delivery was up $4.13, or 4.8 percent, at $90.13 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude in London spiked $2.35 a barrel, or 2.3 percent, to $104.84, having earlier struck a two and a half year high above $105.

Rising oil prices are a particular worry for investors as they reinforce fears over inflation and raw materials costs. They also stoke fears of a big drop in global demand levels, as evidenced in previous oil price shocks in 1973-4, 1979 and 2008.

Given that unappetizing backdrop, investors' appetite for risk in other markets fell sharply. When risk appetite is low, investors usually look for shelter in the perceived safe havens of the U.S. dollar and gold at the expense of more risky investments such as stocks.

"Political risk is hanging over a big proportion of the world's oil supplies," said Simon Derrick, an analyst at Bank of New York Mellon. "I can see safe haven buying the natural outcome of all this."

In Europe, Germany's DAX index closed down 105 points, or 1.4 percent, at 7,321.81 while the CAC-40 in Paris fell 59.73 points, or 1.4 percent, to 4,097.41. The FTSE 100 index of leading British shares ended 68.19 points, or 1.1 percent, at 6,014.80.

Markets in the U.S. will be closed Monday for the President's Day holiday.

In the currency markets, the euro fell 0.1 percent to $1.3671, while the dollar was unchanged at 83.17 yen. Among commodities, an ounce of gold spiked over $17 to $1,406.

The unrest in Libya dominated European markets and deflected attention from positive economic data and a heavy defeat for German Chancellor Angela Merkel's party at a state election.

Particularly strong was a survey showing that business confidence in Germany, Europe's biggest economy, has risen once again to hit a new two-decade high. The Ifo institute said its confidence index -- a closely watched indicator -- was up to 111.2 points for February from 110.3 in January. It was the ninth consecutive month-on-month rise.

Despite a buoyant German economy, Merkel's Christian Democrats lost badly in Hamburg.

Lee Hardman, a currency economist at the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi-UFJ said the defeat could prove to be a significant development should it set a precedent going forward. The next two upcoming state elections are on March 27, two days before a crucial summit of EU leaders.

"Should the CDU party continue to lose national support ahead it could damage its ability to deal effectively with the eurozone debt crisis," Hardman said.

Earlier in Asia, investors also had their first chance to respond to Friday's decision by the monetary authorities in China to increase the amount banks hold in reserve. The 0.5 percent increase was announced after Asian markets had closed.

Mainland Chinese shares shrugged off the central bank's move. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index gained 1.1 percent to 2,932.25. The Shenzhen Composite Index gained 1.9 percent to 1,297.66.

Elsewhere, Japan's Nikkei 225 stock average rose 0.1 percent to 10,857.53 with the index enjoying a six-day winning streak to close at a 10-month high.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index lost 0.4 percent to 23,508.62, while South Korea's Kospi fell 0.4 percent to 2,005.30 and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 shed 0.7 percent to 4,900.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks had their worst drop this year and oil prices surged Tuesday after Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi clung to power in the face of mounting protests.

The capital of the oil-rich country has plunged into chaos. That's causing to concerns that the unrest that has already toppled dictators in two of Libya's neighbors, Tunisia and Egypt, could spread to other countries in the region like Iran and disrupt the flow of oil.

Oil prices jumped 6 percent to $95 a barrel. Libya is the world's 15th largest exporter of crude, accounting for 2 percent of global daily output. It also has the largest oil reserves in Africa.

The Dow Jones industrial average sank 178.46 points, or 1.4 percent, to close at 12,212.79. It was the biggest drop since Nov. 16. Bond prices rose as investors sought safety.

Gadhafi vowed to fight to his "last drop of blood" and roared at his supporters to take to the streets against protesters demanding his ouster. A violent crackdown in Tripoli has resulted in wild shooting and bodies in the streets. Protesters backed by defecting army units claimed control over the eastern half of Libya's Mediterranean coast.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 27.57, or 2 percent, to 1,315.44. It was the S&P's worst day since Aug. 11.

The Nasdaq fell 77.53, or 2.7 percent, to 2,756.42.



The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -178.46 points -1.44%
on Tuesday February 22
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,212.79 -178.46 -1.44%
Nasdaq 2,756.42 -77.53 -2.74%
S&P 500 1,315.44 -27.57 -2.05%
30-yr Bond 4.6050% -0.0930

NYSE Volume 6,294,272,000 (prior day 4,419,606,000)
Nasdaq Volume 2,284,211,500 (prior day 2,123,685,000)


Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,996.76 -18.04 -0.30%
DAX 7,318.35 -3.46 -0.05%
CAC 40 4,050.27 -47.14 -1.15%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,947.30 -43.60 -0.87%
Shanghai Comp 2,855.96 -76.29 -2.60%
Taiwan We... 8,673.67 -165.55 -1.87%
Nikkei 225 10,664.70 -192.83 -1.78%
Hang Seng 22,990.81 -494.61 -2.11%
Straits Times 3,019.12 -51.48 -1.68%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Libya-unrest-rattles-markets-apf-3667776437.html

Libya unrest rattles markets; oil prices jump

Violence in Libya sends oil prices spiking and stocks falling; oil production threatened

Chip Cutter and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer, On Tuesday February 22, 2011, 6:03 pm EST

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks had their worst drop this year and oil prices surged Tuesday after Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi clung to power in the face of mounting protests.

The capital of the oil-rich country has plunged into chaos. That's causing to concerns that the unrest that has already toppled dictators in two of Libya's neighbors, Tunisia and Egypt, could spread to other countries in the region like Iran and disrupt the flow of oil.

Oil prices jumped 6 percent to $95 a barrel. Libya is the world's 15th largest exporter of crude, accounting for 2 percent of global daily output. It also has the largest oil reserves in Africa.

The Dow Jones industrial average sank 178.46 points, or 1.4 percent, to close at 12,212.79. It was the biggest drop since Nov. 16. Bond prices rose as investors sought safety.

Gadhafi vowed to fight to his "last drop of blood" and roared at his supporters to take to the streets against protesters demanding his ouster. A violent crackdown in Tripoli has resulted in wild shooting and bodies in the streets. Protesters backed by defecting army units claimed control over the eastern half of Libya's Mediterranean coast.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 27.57, or 2 percent, to 1,315.44. It was the S&P's worst day since Aug. 11.

