The Vickers Top Buyers & Sellers is a daily report that identifies the five companies the largest insider purchase transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions as well as the five companies the largest insider sales transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions.

The Vickers Top Buyers & Sellers is a daily report that identifies the five companies the largest insider purchase transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions as well as the five companies the largest insider sales transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions.

Stocks are trading lower on Tuesday morning on some weaker-than-expected economic data as well as growing concerns that AI-related stocks are overbought at this juncture. Specifically, the Conference Board's Leading Economic Index slipped 0.4% in January and was lower than the expected 0.3% drop. The index was down 3.0% over the past six months -- a narrower decline than the preceding six-month period, which fell by 4.1%. Still, with six of the 10 index components being positive over the past six-month period, the index no longer is signaling a recession ahead. Turning to stocks, shares of Nvidia (NVDA) are down today, with the company reporting earnings tomorrow after market close. Despite expectations for positive earnings results, the selloff indicates many investors may be concerned that the shares are due for a pullback following an impressive run this year (which saw shares rise over 50% to an all-time high set last week). Shares of other tech companies which also saw strong gains related to AI prospects are trading lower on overvaluation concerns, including Arm Holdings (ARM), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and Super Micro Computer (SMCI).

Stocks were mostly lower on Wednesday morning amid mixed earnings reports from major companies and new housing market data. The Commerce Department said that U.S. new home sales rose 12.3% to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 759,000 units in September, well above the Reuters consensus forecast of 680,000. On the earnings front, Alphabet posted above-consensus 3Q results, though the shares dropped 9% on concerns about weakness in the company's cloud business. On the positive side, Microsoft shares rose 3% after the company reported strong fiscal 1Q sales and earnings, helped by growth in cloud computing. The Dow rose 0.2%, the S&P fell 0.8%, and the Nasdaq dropped 1.5%. Crude oil fell slightly to $83.50 per barrel, while gold traded near $1987 per ounce.

Monday Tee Up: Labor (The Fed's Other Job)

June was another stellar month for the stock market as the rally finally started to extend beyond just a few big technology names. The S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100 (NDX) tacked on 6.5%, the NASDAQ added 6.6%, the S&P 100 (OEX) rose 6%, the NYSE advanced 6.6%, the S&P MidCap 400 popped 9%, and the Russell 2000 was up 8.1%. These are very consistent monthly index gains for the first time in 2023. For the year, the SPX is up 16%, the NASDAQ has added 32%, the sizzling hot NDX has exploded 39%, and the S&P 100 has added 21%.

Stocks rose on Thursday morning amid new weekly employment data, disappointing results from GameStop, and favorable guidance from used car retailer Carvana. GameStop shares fell 18% after the former meme stock favorite posted lower-than-expected 1Q revenue, canceled its earnings call, and fired its CEO. Carvana shares jumped 23% after the company issued strong second-quarter guidance. The Dow rose 0.3%, the S&P 0.3%, and the Nasdaq 0.9%. Crude oil fell to $72 per barrel while gold rose $24 to $1983 per ounce.

Stocks were higher on Tuesday, but it was the small and midcap stocks that led once again. In just four days, the S&P MidCap 400 (MDY) has popped 5.2% while the Russell 2000 (IWM) has spiked 6.1% -- the biggest four-day rally for the indices since November 2022. Technically, the MDY is in better shape than the IWM. After Tuesday's gain, MDY is above its three-month range of $428 to $461 and is 11.6% from its intraday all-time high from 11/8/21. The IWM has been stuck between $161 and $199 since April 2022 and is 23% from its intraday all-time high (hit on 11/8/21).

Our list this week identifies companies that received an Argus target-price increase in April. As the stock prices of these companies approached their target prices, Argus analysts saw those prices going even higher. We are in the thick of earnings season and our analysts are scouring quarterly reports to evaluate how the companies they follow are doing. With economists busy analyzing economic data to determine whether the economy might slip into recession, companies have been attending to their businesses. Some are weathering current economic conditions better than others. The economic pressures are real - including rising interest rates, inflation, the strong dollar, and wavering consumer spending patterns. These stressors are on top of normal competitive pressures, as companies fight to sell their products and services, outmaneuver peers, and make profits. Looking back at April, our analysts found companies where the business outlook is solid - and went through the mechanics of our valuation framework to adjust target prices upwards. Our framework includes analysis of historical multiples, peer multiples, and future dividends and cash flows. Here are the stocks on which we raised target prices in April. All are rated BUY at Argus.

