Dow Drops 36 as Consumer Data Saps Stocks

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»

(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»

But all indices see gains in second quarter

(NEWSER) - Stocks fell today on an unexpected decline in consumer confidence, the Wall Street Journal reports, after investors held steady at the open despite data that delinquencies on prime mortgages had increased. The consumer-confidence drop came after two months of positive readings. The Dow closed down 82.38 at 8,447.00. The Nasdaq fell 9.02, closing at 1,835.04, and the S&P 500 lost 7.91, settling at 919.32. 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»