The Nasdaq fell 77.53, or 2.7 percent, to 2,756.42.

The main worry among traders is that unrest will spread to other oil-rich countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Protests are continuing in Yemen and Bahrain.

Jim Ritterbusch, an energy analyst, said a "fear premium" has added about $10 a barrel to oil prices in recent days. Prices could tumble once the region settles down, he said.

Oil producers rose with the prospect of a drop in oil supply. Chevron Corp. gained 1.6 percent, the largest gain among the 30 large companies that make up the Dow Jones industrial average. Exxon Mobil Corp. rose 1 percent.

Higher fuel costs hurt airline stocks. Delta Air Lines Inc., American Airlines parent AMR Corp., United Continental Holdings Inc. and US Airways Group Inc. all dropped by 5 percent or more.

Investors drove into the relative safety of Treasurys, pushing their prices higher and lowering their yields. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 3.46 percent from 3.59 percent late Friday.

Brian Bethune, an economist at IHS Global Insight, said a $10 rise in the price of oil subtracts roughly 0.4 percentage point from economic growth. An increase to $150 or $160 a barrel could knock the economy into a recession, Bethune and other economists say.

Higher oil prices also pinch U.S. consumers by pushing up the price of gas. "This puts a damper on consumer optimism, which is really critical at this stage of the recovery," said Alan Gayle, senior investment strategist for RidgeWorth Investments.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. fell 3 percent after revenue at stores open at least a year fell for the seventh straight quarter. That raised worries about the company's ability to turn around its U.S. business this year.

Barnes & Noble Inc. fell 14 percent after the bookseller said its net income fell 25 percent. The company also suspended its dividend and said it would not forecast its fourth-quarter or full-year earnings following last week's bankruptcy filing by Borders Group.

Falling stocks outnumbered rising ones nine to one on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated trading volume was 5.5 billion shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks fell for a second straight day Wednesday after clashes in Libya sent oil prices to two-year highs and technology giant Hewlett-Packard said its revenue growth was slowing.

Forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi continued to fight with anti-government demonstrators, leading to widespread chaos and shooting in the streets of the Libyan capital, Tripoli. Nearly 300 people have been killed, according to the New York-based Human Rights Watch.

The unrest sent oil up 3.5 percent to nearly $99 a barrel, its highest price since October 2008. Libya is the world's 15th largest exporter of crude, accounting for 2 percent of global daily output. Traders are worried the revolt could threaten Libya's oil production and spread to other countries in the region.

"We're at a point where the market is concerned over this series of dominoes in the Middle East and wonders if there's another country that's next to fall," said David Katz, a portfolio strategist for Weiser Capital Management.


The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -107.01 points -0.88% on Wednesday February 23
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,105.78 -107.01 -0.88%
Nasdaq 2,722.99 -33.43 -1.21%
S&P 500 1,307.40 -8.04 -0.61%
30-yr Bond 4.5980% -0.0070


NYSE Volume 6,563,981,000 ,000 (prior day 6,294,272)
Nasdaq Volume 2,484,217,750 (prior day 2,284,211,500)


Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,923.53 -73.23 -1.22%
DAX 7,194.60 -123.75 -1.69%
CAC 40 4,013.12 -37.15 -0.92%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,935.60
Shanghai Comp 2,862.63
Taiwan We... 8,528.94
Nikkei 225 10,579.10
Hang Seng 22,906.90
Straits Times 3,001.85

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stock...9.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=2&asset=&ccode=

Stocks fall on Libya tensions, H-P earnings

Stocks drop as oil jumps to two-year high, traders remain concerned about protests in Libya

Chip Cutter and David K. Randall, AP Business Writers, On Wednesday February 23, 2011, 4:34 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks fell for a second straight day Wednesday after clashes in Libya sent oil prices to two-year highs and technology giant Hewlett-Packard said its revenue growth was slowing.

Forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi continued to fight with anti-government demonstrators, leading to widespread chaos and shooting in the streets of the Libyan capital, Tripoli. Nearly 300 people have been killed, according to the New York-based Human Rights Watch.

The unrest sent oil up 3.5 percent to nearly $99 a barrel, its highest price since October 2008. Libya is the world's 15th largest exporter of crude, accounting for 2 percent of global daily output. Traders are worried the revolt could threaten Libya's oil production and spread to other countries in the region.

"We're at a point where the market is concerned over this series of dominoes in the Middle East and wonders if there's another country that's next to fall," said David Katz, a portfolio strategist for Weiser Capital Management.

Oil companies benefited from the higher crude prices. Chevron Corp. was the biggest gainer in the Dow average, rising 1.9 percent. Exxon Mobil Corp also gained 1.9 percent. Energy companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 2 percent, the only gain among its 10 company groups.

The Dow Jones industrial average lost 107.01 points, or 0.9 percent, to 12,105.78. The S&P 500 fell 8.04, or 0.6 percent, to 1,307.40. The Nasdaq composite fell 33.43, or 1.2 percent, to 2,722.99.

Each major index has gained more than 10 percent over the last three months, leading some analysts to say that the situation in Libya is giving traders an opportunity to sell and lock in profits after the market's recent run-up.

The market's two-day stumble is only its second significant decline this year. The other came on Jan. 28, when protests in Egypt escalated.

"The market has strong fundamentals and those will once again dominate very shortly," said Doug Cote, senior market strategist with ING Investment Management.

Technology stocks fell after Hewlett-Packard Co., a bellwether for the group, gave a disappointing revenue forecast for the current fiscal year. The stock fell 9.6 percent, the most out of the 30 that make up the Dow average.

Government bond prices slipped after an auction for five-year notes drew only modest demand. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.48 percent from 3.46 percent late Tuesday. Bond yields rise when their prices fall.

DirecTV Group Inc. rose 1.8 percent after the satellite TV provider said it attracted more new subscribers in the fourth quarter than it has in a decade. Washington Post Co. fell 5.9 percent after its fourth-quarter net income fell 3 percent on flat revenue.

