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Stocks end mixed after mixed economic reports

06:04, 1969-Dec-31 .. 0 comments .. Link

Stocks end mixed after mixed economic reports,<a href="http://www.atmpart.com.cn">ATM Parts</a> Stocks end mixed after mixed economic reports NEW YORK -- Mixed economic reports held the stock market to only energy saving lampmodest moves Friday #xbut gains for the week were strong.

Uneven figures on retail sales and consumer confidence gave investors little new insight into the economy.

The reports weren't enough to propel the market higher a day after the Standard & Poor's 500 index closed at its highest level in 17 months. That index slipped Friday, but the Dow Jones industrial average tacked on nearly 13 points.

Major stock indicators climbed for the week after investors grew more upbeat about the health of banks. Shares of Citigroup Inc. rose 13.4 percent for the week.

Stocks had been modestly higher at the start of trading Friday energy saving lampafter a surprising increase in February retail sales. The Commerce Department said retail sales rose 0.3 percent last month. Analysts had expected a drop.

A weaker report on consumer sentiment disappointed traders. The preliminary Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for March fell to 72.5 from 73.6 in late February.

Investors also were displeased with the Commerce Department's report that inventories were unchanged. Economists had forecast an increase. Analysts are hoping that businesses will restock store shelves on a consistent basis, which would be a positive signal for the economy.

The reports come as investors look for more signs about the economy's direction. The market bounced higher in the prior week after the Labor Department said employers cut fewer jobs in February#x than economists had expected. But energy saving lamptrading has been more subdued since. 相关的主题文章：