February 16, 2018: Markets opened mixed Friday but set a course for solid gains following the report the consumer sentiment had reached its second-highest level in 14 years. Consumers were not fazed by the equity sell-off earlier this month, but far more stoked by the tax cuts.
WTI crude oil for March delivery settled at $61.68 a barrel, up 0.6% for the day and up 4.2% for the week. April gold added less than 0.1% on the day to settle at $1,356.30. Equities were headed for a mixed close close about 10 minutes before the bell as the DJIA traded up 0.38% for the day, the S&P 500 traded up 0.31%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded down 0.01%.
Bitcoin futures (XBTG8) for February delivery traded at $10,040, down about 0.5% on the CBOE after opening at $10,060 this morning. The digital currency’s trading range for the day was $9,740 to $10,320.
The DJIA stock posting the largest daily percentage gain ahead of the close Friday was Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) which traded up 1.90% at $36.39. The stock’s 52-week range is $31.67 to $39.43. Volume was about equal to the daily average of around 20 million shares. The company had no specific news.
UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE: UNH) traded up 1.83% at $230.15. The stock’s 52-week range is $156.49 to $250.79. Volume was about 30% below the daily average of around 3.5 million shares. The company had no specific news.
The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) traded up 1.64% at $106.90. The stock’s 52-week range is $96.20 to $116.10. Volume was about 30% below the daily average of around 9 million. The company’s Marvel Studios release of ‘Black Panther’ could pull in as much as $200 million in its opening weekend.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) traded up 1.57% at $133.29. The stock’s 52-week range is $118.05 to $148.32. Volume was around 6 million shares, about 15% lower than the daily average of about 7.4 million. The company had no specific news Friday.
Of the Dow stocks, 21 are on track to close higher Friday and 9 are set 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