Two stocks fell for every one that rose on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume came to 1.3 billion shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks fell for a third day Thursday as concerns continued over how violent clashes in Libya would affect the global oil market. Major indexes pared steeper losses in the afternoon after oil prices fell for the first time in nine days.

Oil fell to $97.28 a barrel after the International Energy Agency said fighting between forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi and anti-government protesters in Libya were not affecting oil inventories as much as analysts had feared. Libya is the world's 15th largest exporter of crude, accounting for 2 percent of global daily output. Oil had traded as high as $103.41 earlier in the day.

Traders are worried that fighting could threaten Libya's oil production and spread to other countries in the region, such as oil-rich Saudi Arabia. Higher oil prices can also slow the U.S. economy by increasing transportation costs.


The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -37.28 points -0.31% on Thursday February 24
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,068.50 -37.28 -0.31%
Nasdaq 2,737.90 +14.91 +0.55%
S&P 500 1,306.10 -1.30 -0.10%
30-yr Bond 4.5350% -0.0630

NYSE Volume 5,858,770,000 (prior day 6,563,981,000,000)
Nasdaq Volume 2,119,965,750 (prior day 2,484,217,750)

Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,919.98 -3.55 -0.06%
DAX 7,130.50 -64.10 -0.89%
CAC 40 4,009.64 -3.48 -0.09%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,901.10 -34.50 -0.70%
Shanghai Comp 2,879.21 +16.57 +0.58%
Taiwan We... 8,541.64 +12.70 +0.15%
Nikkei 225 10,452.71 -126.39 -1.19%
Hang Seng 22,601.04 -305.86 -1.34%
Straits Times 2,973.73 -28.12 -0.94%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stocks-slide-for-a-third-day-apf-989585637.html?x=0

Stocks slide for a third day on Libya concerns

Stocks end lower, but pare deeper losses, as oil prices fall for the first time in nine days

Chip Cutter and David K. Randall, AP Business Writers, On Thursday February 24, 2011, 4:40 pm EST

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks fell for a third day Thursday as concerns continued over how violent clashes in Libya would affect the global oil market. Major indexes pared steeper losses in the afternoon after oil prices fell for the first time in nine days.

Oil fell to $97.28 a barrel after the International Energy Agency said fighting between forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi and anti-government protesters in Libya were not affecting oil inventories as much as analysts had feared. Libya is the world's 15th largest exporter of crude, accounting for 2 percent of global daily output. Oil had traded as high as $103.41 earlier in the day.

Traders are worried that fighting could threaten Libya's oil production and spread to other countries in the region, such as oil-rich Saudi Arabia. Higher oil prices can also slow the U.S. economy by increasing transportation costs.

Reports of ample oil inventories "calmed some of the short-term fears in the market," said Bruce McCain, chief investment strategist at Key Private Bank. "But the fact that there is very little real information coming out the country is worrying."

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 37.28 points, or 0.3 percent, to 12,068.50. It had been down as many as 122 points earlier in the day.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 1.30, or 0.1 percent, to 1,306.10. The Nasdaq composite gained 14.91 points, or 0.5 percent, to 2,737.90.

The mixed stock performance came the same day the Labor Department reported that fewer people applied for unemployment benefits last week, a sign that the job market is recovering. The four-week average for applications, a figure closely watched by financial analysts, fell to its lowest level in more than two and a half years.

The housing market, however, continued to lag. The Commerce Department said sales of new homes fell significantly in January.

Several companies rose after announcing better than expected earnings.

Priceline.com11 Inc. jumped 8.5 percent after the online travel service reported a 73 percent surge in fourth-quarter earnings and raised its income forecast for the current quarter. Target Corp. rose 3.5 percent after the retailer reported an 11 percent gain in profit. H&R Block Inc. rose 5 percent after the tax preparation company said it expected to report near break-even earnings in its fiscal third quarter.

Bond prices rose, pushing their yields lower. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 3.46 percent from 3.49 percent late Wednesday.

Rising and falling shares were about even on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume came to 1.2 billion shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

All three indexes are still down for the week, largely a result of the fighting in Libya.

Despite this week's slide, the S&P 500 is up 2.6 percent in February and 4.9 percent for the year. Stronger earnings from a wide range of companies, including Archer Daniels Midland Co. and Dell Inc., have helped drive stocks higher

Stocks rose Friday as oil prices stabilized following a recent jump. The escalating turmoil in Libya still left major indexes down about 2 percent for the week.

Oil prices settled at $97.88, down from a high of $103 Thursday but still up 13 percent over the last week. Oil prices have been rising, sending stocks lower, as concerns rose that violence would spread throughout North Africa and the Middle East, affecting oil production for big OPEC producers like Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Those concerns eased late Thursday after the International Energy Agency said the impact was far less than analysts had estimated and that any shortfall could be easily made up by tapping oil reserves in other countries.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +61.95 points +0.51% on Friday February 25
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,130.45 +61.95 +0.51%
Nasdaq 2,781.05 +43.15 +1.58%
S&P 500 1,319.88 +13.78 +1.06%
30-yr Bond 4.5160% -0.0190

NYSE Volume 4,389,704,000 (prior day 5,858,770,000)
Nasdaq Volume 1,901,782,500 (prior day 2,119,965,750)

Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,001.20 +81.22 +1.37%
DAX 7,185.17 +54.67 +0.77%
CAC 40 4,070.38 +60.74 +1.51%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,924.90 +23.80 +0.49%
Shanghai Comp 2,878.58 -0.02 0.00%
Taiwan We... 8,599.65 +58.01 +0.68%
Nikkei 225 10,526.76 +74.05 +0.71%
Hang Seng 23,012.37
Straits Times 3,025.16 +52.08 +1.75%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stocks-recover-as-crude-oil-apf-544008071.html?x=0

Stocks recover as crude oil prices stabilize

Stocks rise for first time in 3 days as oil prices hold steady; Boeing jumps on tanker deal

Matthew Craft, AP Business Writer, On Friday February 25, 2011, 5:45 pm EST

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks rose Friday as oil prices stabilized following a recent jump. The escalating turmoil in Libya still left major indexes down about 2 percent for the week.

