November 14, 2014: Markets opened mixed on Friday following a jump in U.S. consumer sentiment coupled with better-than-expected reports on eurozone GDP. Even oil is performing better today, likely due to the merger talks between two of the three largest oil-field services companies in the world. Gains and losses were modest again as traders are waiting to see which way investors jump. Shortly before the closing bell the DJIA traded down 0.13% for the day, the S&P 500 traded down 0.01%, and the Nasdaq Composite up 0.15%.

The DJIA stock posting the largest daily loss ahead of the close today was Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK) which traded down 0.87% at $59.02. The stock’s 52-week range is $47.61 to $61.33. Volume was about half the daily average of around 10.4 million shares. The company had no news today.

The Travelers Companies Inc. (NYSE: TRV) traded lower by 0.85% at $102.35. The stock’s 52-week range is $79.89 to $103.60. Volume was about 30% below the daily average of around 2 million shares. The company revealed late Thursday that its CEO has been diagnosed with an unspecified neuromuscular condition.

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) traded lower by 0.75% at $249.01. The stock’s 52-week range is $194.84 to $252.43. Volume was about 40% below the daily average of around 2.9 million shares. The DJIA’s most heavily weighted component got an upgrade to Buy at Pacific Crest this morning and the stock’s price target was raised to $305. Investors did not bite.

The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: HD) traded down 0.68% at $98.33. The stock’s 52-week range is $73.96 to $99.36. Trading volume was about 55% below the daily average of around 6.7 million shares. The company had no specific news today.

Of the Dow 30 stocks 15 are set to close lower today and 15 are on track to close higher.

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