Stocks Rally After Big Losses

Conflicting news on financials hinders the market

(NEWSER) - The markets finished mixed today as fears over the financial sector clashed with positive economic reports. Moody’s said it may downgrade ratings for Ambac Financial and MBIA because of continued mortgage-related losses, MarketWatch reports, helping the Dow down 12.37 to 12,390.48. The Nasdaq gained 22.66, closing at 2,503.14, while the S&P 500 lost 0.45 to settle at 1,377.20. More»

Market ends at its lowest level in 18 months

(NEWSER) - The markets fell sharply today as the dollar hit a fresh low against the euro, oil prices hit a fresh high, and more bleak news on the housing front came to light, MarketWatch reports. The Dow plummeted 214.6 points to settle at 12,040.39, its lowest level in 18 months. The Nasdaq fell 52.31 points to 2,220.50, and the S&P 500 dropped 29.36 to 1,304.34. More»

New clarity takes steam out of doomsday scenario

(NEWSER) - Citigroup and UBS warned of steep third quarter declines today, and the Dow responded by jumping 191.92 points—reacting to new clarity in an uncertain market, the Wall Street Journal reports. The index hit an intraday record—14,091.53—before closing at 14,087.55, only the second time the 14,000 barrier has been broken. One UBS officer said tensions were cooling as the market “loses fear of the unknown.” More»

Investors thank Bush, Bernanke for gains

(NEWSER) - On the eve of the holiday weekend, the major markets jumped today, riding encouraging comments by President Bush and Ben Bernanke to broad advances that pushed their monthly gains above 1%. The Dow, which saw 28 of 30 stocks rise, finished up 119.01 points, closing at 13,357.74. Citigroup and JP Morgan led a financial-sector rally. More»

(NEWSER) - Major US indexes reeled today, after a wild seesaw session in which a Fed bailout rescued Wall Street from a veritginous selloff this morning. The Dow closed at 13239.54, down 31.14, after initial rumors of a broad but blurry liquidity crisis crashed it over 100 points in early trading. The Nasdaq fell 11.60 to close at 2544.89; the S&P was off 2.40 at 1455.50. More»