Oil prices settled at $97.88, down from a high of $103 Thursday but still up 13 percent over the last week. Oil prices have been rising, sending stocks lower, as concerns rose that violence would spread throughout North Africa and the Middle East, affecting oil production for big OPEC producers like Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Those concerns eased late Thursday after the International Energy Agency said the impact was far less than analysts had estimated and that any shortfall could be easily made up by tapping oil reserves in other countries.

Boeing Co. rose 2.2 percent after the Air Force awarded the company a $35 billion contract Thursday, one of the largest ever made by the military, for nearly 200 airborne refueling tankers.

DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. fell 2.8 percent after the entertainment company reported revenue and earnings that were far below what analysts were expecting. Poor box office results from the Will Ferrell movie "Megamind" were partly to blame.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 61.95, or 0.5 percent, to close at 12,130.45. It was the first rise for the Dow after three days of losses.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 13.78, or 1.1 percent, to 1,319.88. The Nasdaq composite rose 43.15, or 1.6 percent, to 2,781.05

All three indexes are still down for the week, largely a result of the fighting in Libya.

Libya is Africa's largest producer of oil but only ranks 15th among the world's oil exporters. Traders have been concerned that fighting could not only threaten Libya's oil production but also spread to other countries in the region such as Saudi Arabia.

Higher oil prices also weigh on the U.S. economy by increasing the costs of moving goods and filling up gas tanks. A sustained $10 increase in the price of oil translates into a 0.2 percent cut in economic growth over 12 months, according to a recent estimate by economists at Goldman Sachs.

Treasurys inched up Friday on reports the economy grew more slowly than first thought in the last three months of 2010. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note edged down to 3.42 percent from 3.46 percent late Thursday.

The Commerce Department said the economy expanded at an annual rate of 2.8 percent in the October-December quarter. That's weaker than the previous estimate of 3.2 percent. In an attempt to close budget gaps, state and local governments have cut spending much more deeply than previously thought.

Despite this week's slide, the S&P 500 is up 2.6 percent in February and 4.9 percent for the year. Stronger earnings from a wide range of companies, including Archer Daniels Midland Co. and Dell Inc., have helped drive stocks higher.

Five stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated volume was 3.9 billion shares.

3566

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stabilizing oil prices and more signs of a stronger economy sent stocks sharply higher Monday. The Standard and Poor's 500 index had its best start of any year since 1998.

Oil prices fell to about $97 a barrel as worries over the global oil market eased after reports that some Libyan ports reopened to oil tankers and Saudi Arabia was boosting exports. Prices surged above $100 a barrel last week as clashes between rebels and government-backed forces intensified in Libya.

The Commerce Department said consumer incomes rose by the largest amount in nearly two years in January, thanks to a tax cut that began last month. The head of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, meanwhile, said that the country's economic outlook has "improved considerably."

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 95.89 points, or 0.8 percent, to close at 12,226.34. The Standard and Poor's 500 rose 7.34, or 0.6 percent, to 1,327.22. The Nasdaq composite rose 1.22 points, or less than 0.1 percent, to 2,782.27.

All three major stock indexes posted their third straight month of gains. The last time that happened was in the three-month period that ended last April. The S&P 500 gained 3.2 percent in February, the Dow 2.8 percent and the Nasdaq 3 percent. Those figures don't include dividends.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +95.89 points +0.79% on Monday February 28
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,226.34 +95.89 +0.79%
Nasdaq 2,782.27 +1.22 +0.04%
S&P 500 1,327.22 +7.34 +0.56%
30-yr Bond 4.49% -0.0260


NYSE Volume 4,672,227,500 (prior day 4,389,704,000)
Nasdaq Volume 2,058,004,000 (prior day 1,901,782,500)


Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,994.01 -7.19 -0.12%
DAX 7,272.32 +87.15 +1.21%
CAC 40 4,110.35 +39.97 +0.98%

Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,922.60 -2.30 -0.05%
Shanghai Comp 2,905.46 +0.40 +0.01%
Taiwan We... 8,599.65 +58.01 +0.68%
Nikkei 225 10,624.09 +97.33 +0.92%
Hang Seng 23,338.02 +325.65 +1.42%
Straits Times 3,010.51 -14.65 -0.48%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stocks-open-higher-following-apf-3669527765.html?x=0

Easing oil prices, deal news send stocks higher

Stocks rise on better economic reports, deal news and stabilizing oil prices

Chip Cutter and David K. Randall, AP Business Writers, On Monday February 28, 2011, 6:14 pm EST

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stabilizing oil prices and more signs of a stronger economy sent stocks sharply higher Monday. The Standard and Poor's 500 index had its best start of any year since 1998.

Oil prices fell to about $97 a barrel as worries over the global oil market eased after reports that some Libyan ports reopened to oil tankers and Saudi Arabia was boosting exports. Prices surged above $100 a barrel last week as clashes between rebels and government-backed forces intensified in Libya.

The Commerce Department said consumer incomes rose by the largest amount in nearly two years in January, thanks to a tax cut that began last month. The head of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, meanwhile, said that the country's economic outlook has "improved considerably."

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 95.89 points, or 0.8 percent, to close at 12,226.34. The Standard and Poor's 500 rose 7.34, or 0.6 percent, to 1,327.22. The Nasdaq composite rose 1.22 points, or less than 0.1 percent, to 2,782.27.

All three major stock indexes posted their third straight month of gains. The last time that happened was in the three-month period that ended last April. The S&P 500 gained 3.2 percent in February, the Dow 2.8 percent and the Nasdaq 3 percent. Those figures don't include dividends.

The S&P index has risen 5.5 percent in January and February, its fastest increase at the start of a year since it jumped 8.1 percent in the first two months of 1998, according to Howard Silverblatt, senior index analyst at S&P.

A new round of corporate deals also helped push some stocks higher. Ventas Inc., which owns senior housing communities, said it would buy Nationwide Health Properties Inc. in a $5.8 billion deal that will create the nation's largest health care real-estate investment trust. Nationwide Health rose 10 percent, while Ventas fell 3 percent.

