December 1, 2015: Markets opened higher on again on Tuesday and, unlike yesterday, held on to the gains for the most of the day. Equities took their cue from markets in Asia and Europe, both broadly higher today. WTI crude for January delivery traded up about 0.5% today to settle at $41.85 per barrel. Gold for February delivery traded down up about 0.2% to settle at $1,063.50 for the day. Equities were headed for a higher close shortly before the closing bell as the DJIA traded up 0.85% for the day, the S&P 500 traded up 0.97%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded up 0.85%.
The DJIA stock posting the largest daily percentage gain ahead of the close Tuesday was UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE: UNH) which traded up 3.05% at $116.15. The stock’s 52-week range is $95.00 to $126.21. Trading volume was about 30% below the daily average of around 4.5 million. The insurance company’s CEO said today that the company made a bad decision by offering Obamacare coverage too early and added that the company may still withdraw.
Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK) traded up 2.77% at $54.48. The stock’s 52-week range is $45.69 to $63.62. Trading volume was about 30% below the daily average of about 12.2 million. An analyst at Barclays had positive words to say about Merck and a few other major pharmaceutical companies.
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) traded up 2.46% at $33.58. The stock’s 52-week range is $28.47 to $36.46. Trading volume was about 10% above the daily average of about 33.4 million. The company had no specific news today, but investors continue to like the proposed merger and tax inversion with Allergan.
The Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) traded up 1.52% at $147.66. The stock’s 52-week range is $115.14 to $158.83. Volume was about 30% below the daily average of around 3.6 million shares traded. The aerospace giant had no specific news today.
Of the Dow 30 stocks 26 are set to close higher today and 4 are on track to close lower.
ALSO READ: America’s Best and Worst States to Live In
The #1 Thing to Do Before You Claim Social Security (Sponsor)
Choosing the right (or wrong) time to claim Social Security can dramatically change your retirement. So, before making one of the biggest decisions of your financial life, it’s a smart idea to get an extra set of eyes on your complete financial situation.
A financial advisor can help you decide the right Social Security option for you and your family. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you optimize your Social Security outcomes.
Have questions about retirement or personal finance? Email us at [email protected]!
By emailing your questions to 24/7 Wall St., you agree to have them published anonymously on a673b.bigscoots-temp.com.
By submitting your story, you understand and agree that we may use your story, or versions of it, in all media and platforms, including via third parties.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
