Stocks Mixed Early with Key Data for the Week

Early Monday, stocks moved up and down in mixed markets. European stocks advanced while stocks in Asia lowered. As second quarter comes to close, majority of investors are still at a crossroads since 30% of the market in the last three months shows “less bad” economic data. As a result, the investors became skeptical of the recovery in the economy and desire more concrete growth signs.

Investors bought up Treasuries and their actions send yields lower and reflected the wary outlook of the market.

 Investors are beginning this holiday-shortened week with a cautious note. The government’s report (due Thursday) for monthly employment is still the most closely watched gauge of the economy’s health since it is tied to consumer spending and many other facets of the country’s economy. Also, investors will get readings on manufacturing and consumer confidence this week.

The industrial average of Dow Jones rose .2% or 20.55 to 8,458.94 in early morning trading. Also, Nasdaq composite index fell .4% or 6.92 to 1,831.30 while the 500 index of Standard & Poor’s rose .03% or .32 to 919.22.

With advancing ones on New York Stock Exchange, declining stocks were about even, coming to 150.6 million shares. Analysts revealed that it will be a rocky market again this week because investment managers are trying to square their portfolios early.

Bond prices rose, yield on 10-year Treasury note benchmark (moving opposite of its price) dropped to be 3.46% compared to late Friday’s 3.53%. Gold prices fell and once again, the dollar was mixed against the other major currencies.

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