Australia's Equinox Minerals Limited, a mining company, said it would make a hostile bid to acquire Canada's Lundin Mining Corp. for $4.9 billion in cash and stock. Lundin rose 19 percent while Equinox fell 9 percent. Both trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

The deals came just two days after Warren Buffett said in his annual letter to investors that he is "itchy" to make more big acquisitions for his company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Berkshire had $38 billion in cash at the end of last year. Its shares rose 2.8 percent.

Humana Inc. rose 3.8 percent after the health insurer raised its 2011 earnings forecast for the third time since November. The company also said it regained a contract to provide coverage for 3 million active duty and retired military members and their families in several Southern states.

Amazon.com Inc. fell 2.2 percent after an analyst at UBS downgraded the company and said that its new video streaming service will cut into its profit margins.

Bond prices were little changed. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note was unchanged from late Friday at 3.42 percent.

Two stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated volume came to 3.5 billion shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks suffered steep losses as oil prices surged on Tuesday, renewing worries that higher fuel prices could hobble the economic recovery.

Oil rose $2.66 to settle at $99.63 a barrel amid unrest in Iran and Libya. Iran clamped down on anti-government protesters and forces loyal to Libya's leader Moammar Gadhafi launched counter-attacks against rebels expanding control over the country.

Prices jumped 13 percent last week with a rise in turmoil across North Africa and the Middle East. That pushed gas prices up 20 cents per gallon. As a result, Americans are now paying roughly $75 million more per day to fill their gas tanks than a week ago.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told the Senate Banking Committee that a sustained increase in crude prices could pose a risk to the recovery. But he predicted only a temporary increase in inflation, not runaway prices. The Fed chief also said he expected the economy to grow this year, although not enough to lower the 9 percent unemployment rate.


The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -168.32 points -1.38% on Tuesday February 28
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,058.02 -168.32 -1.38%
Nasdaq 2,737.41 -44.86 -1.61%
&P 500 1,306.33 -20.89 -1.60%
30-yr Bond 4.4900% 0.0000

NYSE Volume 5,403,441,000 (prior day 4,672,227,500)
Nasdaq Volume 2,252,659,500 (prior day 2,058,004,000)


Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,936.34 -57.67 -0.96%
DAX 7,205.16 -67.16 -0.92%
CAC 40 4,068.59 -41.76 -1.02%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,920.40 -2.20 -0.04%
Shanghai Comp 2,919.85 +14.80 +0.51%
Taiwan We... 8,727.56 +127.91 +1.49%
Nikkei 225 10,754.03 +129.94 +1.22%
Hang Seng 23,396.42 +58.40 +0.25%
Straits Times 3,067.60 +57.09 +1.90%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stocks-headed-higher-ahead-of-apf-3900581045.html?x=0

Stocks slide as jump in oil prices renews worries

Stocks fall sharply with oil nearing $100; Bernanke says rising oil prices could hurt economy

Matthew Craft and David K. Randall, AP Business Writers, On Tuesday March 1, 2011, 5:46 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks suffered steep losses as oil prices surged on Tuesday, renewing worries that higher fuel prices could hobble the economic recovery.

Oil rose $2.66 to settle at $99.63 a barrel amid unrest in Iran and Libya. Iran clamped down on anti-government protesters and forces loyal to Libya's leader Moammar Gadhafi launched counter-attacks against rebels expanding control over the country.

Prices jumped 13 percent last week with a rise in turmoil across North Africa and the Middle East. That pushed gas prices up 20 cents per gallon. As a result, Americans are now paying roughly $75 million more per day to fill their gas tanks than a week ago.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told the Senate Banking Committee that a sustained increase in crude prices could pose a risk to the recovery. But he predicted only a temporary increase in inflation, not runaway prices. The Fed chief also said he expected the economy to grow this year, although not enough to lower the 9 percent unemployment rate.

The Commerce Department reported that builders began work on fewer homes, offices and commercial projects in January. The annual rate was near its decade low, set in August.

The Dow Jones industrial average lost 168.32 points, or 1.4 percent, to 12,058.02.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 20.89, or 1.6 percent, to 1,306.33. The Nasdaq composite fell 44.86, or 1.6 percent, to 2,737.41.

Three stocks fell for every one that rose on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated trading volume came to 4.8 billion shares.

Fifth Third Bancorp dropped 4.5 percent after the regional bank said that the Securities and Exchange Commission was investigating its accounting and reporting of commercial loans.

Natural gas driller Range Resources Corp. lost 7 percent after the company's fourth-quarter revenue figures came in below analysts' expectations. Natural gas prices have been in a slump for the past year as a result of an oversupply in the market.

AutoZone Inc. rose 2 percent after the auto-parts retailer said its second-quarter income rose 20 percent as its revenue increased.

On Monday, stable oil prices and more signs of a stronger economy helped lift. All three major stock indexes ended February higher, marking their third straight month of gains. The S&P 500 index had its best start to any year since 1998.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks edged higher Wednesday after a surprisingly strong report on hiring by private companies raised hopes that the job market may be improving.

Traders remained concerned about the latest spike in oil prices as Libya's internal conflict deepened. Crude settled above $102 a barrel for the first time since Sept. 2008. Worries about the impact of high oil prices on the U.S. economy have rattled markets over the past week.

Payroll processor ADP said private employers added 217,000 jobs last month, well above the 180,000 analysts had predicted. That raised hopes that the government's employment report coming up Friday could show a decline in the unemployment rate, which is currently 9 percent.

The Federal Reserve also reported that the U.S. economy expanded broadly over the last two months. All 12 regions covered by the survey reported "modest to moderate" growth, including a pickup in retail sales.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 8.78 points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 12,066.80.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +8.78 points +0.07% on Wednesday March 2
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,066.80 +8.78 +0.07%
Nasdaq 2,748.07 +10.66 +0.39%
S&P 500 1,308.44 +2.11 +0.2%
30-yr Bond 4.5550% +0.0650

NYSE Volume 4,732,584,500 (prior day 5,403,441,000)
Nasdaq Volume 1,990,634,875 (prior day 2,252,659,500)


Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,914.89 -20.87 -0.35%
DAX 7,181.12 -42.18 -0.58%
CAC 40 4,034.32 -32.83 -0.81%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,898.30 -22.10 -0.45%
Shanghai Comp 2,914.28 -4.65 -0.16%
Taiwan We... 8,619.90 -107.66 -1.23%
Nikkei 225 10,492.38 -261.65 -2.43%
Hang Seng 23,048.66 -347.76 -1.49%
Straits Times 3,027.51 -40.09 -1.31%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stocks-edge-higher-on-jobs-apf-2193301817.html?x=0

Stocks edge higher on jobs news, Fed survey

Stocks inch higher; encouraging report on private sector hiring and Fed survey overshadow oil

David K. Randall and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Wednesday March 2, 2011, 5:52 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks edged higher Wednesday after a surprisingly strong report on hiring by private companies raised hopes that the job market may be improving.

