Dow Gains 21 as Industrial, Utility Sectors Rise

China moves to tighten lending; tech proves resilient

(NEWSER) - Stocks closed mixed today as China's move to restrict lending and a low reading of EU GDP stoked worries about global economic health, the Wall Street Journal reports.

• The Dow dropped 45.05 points to close at 10,099.14.
• The Nasdaq gained 6.12, closing at 2,183.53.
• The S&P 500 fell 32.96 to settle at 1,075.51.

China reports big 56% jump in imports from year-ago

(NEWSER) - The markets were mixed today as traders awaited the launch of quarterly earnings season, which began after the bell. Dow component Caterpillar gained on trade figures from China, the Wall Street Journal reports.

• The Dow gained 45.80 points to close at 10,663.99.
• The Nasdaq lost 4.76, settling at 2,312.41.
• The S&P 500 gained 2.00, closing at 1,146.98.

Stock indexes finish week up 3%

(NEWSER) - Stocks rose slightly today after analysts upgraded GE—a striking sign of confidence, given the troubles at its finance arm over the previous year. But any enthusiasm was tempered by the news that unemployment hit 10.2% in October, the highest level since 1983.

• The Dow rose 17.46 points to close at 10,023.42.
• The Nasdaq added 7.12, settling at 2,112.44.
• The S&P 500 gained 2.67 to close at 1,069.30.

Dour day cuts into weekly gains

(NEWSER) - Stocks fell today as optimism about economic recovery waned in the face of disappointing earnings. Bank of American and General Electric’s financing division both posted quarterly losses. IBM, which reported strong profits but spooked investors with downbeat comments on the readiness of businesses to spend on technology, fell 5.2%, weighing down the price-weighted Dow. The Dow fell 67.03 points to close at 9,995.91. The Nasdaq lost 16.49, settling at 2,156.80, and the S&P 500 fell 8.88 to close at 1,087.68, the Wall Street Journal reports. More»

Indices post declines for the week

(NEWSER) - Traders focused on positive aspects of today's August unemployment report—declining job losses—rather than the upward revision in total jobless numbers, sending stocks higher, the Wall Street Journal reports. General Electric led advancing stocks on the Dow with a 3.35% gain. The Dow rose 96.66 points to close at 9,441.27. The Nasdaq added 33.38, settling at 2,018.78, and the S&P 500 gained 13.16 to settle at 1,016.40. More»