Earnings Season: A Little Better than Expected, But...

In our commentary on Wednesday, we noted that if the S&P 500 (SPX) lost initial support in the 4,070 area (which it subsequently did by a minor amount), the next cluster of support was down at 4,030. That is where the flat 50-day moving average sits, and is a minor 38.2% retracement of the rally off the March low.

Gaming is growing, both for brick and mortar casinos and for platforms that offer gambling online, including sports betting. At Argus Research, we have BUY ratings on certain gaming stocks -- but are being highly selective at this time. Travel and lodging are making a comeback after COVID-19. Bookings are up across many travel sectors, including airlines and with online booking agencies like Airbnb, Expedia, and Booking Holdings. The big hotel chains confirm that travel demand is up as well. Marriott says leisure travel and group travel are now above pre-pandemic levels and business travel is at 90%. Gaming revenues have been up for 24 consecutive months, according to the American Gaming Association. All gaming segments -- slots, table games, sports betting, iGaming -- show growth. Legislation is also loosening in many states, allowing for more casinos. China lifted long-held COVID-19 restrictions, boosting Macau. Metrics for Las Vegas are up for many indicators, and last week MGM won approval to build a massive new integrated project in Japan, which includes the first casino in the country. Marketing efforts are paying off for online gaming platforms, building awareness and brand loyalty. Below are the select gaming stocks on which we have a BUY rating. Also listed is our Financial Strength rating (with some at Low or Medium Low, which is lower than we normally like). We also show the price performance for the year-to-date.

Stocks rose modestly on Wednesday morning on signs of cooling inflation. The Labor Department reported that its consumer price index rose 5.0% on a year-over-year basis in March, the slowest pace of growth since May 2021. The reading was below the Reuters consensus forecast of 5.2% and down from 6.0% in February. The core CPI, excluding food and energy costs, rose 5.6% from the prior year, in line with the consensus estimate. The Dow rose 0.6%, the S&P 0.5%, and the Nasdaq 0.4%. Crude oil traded near $80.50 per barrel, while gold rose $3 to $2022 per ounce.

Stocks rose modestly on Wednesday morning on signs of cooling inflation. The Labor Department reported that its consumer price index rose 5.0% on a year-over-year basis in March, the slowest pace of growth since May 2021. The reading was below the Reuters consensus forecast of 5.2% and down from 6.0% in February. The core CPI, excluding food and energy costs, rose 5.6% from the prior year, in line with the consensus estimate. The Dow rose 0.6%, the S&P 0.5%, and the Nasdaq 0.4%. Crude oil traded near $80.50 per barrel, while gold rose $3 to $2022 per ounce.

Exactly three weeks ago, the two-year/10-year Treasury yield spread hit -107 basis points (bps), which was the largest inversion since 1981. From mid-1978 until mid-1982, the two/10 spread frequently was inverted and hit its largest level in 1980 at about 200 bps. At the time of the large spread on March 8, the two-year was at its recovery high of 5.05%, while the 10-year was at 3.98%. Since then, the inversion has declined to about 53 bps as the two-year has cratered almost 100 bps while the 10-year has declined 40 bps.

The major equity indices continue to flirt with important support areas. But so far, buying has saved the day. On Wednesday, the S&P 500 (SPX) fell to its 200-day average for the second time in four days and then bounced, albeit only a little. It was the same story for the Nasdaq and the Nasdaq 100. The larger-cap stocks continue to bear the brunt of the selling, and the mid- and small- indices rose.

The Vickers Top Buyers & Sellers is a daily report that identifies the five companies the largest insider purchase transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions as well as the five companies the largest insider sales transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions.

Checking in on the intermediate- to longer-term picture, we are starting to see some positive developments. Yes, the S&P 500 busted above its 200-day average -- but that average is still declining, and we prefer a rising 200-day. The 50-day crossed above the 200-day (slightly) and the 10-week crossed above the 40-week, which are bullish signs and have a high probability of signaling a trend change from bearish to bullish.