Traders remained concerned about the latest spike in oil prices as Libya's internal conflict deepened. Crude settled above $102 a barrel for the first time since Sept. 2008. Worries about the impact of high oil prices on the U.S. economy have rattled markets over the past week.

Payroll processor ADP said private employers added 217,000 jobs last month, well above the 180,000 analysts had predicted. That raised hopes that the government's employment report coming up Friday could show a decline in the unemployment rate, which is currently 9 percent.

The Federal Reserve also reported that the U.S. economy expanded broadly over the last two months. All 12 regions covered by the survey reported "modest to moderate" growth, including a pickup in retail sales.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 8.78 points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 12,066.80.

The S&P 500 rose 2.11, or 0.2 percent, to 1,308.44. Both the Dow and the S&P 500 wavered between gains and losses throughout the day.

The Nasdaq composite gained 10.66 points, or 0.4 percent, to 2,748.07.

The escalating conflict in Libya resulted in a surge in crude oil prices over the last week and volatility in global financial markets. U.S. stocks fell sharply on Tuesday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said that higher oil prices could threaten the pace of the economic recovery

"When you look at the stock market any given day it's hard to isolate cause and effect, but today we don't have that problem," said Lawrence Creatura, a portfolio manager at Federated Investors. "Investors will have one eye on oil prices for quite some time."

Retail companies reported mixed earnings reports before the market opened. Costco Wholesale Corp. fell 2.5 percent after reporting earnings that met expectations.

Apple Inc. rose almost 1 percent after the company's CEO, Steve Jobs, briefly emerged from a medical leave to introduce the second generation of its iPad tablet computer.

Rising stocks outnumbered falling ones two-to-one on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated trading volume was 4.2 billion shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks rose sharply on Thursday after an unexpected drop in new applications for unemployment benefits and strong retail sales. The Dow Jones industrial average had its biggest gain since Dec. 1.

The Labor Department said first-time claims for unemployment benefits fell to 368,000. That's the lowest level since May 2008. Economists had expected the number of claims to rise.

Separately, the Institute for Supply Management said its measure of hiring by service companies rose to the highest level since April 2006. The index covers a broad range of industries including retail, health care and financial services.

The signs of job growth followed a report Wednesday from payroll processor ADP saying that private employers added far more jobs than analysts had expected last month. Those gains are raising hopes that Friday's jobs report from the Labor Department will show that the unemployment rate fell from its current level of 9 percent.


The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +191.40 points +1.59% on Thursday March 3
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,258.20 +191.40 +1.59%
Nasdaq 2,798.74 +50.67 +1.84%
S&P 500 1,330.97 +22.53 +1.7%
30-yr Bond 4.6390% +0.0840

NYSE Volume 5,040,792,500 (prior day 4,732,584,500)
Nasdaq Volume 2,016,832,375 (prior day 1,990,634,875)

Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 6,005.09 +90.20 +1.52%
DAX 7,225.96 +44.84 +0.62%
CAC 40 4,060.76 +26.44 +0.66%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,902.80 +4.50 +0.09%
Shanghai Comp 2,903.83 -9.98 -0.34%
Taiwan We... 8,738.37 +118.47 +1.37%
Nikkei 225 10,586.02 +93.64 +0.89%
Hang Seng 23,122.42 +73.76 +0.32%
Straits Times 3,037.35 +9.84 +0.33%

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

Stocks leap higher as hope builds for job recovery

Stock jump as claims for unemployment benefits fall unexpectedly; retailers report sales gains

Matthew Craft and David K. Randall, AP Business Writers, On Thursday March 3, 2011, 6:04 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks rose sharply on Thursday after an unexpected drop in new applications for unemployment benefits and strong retail sales. The Dow Jones industrial average had its biggest gain since Dec. 1.

The Labor Department said first-time claims for unemployment benefits fell to 368,000. That's the lowest level since May 2008. Economists had expected the number of claims to rise.

Separately, the Institute for Supply Management said its measure of hiring by service companies rose to the highest level since April 2006. The index covers a broad range of industries including retail, health care and financial services.

The signs of job growth followed a report Wednesday from payroll processor ADP saying that private employers added far more jobs than analysts had expected last month. Those gains are raising hopes that Friday's jobs report from the Labor Department will show that the unemployment rate fell from its current level of 9 percent.

Retailers Limited Brands Inc., Macy's Inc. and Nordstrom Inc. all reported gains in February sales compared with the same month last year. Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc. trimmed its losses in the fourth-quarter and beat analysts' revenue estimates. The stock rose 7.6 percent.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 191.40 points, or 1.6 percent, to 12,258.20. The Dow is still below where it was trading on Feb. 18, before a three-day plunge caused by a surge in oil prices as the unrest in Libya deepened.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 22.53, or 1.7 percent, to 1,330.97.

All 10 company groups that make up the S&P index rose. Industrial companies had the largest gain, with 2.4 percent. Caterpillar Inc. gained 3 percent, the largest increase among the 30 stocks that make up the Dow average.

The Nasdaq composite index gained 50.67, or 1.8 percent, to 2,798.74.

The drop in unemployment claims pushed Treasury prices lower, raising their yields. The yield on the 10-year note rose to 3.56 percent, up from 3.48 percent late Wednesday.

Oil prices eased slightly, but remained above $100 a barrel. Concerns over the impact of high oil prices on the U.S. economy have rattled markets over the past two weeks. Crude settled above $102 on Wednesday for the first time since September 2008.

