Modest rise; energy, tech, retail stocks lag financials
Small-cap stocks edged slightly higher in a relatively tame post-holiday session, climbing into positive ground just minutes before the close, with support from financial, manufacturing and construction stocks countered by a weak tone in energy and technology shares. Also, retailer stocks were struggling on an important day that signals the kick-off for holiday shopping.
The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) closed up 4.28, or 0.91% at 473.14, putting the finishing touches on a stellar week (which saw the Dow have the best percentage gain in more than 70 years). For 2008, the Russell 2000 is now down 38%. Meanwhile, the Dow is down 33% and the S&P 500 is off 39% for 2008.
Crude oil prices took a hit today, with futures down 5% and the price of crude slipping back below $52 a barrel. Energy shares were a major drag on the overall market performance today, with the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund off some 1.7%.
Tech stocks started out the day in a dour mood following declines in Europe when major chip-maker STMicroelectronics lowered its outlook. Tech shares persistently trailed major indices today and the tech-laden Nasdaq 100 dipped 0.6%. Europe shares struggled in general today following news that unemployment rates in the Eurozone tumbled to 20-month highs and confidence tumbled to 15-year lows.
Dow component Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT) – the only Dow stock up for the year – took a 1.4% hit today, perhaps tied to news that an employee was killed in the rush of Black Friday shoppers when a store in New York opened early this morning. Four shoppers, including a pregnant woman, were also treated for injuries in the stampede incident, adding a new somber meaning to the “Black Friday” moniker. The S&P Retail Index was down 1.7% today, perhaps a caution sign for not just retailers, but the overall consumer spending mentality heading through year-end. However, there remains a sense that much of the “bad news” about the holiday season and the . . .
The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) closed up 4.28, or 0.91% at 473.14, putting the finishing touches on a stellar week (which saw the Dow have the best percentage gain in more than 70 years). For 2008, the Russell 2000 is now down 38%. Meanwhile, the Dow is down 33% and the S&P 500 is off 39% for 2008.
Crude oil prices took a hit today, with futures down 5% and the price of crude slipping back below $52 a barrel. Energy shares were a major drag on the overall market performance today, with the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund off some 1.7%.
Tech stocks started out the day in a dour mood following declines in Europe when major chip-maker STMicroelectronics lowered its outlook. Tech shares persistently trailed major indices today and the tech-laden Nasdaq 100 dipped 0.6%. Europe shares struggled in general today following news that unemployment rates in the Eurozone tumbled to 20-month highs and confidence tumbled to 15-year lows.
Dow component Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT) – the only Dow stock up for the year – took a 1.4% hit today, perhaps tied to news that an employee was killed in the rush of Black Friday shoppers when a store in New York opened early this morning. Four shoppers, including a pregnant woman, were also treated for injuries in the stampede incident, adding a new somber meaning to the “Black Friday” moniker. The S&P Retail Index was down 1.7% today, perhaps a caution sign for not just retailers, but the overall consumer spending mentality heading through year-end. However, there remains a sense that much of the “bad news” about the holiday season and the . . .
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