April 20, 2016: Markets opened slightly higher again Wednesday after an oil field strike in Kuwait ended, pushing oil prices down. Asian markets closed mixed on the day. Equities recovered quickly though on a smaller-than-expected rise in U.S. crude inventories. Energy stocks added about 1.5% on Wednesday. WTI crude oil for June delivery settled at $44.18 a barrel, up about 4% for the day. June gold added 10 cents to settle at $1,254.40 for the day. Equities were headed for a higher close shortly before the closing bell as the DJIA traded up 0.36% for the day, the S&P 500 traded up 0.16%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded up 0.26%.
The DJIA stock posting the largest daily percentage gain ahead of the close Wednesday was UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE: UNH) which traded up 2.79% at $134.14. The stock’s 52-week range is $95.00 to $135.11, and the high was posted Wednesday. Trading volume was about 80% higher than the daily average of around 3.5 million. The company reported solid first-quarter results on Tuesday and later said it would get out of the Obamacare business in 22 states.
The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS) traded up 2.89% at $167.35. The stock’s 52-week range is $139.05 to $218.77. Volume was about 20% below the daily average of around 4.8 million shares. The financial sector appears to be Wednesday’s big sector winner, and Goldman led the charge.
24/7 Wall St.American Express Co. (NYSE: AXP) traded up 2.69% at $65.28. The stock’s 52-week range is $50.27 to $81.92. Volume was about 15% below the daily average of around 7.6 million shares traded. The credit card issuer reports earnings after the close Wednesday.
International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM)) traded up 1.58% at $146.28. The stock’s 52-week range is $116.90 to $176.30. Trading volume was about 10% above the daily average of around 5.3 million. The tech giant dragged back some the losses it posted yesterday after a weak earnings report.
Of the Dow 30 stocks 17 are set to close higher on Wednesday and 13 are on track to close lower.
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