Stocks were mixed on Friday morning after a much better-than-expected jobs report raised prospects for additional Fed rate hikes. The Labor Department reported that the U.S. economy added 517,000 payroll jobs in January, up from 260,000 in December and well above the Reuters consensus forecast of 185,000. The official unemployment rate ticked down to 3.4% from 3.5% in December. The Dow rose 0.2%, the S&P fell 0.1%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.1%. Crude oil fell 1% to $75 per barrel, while gold dropped more than 2% to $1880 per ounce.

Stocks extended their Fed-driven rally on Thursday, led by strong gains in the Communication Services, Consumer Discretionary, and Technology sectors. Meta Platforms jumped 23%, despite disappointing 4Q earnings, as investors focused on the company's better-than-expected revenue, cost-cutting efforts, and new share buyback plan. On the employment front, first-time claims for state unemployment benefits fell by 3,000 to 183,000 for the week ended January 28, below the Reuters consensus forecast of 200,000. The data came ahead of the government's January employment report on Friday morning. The consensus estimate calls for 185,000 new payroll jobs, down from 223,000 in December, and an unemployment rate of 3.6%, up from 3.5% a month earlier. The Dow fell 0.11%, the S&P rose 1.47%, and the Nasdaq soared 3.25%. Crude oil traded near $76 per barrel, while gold fell $16 to $1927 per ounce.

Stocks rose on Monday morning, led by gains in the Technology and Communication Services sectors. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index fell 1.0% in December after a 1.1% decline in November. The decline was greater than the Reuters consensus, which called for a drop of 0.7%. Salesforce shares rose 4% on news that activist investor Elliott Management had taken a multibillion dollar stake in the company. The Dow rose 0.8%, the S&P 1.1%, and the Nasdaq 1.6%. Crude oil traded near $82 per barrel, while gold fell $5 to $1923 per ounce.

Stocks were mixed on Wednesday morning as investors weighed earnings reports from Tech heavyweights Alphabet and Microsoft. Alphabet shares fell 7% after the company reported much lower 3Q earnings that came in below the consensus forecast, reflecting weakness in digital advertising. Microsoft shares also fell, despite above-consensus fiscal 1Q results, as growth in the company's cloud business slowed sharply from the prior year. The Dow rose 0.5%, the S&P fell 0.2%, and the Nasdaq fell 1.0%. Crude oil rose nearly 2% to $87 per barrel, while gold rose $16 to $1674 per ounce.

Second-Quarter Earnings Season: First Look

The Vickers Top Buyers & Sellers is a daily report that identifies the five companies the largest insider purchase transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions as well as the five companies the largest insider sales transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions.

Market Slumps as Earnings Roll On

Stocks fell on Tuesday morning as investors weighed hawkish comments on inflation and interest rates from Fed Governor Lael Brainard, along with new services sector data. The Institute for Supply Management said that its nonmanufacturing index rose to 58.3 in March from 56.5 in February. The reading was slightly below the Bloomberg consensus forecast of 58.5. The Dow fell 0.2%, the S&P 0.6%, and the Nasdaq 1.7%. Crude oil traded near $103 per barrel, while gold fell slightly to $1928 per ounce.

In this space last week, we detailed how the then-current data from Vickers Stock Research clearly indicated that corporate insiders had (after weeks of waiting and watching) finally reacted to the 2022 market correction. The data revealed significant bullishness, with the proprietary sentiment readings from Vickers hitting optimistic levels last seen in March of 2020 -- just after the stock market plunged on initial COVID-19 fears. We had no sooner reported the good news last week then we began the obvious speculation, wondering if the bullishness would last or end up being a one-week wonder. So?

October Surprise: Recouping September's Losses

Stocks rose on Thursday morning, a day after the Federal Reserve signaled that it would wait for further economic recovery before paring back its $120 billion per month bond-buying program. The Commerce Department reported that the U.S. economy expanded at a 6.5% annualized rate in 2Q, up from 6.3% in 1Q, but well below the Bloomberg consensus forecast of 8.4%. The Dow rose 0.5%, the S&P 0.5%, and the Nasdaq 0.4%. Crude oil rose 1% to $73 per barrel, while gold traded near $1829 per ounce.

First-Quarter Review and Full-Year 2021 Outlook

Stocks rose on Thursday morning, led by the Technology and Healthcare sectors, as investors weighed more 1Q earnings reports and weekly employment data. The Labor Department said that first-time claims for state unemployment benefits fell sharply to 576,000 for the week ended April 10, down from 769,000 a week earlier and below the Bloomberg consensus forecast of 700,000. Bond yields retreated, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury falling below 1.6%. The Dow rose 0.8%, the S&P 0.8%, and the Nasdaq 1.0%. Crude oil fell slightly to $63 per barrel, while gold traded near $1767 per ounce.

