Stocks started out strong, but despite the lower producer inflation via PPI the markets were mixed and the net result was not certain until the very end of the day. Many of the Warren Buffett stocks and George Soros stocks were among the movers today. One issue affecting stocks ahead is that investors and traders alike are starting to figure out that cost cuts at the likes of what was seen over the last year cannot go on forever, and that benefits can only add so much. Here were today's unofficial closing bell levels:
Dow 10,423.81 +16.85 (0.16%)
S&P 500 1,110.31 +1.01 (0.09%)
Nasdaq 2,203.78 +5.93 (0.27%)
Top Day Trader Alerts
Top Analyst Upgrades/Downgrades
Top Stock/Market Rumors
Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) was up on two issues. First, Warren Buffett added it to his full holdings. Second, it was raised to Overweight at Barclays in a research call.
The Home Depot, Inc. (HD) was down after earnings today, but mostly because of its caution rather than its past quarter. Warren Buffett did not do a repeat trimming of his home-building exposure here. Shares were down almost 3% at $26.84 late in the day.
SunPower Corporation (SPWRA) was clipped after the solar player disclosed an inquiry on accounting irregularities and on at least two downgrades. Shares were down over 18% at $22.10 late in the day.
Semitool, Inc. (SMTL) is up 30% on what has to be record trading volume on the Applied Materials Inc. (AMAT) acquisition for $11.00 per share. Shares were up 30% at $10.96 late in the day.
Playboy Enterprises Inc. (PLA) was down sharply on a release that Golden Gate Capital is not, and will not be, part of the bidding for Playboy. Shares were down 16% at $4.00 late in the day.
Closing Bell: When We All Love the PIIGS (NBG, SQNM, PG, ERTS, KO)
Serious Money: Cheapest Stocks List Shrinks from 26 to 21
Chasing Value: Hasbro Earnings Makes My Point
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