This morning's trading was looking solid enough and had enough overseas support with gains in Europe that it seemed as though we were going to have a rock solid end to one of the best performing quarters in years. The Russell trade and the quarter-end failed to help. A quiet ISM-prelude from Chicago Purchasing Managers was one thing, but a weak consumer confidence took the wind out of the sails of the bulls. The good news is that shares managed to close off their lows, but it still wasn't an up day. Here were today's unofficial closing bell levels:
Dow 8,448.06 -81.32 (-0.95%)
S&P 500 919.47 -7.76 (-0.84%)
Nasdaq 1,835.04 -9.02 (-0.49%)
Top Analyst Upgrades
Top Analyst Downgrades
Apollo Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOL) was good enough on the surface. The company posted its first $1 billion revenue quarter. This was also solid enough to stir interest in online education peer stocks. Apollo shares were up almost 9% at $71.70 right ahead of the close.
Broadcom Corp. (NASDAQ: BRCM) fell today after it boosted its bid for Emulex Corp. (NYSE: ELX). Based on historic share prices, Emulex may give another cold shoulder to Broadcom. Shares were down 0.5% at $24.79 very late in the trading session today. Emulex shares were down almost 10% late in the day.
General Electric Company (NYSE GE) decided to make a partnership entrance into embryonic stem cells. This opens up a huge new field, as well as a lot of public controversy. GE shares were down 0.5% at $11.71 late in the trading day, while its new partner Geron Corporation (NASDAQ: GERN) was up 17% at $7.79 late in the trading session.
Vical Inc. (NASDAQ: VICL) showed promising swine flu test data in its animal model today and was one of the top rising stocks. Shares were up over 22% at $2.70 before the closing bell.
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