The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) posted gains on a day of rollercoaster stock movement following news of strong earnings and conflicting economic reports. The small-cap index snapped a three-day losing streak, adding 0.64 points, or 0.08%, to 812.50. The Dow added 68.12 points, or 0.50%, to 13,785.07.

The day began on a bullish note as investors reacted to news that Chicago-based aerospace heavyweight Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) soared to a second-quarter profit of $1.1 billion, compared with a loss a year earlier.

The brief opening rally, during which the Russell 2000 cleared 820 points, lasted only 30 minutes.

That’s because at 10 a.m. ET the National Association of Realtors reported that sales of existing homes fell a more-than-expected 3.8% in June to the lowest level in almost five years.

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