Dow Retreats 12 on Weak Data

A profit warning from Chevron highlights problems in the energy sector

(NEWSER) - The major stock indices finished mixed today, with the Dow trending down after Chevron issued a profit warning, the Wall Street Journal reports. Chevron was down 2.7% on news that a weak dollar and poor profits at refineries will cut into its second-quarter earnings. Exxon also fell 1.3%. The Dow dropped 36.65 points to close at 8,146.52. The Nasdaq rose 3.48, settling at 1,756.03, and the S&P 500 fell 3.55 to close at 879.13. More»

(NEWSER) - Stocks jumped at the open today, with the Dow up 61 points, the Nasdaq adding 0.5%, and the S&P gaining 0.7%, powered by strong moves in its energy and basic materials sectors. That was due in part to the surge in fuel prices, with oil clearing $71 a barrel. Chevron and Exxon Mobil each rose 1%. Shares in industrial companies also climbed, with Caterpillar up 1.3%. If it holds, the Dow's move will put it in positive territory for the year. More»

Weak data, contract expirations stoke selloff

(NEWSER) - Stocks fell today as oil futures declined, the jobs picture remained grim, and two of the Detroit’s Big Three announced production stops due to lack of funds, MarketWatch reports. The imminent expiration of options and futures contracts also bedeviled the markets, and the Dow closed down 219.35 at 8,604.99. The Nasdaq fell 26.94 to close at 1,552.37, and the S&P 500 19.14 to 885.28. More»

Traders nervous about long-term effects

(NEWSER) - Stocks plummeted today as uncertainty over the cost and long-term impact of the Wall Street bailout plan spread and oil surged, MarketWatch reports. Treasuries and the dollar fell as traders worried the bailout’s cost could affect the government’s status as a borrower. The Dow closed down 372.75, at 11,015.69. The Nasdaq lost 94.92, closing at 2,178.98, and the S&P 500 lost 47.99, closing at 1,207.09. More»

Energy firms rise as oil adds $3.08

(NEWSER) - Stocks posted solid gains today as commodity prices rose, the Wall Street Journal reports. Oil jumped $3.08 to $71.28 a barrel and gold crossed the $1,000-an-ounce mark. Commodity-producing stocks Exxon, Chevron, and Alcoa all saw gains as a result. The Dow added 56 points to close at 9,497. The Nasdaq gained 19 points, settling at 2,038, and the S&P 500 rose 9 points to close at 1,025. More»