February 19, 2015: Markets opened lower for a third consecutive day on Thursday after Wednesday night’s report on a huge build in crude oil inventories. New claims for unemployment benefits rose less than expected last week, crude oil inventories rose sharply again, and natural gas supplies now exceed supplies for the same period in 2014. Indexes were headed toward a mixed close. Shortly before the closing bell the DJIA traded down 0.26% for the day, the S&P 500 traded down 0.14%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded up 0.34%.

The DJIA stock posting the largest daily percentage loss ahead of the close Thursday was Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) which traded down 3.15% at $83.57. The stock’s 52-week range is $72.61 to $90.97. Trading volume was about 2.5-times the daily average of around 7 million shares. The retailer reported earnings this morning and offered weaker guidance due to a wage increase for hourly workers.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) traded down 1.84% at $83.24. The stock’s 52-week range is $78.81 to $111.46. Trading volume was about 25% below the daily average of around 6.6 million shares. The heavy machinery maker reported January sales fell 14% after a drop of 12% in December.

American Express Co. (NYSE: AXP) traded down 1.81% at $78.33. The stock’s 52-week range is $77.12 to $96.24. Trading volume was more than 4-times the daily average of around 6 million shares. A federal judge ruled against Amex in a case related to its credit card usage fees.

Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX) traded lower by 1.63% at $108.64. The stock’s 52-week range is $98.88 to $135.10. Trading volume was about 20% below the daily average of around 9.5 million shares. The company had no specific news today, but oil prices slipped again today.

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

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