Stocks fell on Thursday morning following mixed earnings from Walmart and disappointing employment data. The Labor Department said that first-time claims for state unemployment benefits rose to 861,000 for the week ended February 13, up from a revised 848,000 a week earlier and well above the Bloomberg consensus forecast of 773,000. Continuing claims of 4.494 million were down from the prior week but above the consensus forecast of 4.425 million. The Dow fell 0.6%, the S&P 0.7%, and the Nasdaq 1.1%. Crude oil fell slightly to $61 per barrel, while gold traded near $1776 per ounce.

Stocks rose on Thursday, rebounding from Wednesday's selloff but also giving up some of their gains late in the session. The Commerce Department reported strong growth in 3Q GDP, which rose at a better-than-expected 33.1% annualized rate. Unemployment claims, still high by historical standards, also trended lower. First-time unemployment benefit claims fell from the prior week to 751,000, below the consensus forecast. Continuing claims totaled 7.756 million, also down from the prior week and below consensus. The Dow rose 0.52%, the S&P 1.19%, and the Nasdaq 1.64%. Crude oil fell more than 3% to $36 per barrel, while gold fell $13 to $1866 per ounce.

Much of the weekly data from Vickers Stock Research suggests that things are pretty much as expected in the world of insider transactions. Earnings season is still underway and the volume of insider transactions is therefore low. As well, most of Vickers' insider indexes and insider sell/buy ratios are either neutral or slightly bearish. That makes sense as insiders jumped in when stock prices cratered on COVID-19 fears, and those same insiders have pulled back as stocks have rebounded. So is there anything of note in current insider activity? Why yes there is.

Stocks rose on Tuesday morning as more state and local governments announced details of their reopening plans. Most notably, California said that it would begin relaxing its lockdown on Friday. Industries trading higher today include automobiles, energy equipment & services, and real estate management & development. Industries trading lower include construction materials and containers & packaging. The VIX fell 3.43 to 32.54. The Dow rose 1.7%, the S&P 1.8%, and the Nasdaq 1.9%. Crude oil traded near $24 per barrel, while gold fell $7 to $1706 per ounce.

Stocks rose on Tuesday morning as more state and local governments announced details of their reopening plans. Most notably, California said that it would begin relaxing its lockdown on Friday. Industries trading higher today include automobiles, energy equipment & services, and real estate management & development. Industries trading lower include construction materials and containers & packaging. The VIX fell 3.43 to 32.54. The Dow rose 1.7%, the S&P 1.8%, and the Nasdaq 1.9%. Crude oil traded near $24 per barrel, while gold fell $7 to $1706 per ounce.

Navigating a New Reality

Navigating a New Reality

Last week was the worst for stocks since the financial crisis. For the week, the S&P 500 plunged 384 points, or 11.5%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 3,583 points, or 12.4%. The S&P 500 started this week 12% from its all-time high. Is a bear market beginning? We don't think so, or at least don't think that stocks will be down too long, as positive fundamentals remain intact. The economy is growing at about a 2% pace; interest rates are at historical lows and the Federal Reserve is ready to act; and corporate earnings are on the upswing, after a down year. Of course, if health officials are unable to contain the coronavirus, then a recession may be coming and a bear market as well. We are somewhat reassured that global health officials have managed previous viral scares such as AIDS, SARS, MERS and Ebola, and stocks have recovered lost ground in a year. So a little bargain hunting may be in order. Here are the 10 BUY-rated stocks under Argus Coverage that dropped the most last week.

Last week was the worst for stocks since the financial crisis. For the week, the S&P 500 plunged 384 points, or 11.5%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 3,583 points, or 12.4%. The S&P 500 started this week 12% from its all-time high. Is a bear market beginning? We don't think so, or at least don't think that stocks will be down too long, as positive fundamentals remain intact. The economy is growing at about a 2% pace; interest rates are at historical lows and the Federal Reserve is ready to act; and corporate earnings are on the upswing, after a down year. Of course, if health officials are unable to contain the coronavirus, then a recession may be coming and a bear market as well. We are somewhat reassured that global health officials have managed previous viral scares such as AIDS, SARS, MERS and Ebola, and stocks have recovered lost ground in a year. So a little bargain hunting may be in order. Here are the 10 BUY-rated stocks under Argus Coverage that dropped the most last week.

