February 1, 2016: Markets opened lower on Monday following on the worst manufacturing data to come out of China in more than three years. From a weak start equities perked up in the afternoon and as we approach the closing bell only the energy and financial sectors are showing a loss for the day. WTI crude oil for March settled down about 6.3% today, at $31.62, a loss of $2 a barrel from Friday’s settlement. April gold, the most active contract, traded up 1% to settle at $1,128.00 for the day, its highest settlement in nearly three months. Equities were headed for a slightly higher close shortly before the closing bell as the DJIA traded up0.13% for the day, the S&P 500 traded up 0.18%, and the Nasdaq Composite also traded up 0.35%.
The DJIA stock posting the largest daily percentage gain ahead of the close Monday was American Express Co. (NYSE: AXP) which traded up 2.60% at $54.89. The stock’s 52-week range is $52.15 to $86.18. Volume rose to about 5% above the daily average of around 7.7 million shares. The credit card issuer had no specific news today, but after a tough week today’s action could have been buying the dip.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) traded up 2.06% at $67.72. The stock’s 52-week range is $56.30 to $88.00. Volume was about equal to the daily average of around 11.8 million shares traded. The world’s largest retailer had no specific news again today.
Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) traded up 2.17% at $63.36. The stock’s 52-week range is $45.35 to $68.19. Trading volume was about 30% below the daily average of around 9.8 million. The athletic gear maker had now specific news today.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) traded up 1.92% at $50.93 The stock’s 52-week range is $38.06 to $51.02, and the high was posted today. Trading volume was about 60% above the daily average of around 15 million. The telecom giant continued a two-stretch of nearly unbroken daily share price gains.
Of the Dow 30 stocks 29 are set to close higher today and just 1 (Pfizer) is on track to close lower.
Want to Retire Early? Start Here (Sponsor)
Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?
Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.