Five stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated volume was 4.5 billion shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks dropped Friday after another spike in oil prices overshadowed a report that the unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in nearly two years.

Crude oil rose 2.5 percent to $104.42 a barrel, the highest level since September 2008, after fighting in Libya escalated. Markets have been rattled over the past two weeks as higher oil prices threaten to undermine the economic recovery by increasing transportation and production costs.

Higher energy prices sent stocks lower despite news that the U.S. job market is improving. The Labor Department reported that the unemployment rate dipped to 8.9 percent in February from 9 percent the previous month. The rate has dropped for three months in a row and is now at its lowest level since April 2009. Employers added 192,000 jobs in February, the fastest pace in almost a year.

The Dow Jones industrial average dropped 88.32 points, or 0.7 percent, to 12,169.88. The Dow had been down as many as 178 points earlier.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -88.32 points -0.72% on Friday March 4
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,169.88 -88.32 -0.72%
Nasdaq 2,784.67 -14.07 -0.50%
S&P 500 1,321.15 -9.82 -0.74%
30-yr Bond 4.6010% -0.0380

NYSE Volume 4,980,571,000 (prior day 5,040,792,500)
Nasdaq Volume 1,945,122,000 (prior day 2,016,832,375)


Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,990.39 -14.70 -0.24%
DAX 7,178.90 -47.06 -0.65%
CAC 40 4,020.21 -40.55 -1.00%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,958.60 +55.80 +1.14%
Shanghai Comp 2,942.17 +39.19 +1.35%
Taiwan We... 8,784.40 +46.03 +0.53%
Nikkei 225 10,693.66 +107.64 +1.02%
Hang Seng 23,408.86 +286.44 +1.24%
Straits Times 3,061.31 +23.96 +0.79%

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

Surge in oil prices sends stocks lower

Stocks drop on rising oil prices; Unemployment rate slips to 8.9 percent

Matthew Craft and David K. Randall, AP Business Writers, On Friday March 4, 2011, 5:49 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks dropped Friday after another spike in oil prices overshadowed a report that the unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in nearly two years.

Crude oil rose 2.5 percent to $104.42 a barrel, the highest level since September 2008, after fighting in Libya escalated. Markets have been rattled over the past two weeks as higher oil prices threaten to undermine the economic recovery by increasing transportation and production costs.

Higher energy prices sent stocks lower despite news that the U.S. job market is improving. The Labor Department reported that the unemployment rate dipped to 8.9 percent in February from 9 percent the previous month. The rate has dropped for three months in a row and is now at its lowest level since April 2009. Employers added 192,000 jobs in February, the fastest pace in almost a year.

"They're tugging at each other, employment and oil," said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer of Harris Private Bank. "Oil is high enough that it has to be a concern. The longer it remains at this level the greater the chance that it upends our recovery."

The Dow Jones industrial average dropped 88.32 points, or 0.7 percent, to 12,169.88. The Dow had been down as many as 178 points earlier.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 9.82, or 0.7 percent, to 1,321.15. The Nasdaq composite index fell 14.07, or 0.5 percent, to 2,784.67.

All 10 company groups that make up the S&P index fell. Financial companies fell 1.3 percent, the largest drop. Citigroup Inc. fell 3 percent and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. fell 2.1 percent after Bank of America analysts trimmed their earnings forecasts for the two banks. Analysts noted that they expect the turmoil in the Middle East will make institutional investors more cautious with their cash, leading to a drop in trading revenues.

Each index eked out small gains for the week after falling the week before. The Dow had the largest move, inching up 0.3 percent.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, raised its annual dividend 21 percent Friday. Its stock gained 0.1 percent to $52.07.

Bond prices rose, sending their yields lower. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 3.50 percent from 3.56 percent late Thursday.

Two stocks fell for every one that rose on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated volume came to 4.4 billion shares.

4118

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

Stocks fell Monday as higher oil prices weighed on the market.

Oil hit a two-year high early in the day, nearing $107 a barrel, after forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi launched airstrikes against opposition fighters at an oil port. Benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude gained $1.02 to settle at $105.44 per barrel.

The market has been shaken in recent weeks by the uprising in Libya and its effect on oil prices. A sustained rise in the price of oil could hurt the economic recovery by raising manufacturing and transportation costs.

Rising crude prices have pushed U.S. gasoline prices higher. Pump prices have jumped an average of 39 cents per gallon since the Libyan uprising began in mid-February, forcing motorists to pay an additional $146 million per day for the same amount of fuel.

Stocks had started higher on news of two corporate deals. Hard drive maker Western Digital Corp. jumped 16 percent after announcing plans to buy Hitachi Global Storage Technologies for $4.3 billion. French fashion conglomerate LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton says it will buy Italian jeweler Bulgari SpA for $6 billion.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed LOWER -79.85 points -0.66% on Monday March 7
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,090.03 -79.85 -0.66%
Nasdaq 2,745.63 -39.04 -1.40%
S&P 500 1,310.13 -11.02 -0.83%
30-yr Bond 4.6080% +0.0070

NYSE Volume 4,595,023,000 (prior day 4,980,571,000)
Nasdaq Volume 2,212,734,250 (prior day 1,945,122,000)


Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,973.78 -16.61 -0.28%
DAX 7,161.93 -16.97 -0.24%
CAC 40 3,990.41 -29.80 -0.74%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,895.90 -62.70 -1.26%
Shanghai Comp 2,996.97 +54.67 +1.86%
Taiwan We... 8,713.79 -70.61 -0.80%
Nikkei 225 10,505.02 -188.64 -1.76%
Hang Seng 23,313.19 -95.67 -0.41%
Straits Times 3,066.52 +5.21 +0.17%

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Stocks-fall-as-oil-prices-apf-147143001.html?x=0

Stocks fall as oil prices push higher

Stocks slump as oil jumps as high as $107 a barrel

Francesca Levy and Matthew Craft, AP Business Writers, On Monday March 7, 2011, 4:57 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks fell Monday as higher oil prices weighed on the market.

Oil hit a two-year high early in the day, nearing $107 a barrel, after forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi launched airstrikes against opposition fighters at an oil port. Benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude gained $1.02 to settle at $105.44 per barrel.