U.S. stocks plunged on Monday morning amid rising coronavirus fears after significant new outbreaks in Italy, South Korea, and Iran. Health insurance stocks also fell sharply after Senator Bernie Sanders, whose Medicare for All plan calls for the elimination of private insurance, won the Nevada primary on Saturday and strengthened his lead in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. The Dow fell 3.0%, the S&P 2.8%, and the Nasdaq 3.3%. Crude oil fell 4.5% to $51 per barrel, while gold jumped $28 to trade near $1677 per ounce.

U.S. stocks plunged on Monday morning amid rising coronavirus fears after significant new outbreaks in Italy, South Korea, and Iran. Health insurance stocks also fell sharply after Senator Bernie Sanders, whose Medicare for All plan calls for the elimination of private insurance, won the Nevada primary on Saturday and strengthened his lead in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. The Dow fell 3.0%, the S&P 2.8%, and the Nasdaq 3.3%. Crude oil fell 4.5% to $51 per barrel, while gold jumped $28 to trade near $1677 per ounce.

Stocks rose on Tuesday morning as more state and local governments announced details of their reopening plans. Most notably, California said that it would begin relaxing its lockdown on Friday. Industries trading higher today include automobiles, energy equipment & services, and real estate management & development. Industries trading lower include construction materials and containers & packaging. The VIX fell 3.43 to 32.54. The Dow rose 1.7%, the S&P 1.8%, and the Nasdaq 1.9%. Crude oil traded near $24 per barrel, while gold fell $7 to $1706 per ounce.

Navigating a New Reality

Last week was the worst for stocks since the financial crisis. For the week, the S&P 500 plunged 384 points, or 11.5%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 3,583 points, or 12.4%. The S&P 500 started this week 12% from its all-time high. Is a bear market beginning? We don't think so, or at least don't think that stocks will be down too long, as positive fundamentals remain intact. The economy is growing at about a 2% pace; interest rates are at historical lows and the Federal Reserve is ready to act; and corporate earnings are on the upswing, after a down year. Of course, if health officials are unable to contain the coronavirus, then a recession may be coming and a bear market as well. We are somewhat reassured that global health officials have managed previous viral scares such as AIDS, SARS, MERS and Ebola, and stocks have recovered lost ground in a year. So a little bargain hunting may be in order. Here are the 10 BUY-rated stocks under Argus Coverage that dropped the most last week.

U.S. stocks plunged on Monday morning amid rising coronavirus fears after significant new outbreaks in Italy, South Korea, and Iran. Health insurance stocks also fell sharply after Senator Bernie Sanders, whose Medicare for All plan calls for the elimination of private insurance, won the Nevada primary on Saturday and strengthened his lead in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. The Dow fell 3.0%, the S&P 2.8%, and the Nasdaq 3.3%. Crude oil fell 4.5% to $51 per barrel, while gold jumped $28 to trade near $1677 per ounce.

Stocks were mixed on Thursday morning following a new round of 3Q earnings reports and disappointing capital goods data. The Commerce Department said that core capital goods orders fell 0.5% in September after falling 0.6% in August. The Reuters consensus forecast had called for a smaller 0.2% decline. On the earnings front, Southwest Airlines rose 5% after posting above-consensus earnings, driven by an increase in revenue per available seat mile, while 3M fell 4% after missing the consensus revenue estimate and lowering its full-year guidance. Twitter shares fell nearly 20% after the company posted disappointing third-quarter revenue and EPS. The Dow fell 0.2%, the S&P rose 0.1%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.6%. Crude oil traded near $56 per barrel, while gold rose $9 to $1504 per ounce.

Stocks were mixed on Thursday morning following a new round of 3Q earnings reports and disappointing capital goods data. The Commerce Department said that core capital goods orders fell 0.5% in September after falling 0.6% in August. The Reuters consensus forecast had called for a smaller 0.2% decline. On the earnings front, Southwest Airlines rose 5% after posting above-consensus earnings, driven by an increase in revenue per available seat mile, while 3M fell 4% after missing the consensus revenue estimate and lowering its full-year guidance. Twitter shares fell nearly 20% after the company posted disappointing third-quarter revenue and EPS. The Dow fell 0.2%, the S&P rose 0.1%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.6%. Crude oil traded near $56 per barrel, while gold rose $9 to $1504 per ounce.

