October 20, 2015: Markets opened lower on again on Tuesday as investors trailed along after mixed Asian and European equities markets. In Europe prospects for further central bank easing dimmed, while in Shanghai prospects brightened for additional government stimulus. Equities were headed for a mixed close shortly before the closing bell as the DJIA traded down 0.03% for the day, the S&P 500 traded down 0.09%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded down 0.49%.

The DJIA stock posting the largest daily percentage loss ahead of the close Tuesday was International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM) which traded lower by 5.77% at $140.63. The stock’s 52-week range is $140.27 to $176.30, and the low was posted today. Trading volume was more than 4 times the daily average of around 4.2 million. The tech giant reported weak earnings after markets closed last night.

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE: MRK) traded down 2.01% at $50.37. The stock’s 52-week range is $66.55 to $97.20. Trading volume was about 45% below the daily average of around 12.8 million. The company had no specific news today.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) traded down 1.46% at $33.99. The stock’s 52-week range is $28.00 to $36.46. Trading volume was about half the daily average of around 26.3 million. The stock was upgraded by Cowen today, but overall weakness in biotech cancelled out a potential share price gain.

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) traded down 1.03% at $76.20. The stock’s 52-week range is $51.29 to $76.92. Trading volume was about a third below the daily average of around 9 million. The credit card issuer had no specific news today.

Of the Dow 30 stocks 17 are set to close lower today and 13 are on track to close higher.

ALSO READ: The 10 Worst States for Women

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.