August 14, 2014: Markets opened higher on Thursday after a slightly worse-than-expected report on new claims for unemployment benefits.  U.S. export prices were higher in July and natural gas prices rose about 1.6% after inventory data showed a smaller-than-expected increase. Shortly before closing today the DJIA traded up 0.31% for the day, the S&P 500 traded up 0.37%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded up 0.37%.

The Dow 30 stock posting the biggest percentage gain today was The Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) which traded higher by 1.75% at $124.11 today. The stock’s 52-week range is $101.77 to $144.57. Volume was about 10% higher than the daily average of around 4 million shares traded. The company indicated it may up its production schedule for its current 737 model better to compete with rival Airbus and the A320neo.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) traded up 1.72% at $28.69. The stock’s 52-week range is $27.76 to $32.96. Share volume was about 30% below the daily average of around 24.4 million shares traded. Pfizer and rival Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK) both received regulatory approvals on new drugs today. Merck’s shares rose 1.45% today.

The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) which traded up 1.27% at $88.71 in a 52-week range of $60.41 to $88.91 and the high was set this afternoon. Volume was about 10% above the daily average of around 6 million shares traded. There was no big news on the company today, but the House of Mouse keeps chugging merrily along with its “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie still putting fannies in the seats.

The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: HD) traded up 0.88% today at $13.85 in a 52-week range of $72.21 to $83.96, and the high was set today. Volume was about 25% below the daily average of around 6 million shares. The company had no news today.

Of the Dow 30 stocks 22 are set to close higher today and just 8 are poised to close lower.

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