Dow Ends Bad Week Down 82

(NEWSER) - Reports of greater-than-expected US oil reserves sent crude prices and markets tumbling today, the Wall Street Journal notes. The manufacturing sector fell, and the Dow’s energy component was off 4.1%. “People are looking at the inventory report today as a really good chance to take some money off the table,” a broker said. The Dow was off 64.67 to 8,676.20. The S&P lost 12.92 to end at 931.82. And the Nasdaq shed 10.88 to 1,825.92. More»

Market discounts poor manufacturing report

(NEWSER) - Stocks rallied in the first session of 2009, with energy stocks leading advances on a jump in crude oil prices, MarketWatch reports. GM rose after announced changes to GMAC policy expected to give prospective buyers more financing options. In light trading volume, the Dow climbed 258.30 points to close at 9,034.69. The Nasdaq closed up 55.18 to settle at 1,632.21, and the S&P 500 gained 28.55, closing at 931.80. More»

Industries likely to benefit from Obama building plan see gains

(NEWSER) - Stocks rallied today, led by automakers, which look ever likelier to get a federal bailout, and industrial firms expected to benefit from President-elect Barack Obama’s proposed public-works programs, MarketWatch reports. The Dow gained 298.76 to close at 8,934.18. The Nasdaq rose 62.43, closing at 1,571.74, while the S&P 500 climbed 33.63 to settle at 909.70. More»

Financials lead as government moves to help banking giant

(NEWSER) - Stocks rallied today in a vote of confidence for the $326 billion Citibank rescue plan and Barack Obama’s team of economic advisers, MarketWatch reports. Combined with Friday's surge, the rally was the largest 2-day jump in over 20 years. The Dow rose 396.97 points to close at 8,443.39. The Nasdaq surged 87.67, closing at 1,472.02, and the S&P 500 gained 51.78 points, settling at 851.81. More»

Fed chief soothes markets; Lehman may have a buyer

(NEWSER) - Stocks rallied today amid light trading but still saw weekly losses as oil prices fell and financials rebounded, helped in part by a speech by Ben Bernanke that eased inflation fears, MarketWatch reports. The Dow surged 197.85 to 11,628.06; the Nasdaq gained 34.33, closing at 2,414.71; and the S&P 500 climbed 14.47 to 1,292.19. More»