The market has been shaken in recent weeks by the uprising in Libya and its effect on oil prices. A sustained rise in the price of oil could hurt the economic recovery by raising manufacturing and transportation costs.

Rising crude prices have pushed U.S. gasoline prices higher. Pump prices have jumped an average of 39 cents per gallon since the Libyan uprising began in mid-February, forcing motorists to pay an additional $146 million per day for the same amount of fuel.

Stocks had started higher on news of two corporate deals. Hard drive maker Western Digital Corp. jumped 16 percent after announcing plans to buy Hitachi Global Storage Technologies for $4.3 billion. French fashion conglomerate LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton says it will buy Italian jeweler Bulgari SpA for $6 billion.

Investors fear that oil prices could surge even higher if the unrest in the Middle East and North Africa spreads to major oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia.

"The market is going to have to sort out what's fact and what's rumor," said Quincy Krosby, market strategist for Prudential Financial. "They are saying, `How high can the prices go, and more importantly for how long.'"

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 79.85 points, or 0.7 percent, to close at 12,090.03.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 11.02 points, or 0.8 percent, to 1,310.13. The Nasdaq fell 39.04 points, or 1.4 percent, to 2,745.63

All three indexes have lost more than 1 percent so far this month.

The dollar rose, as did utility companies. The utility company index within the S&P 500 gained 0.4 percent even though the overall index declined. The CBOE Market Volatility Index jumped 8 percent to 20.66, a sign that investors expect stock trading to become more turbulent.

Starbucks rose 1.4 percent after CEO Howard Schultz told the Wall Street Journal the company is looking for companies to acquire. McDonald's Corp rose 0.3 percent, the biggest gain among the 30 companies that make up the Dow average. Alcoa Inc. fell the most, 2 percent.

More than three stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange. Trading volume was 1 billion shares.

 

[bigdog]

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com

ALL INDEXES ARE GREEN TODAY!!

Financial companies pushed stock indexes higher Tuesday on signs that banks may soon raise their dividends.

Bank of America Corp. gained 4.7 percent, the most of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones industrial average, after chief executive Brian Moynihan told an investor's meeting that the bank could earn more money over the next two years as its business stabilizes. That led analysts to note that large consumer banks may raise their dividends. Banks slashed dividends during the 2008 financial crisis to cut costs.

Financial stocks in the S&P 500 index rose 2.2 percent, the most of any of the index's 10 company groups. American Express Co. gained 3.5 percent, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. gained 2.6 percent.

Falling oil prices also helped stocks move higher. Oil prices dipped 0.5 percent to $105 a barrel after Kuwait's oil minister said that OPEC members are in informal talks about raising oil output as the conflict in Libya continues.

The NYSE DOW NYSE DOW closed HIGHER +124.35 points +1.03% on Tuesday March 8
Sym .......Last .......Change..........
Dow 12,214.38 +124.35 +1.03%
Nasdaq 2,765.77 +20.14 +0.73%
S&P 500 1,321.82 +11.69 +0.89%
30-yr Bond 4.6580% +0.0500

NYSE Volume 4,428,110,500 (prior day 4,595,023,000)
Nasdaq Volume 1,847,981,250 (prior day 2,212,734,250)

Europe
Symbol... ......Last .....Change.......
FTSE 100 5,974.76 +0.98 +0.02%
DAX 7,164.75 +2.82 +0.04%
CAC 40 4,015.91 +25.50 +0.64%


Asia Pacific
Symbol...... .....Last ....Change.......
ASX All Ord 4,902.50 +6.60 +0.13%
Shanghai Comp 3,000.57 +4.36 +0.15%
Taiwan We... 8,747.75 +33.96 +0.39%
Nikkei 225 10,525.19 +20.17 +0.19%
Hang Seng 23,711.70 +398.51 +1.71%
Straits Times 3,103.84 +37.32 +1.22%




http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Bank-stocks-push-indexes-apf-938017381.html?x=0

Bank stocks push indexes higher; oil prices dip

Bank stocks lead market higher as hopes grow that dividends will be restored; oil prices ease

Chip Cutter and David K. Randall, AP Business Writers, On Tuesday March 8, 2011, 4:38 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- Financial companies pushed stock indexes higher Tuesday on signs that banks may soon raise their dividends.

Bank of America Corp. gained 4.7 percent, the most of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones industrial average, after chief executive Brian Moynihan told an investor's meeting that the bank could earn more money over the next two years as its business stabilizes. That led analysts to note that large consumer banks may raise their dividends. Banks slashed dividends during the 2008 financial crisis to cut costs.

Financial stocks in the S&P 500 index rose 2.2 percent, the most of any of the index's 10 company groups. American Express Co. gained 3.5 percent, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. gained 2.6 percent.

Falling oil prices also helped stocks move higher. Oil prices dipped 0.5 percent to $105 a barrel after Kuwait's oil minister said that OPEC members are in informal talks about raising oil output as the conflict in Libya continues.

"Rapidly higher moving oil prices can substantially impact demand," said Oliver Pursche, president of Gary Goldberg Financial Services. It's something OPEC members are "very, very much aware of and want to avoid."

Oil prices have risen 9 percent so far this month. That has pushed stocks lower as investors worry that higher gas prices will dampen the economic recovery.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 124.35 points, or 1 percent, to 12,214.38. The S&P 500 rose 11.69, or 0.9 percent, to 1,321.82.

Energy companies were the only group in the S&P index to fall, losing 0.6 percent.

The Nasdaq composite rose 20.14, or 0.7 percent, to 2,765.77.

Bond prices fell, pushing yields higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.54 percent from 3.51 percent late Monday.

Brown-Forman Corp. rose 4.7 percent after the liquor company said its net income rose 30 percent in the latest quarter thanks to growing international sales and a strong performance by its flagship Jack Daniel's brand.

Urban Outfitters Inc. fell 16.7 percent after the retailer's earnings missed Wall Street's expectations due to higher expenses.

Netflix fell 5.8 percent after Facebook announced that it will allow members to stream movies through its pages, a direct competition to Netflix's popular on-demand offering.

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