Confidence Sags; Dow Off 82

Dow still on track for best quarter in 10 years

(NEWSER) - Stocks fell today as traders lost some of yesterday’s confidence ahead of looming job reports. ADP will release its September survey tomorrow, with weekly data due Thursday and the government’s nonfarm payrolls report coming Friday. The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index, which analysts had been expecting to rise, fell in September. The Dow dropped 47.16 points to 9,742.20. The Nasdaq lost 6.70, settling at 2,124.04, and the S&P 500 dropped 2.37 to close at 1,060.61, the Wall Street Journal reports. More»

Intel, Dell see gains

(NEWSER) - Stocks mostly fell today despite good news from the tech sector, the Wall Street Journal reports. The Reuters/University of Michigan index of consumer confidence fell in August, dragging the markets down. Intel rose 4.32% after raising its third-quarter profit forecast, while Dell gained 1.89% on second-quarter earnings that beat expectations. The Dow fell 36.43 points to 9,545.20. The Nasdaq added 1.04 to settle at 2,028.77, and the S&P 500 lost 2.05, closing at 1,028.93. More»

(NEWSER) - Stocks closed with modest advances on strong economic data and a drop in oil prices, the Wall Street Journal reports. Advances in second-quarter home prices and a boost in July consumer confidence propelled stock indices to new 2009 highs shortly after the open, but oil’s $2.32 drop moderated gains. The Dow gained 30 points to close at 9,539. The Nasdaq added 6 points, closing at 2,024, and the S&P 500 rose 2 points to close at 1,028. More»

Dow rises 184 despite drops in home prices, consumer confidence

(NEWSER) - Stocks rose today as investors were encouraged by the extension of at least $5 billion in bailout money to the financing division of General Motors, MarketWatch reports. GMAC said the aid would allow it to offer loans to more US consumers seeking to buy vehicles. The Dow gained 184.46 points to close at 8,668. The Nasdaq climbed 40.38 points, closing at 1,551, and the S&P 500 rose 21.22 points to settle at 891. More»

Consumer confidence hits 28-year low

(NEWSER) - Stocks fell, then climbed back almost to opening levels today to wrap up a generally strong week. Yet another record oil price—almost $128 a barrel—drove early losses, and a report of the lowest consumer-confidence rating in 28 years did not help. The Dow closed down 5.86 at 12,986.80, and the Nasdaq dropped 4.88, closing at 2,528.85. The S&P 500 gained 1.78 to close at 1,425.35. More»