Stocks edged higher on Wednesday morning as investors awaited a widely expected interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, along with comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. On the earnings front, Apple shares rose more than 4% after the company posted better-than-expected fiscal 3Q results and provided positive sales guidance for fiscal 4Q. The Dow rose 0.1%, the S&P 0.1%, and the Nasdaq 0.3%. Crude oil rose slightly to about $58 per barrel, while gold fell $2 to $1440 per ounce.

Stocks edged higher on Wednesday morning as investors awaited a widely expected interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, along with comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. On the earnings front, Apple shares rose more than 4% after the company posted better-than-expected fiscal 3Q results and provided positive sales guidance for fiscal 4Q. The Dow rose 0.1%, the S&P 0.1%, and the Nasdaq 0.3%. Crude oil rose slightly to about $58 per barrel, while gold fell $2 to $1440 per ounce.

Stocks rose on Wednesday morning following strong results from Apple and new manufacturing and employment data. The Institute for Supply Management said that its manufacturing index fell to a weaker-than-expected 52.8 in April from 55.3 in March. On the employment front, payroll provider ADP said that U.S. companies created 275,000 jobs in April, up from 151,000 in March and above the Reuters consensus estimate of 180,000. The Dow rose 0.4%, the S&P 0.3%, and the Nasdaq 0.6%. Crude oil fell more than 1% to $63 per barrel, while gold fell slightly to $1284 per ounce.

Stocks rose on Wednesday morning following strong results from Apple and new manufacturing and employment data. The Institute for Supply Management said that its manufacturing index fell to a weaker-than-expected 52.8 in April from 55.3 in March. On the employment front, payroll provider ADP said that U.S. companies created 275,000 jobs in April, up from 151,000 in March and above the Reuters consensus estimate of 180,000. The Dow rose 0.4%, the S&P 0.3%, and the Nasdaq 0.6%. Crude oil fell more than 1% to $63 per barrel, while gold fell slightly to $1284 per ounce.

Stocks edged higher on Monday morning on reports that the U.S. and China were close to reaching a trade deal that would roll back most U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods as well as China's own retaliatory tariffs. On the negative side, U.S. construction data disappointed. The Commerce Department said that U.S. construction spending fell 0.6% in December, down from a 0.8% increase in November and below the Reuters consensus forecast, which called for growth of 0.2%. The Dow was flat, the S&P rose 0.1%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.3%. Crude oil rose $1 to about $57 per barrel, while gold fell $13 to $1286 per ounce.

Stocks edged higher on Monday morning on reports that the U.S. and China were close to reaching a trade deal that would roll back most U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods as well as China's own retaliatory tariffs. On the negative side, U.S. construction data disappointed. The Commerce Department said that U.S. construction spending fell 0.6% in December, down from a 0.8% increase in November and below the Reuters consensus forecast, which called for growth of 0.2%. The Dow was flat, the S&P rose 0.1%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.3%. Crude oil rose $1 to about $57 per barrel, while gold fell $13 to $1286 per ounce.

Stocks edged higher on Wednesday morning as investors awaited a widely expected interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, along with comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. On the earnings front, Apple shares rose more than 4% after the company posted better-than-expected fiscal 3Q results and provided positive sales guidance for fiscal 4Q. The Dow rose 0.1%, the S&P 0.1%, and the Nasdaq 0.3%. Crude oil rose slightly to about $58 per barrel, while gold fell $2 to $1440 per ounce.

Stocks rose on Wednesday morning following strong results from Apple and new manufacturing and employment data. The Institute for Supply Management said that its manufacturing index fell to a weaker-than-expected 52.8 in April from 55.3 in March. On the employment front, payroll provider ADP said that U.S. companies created 275,000 jobs in April, up from 151,000 in March and above the Reuters consensus estimate of 180,000. The Dow rose 0.4%, the S&P 0.3%, and the Nasdaq 0.6%. Crude oil fell more than 1% to $63 per barrel, while gold fell slightly to $1284 per ounce.

Stocks edged higher on Monday morning on reports that the U.S. and China were close to reaching a trade deal that would roll back most U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods as well as China's own retaliatory tariffs. On the negative side, U.S. construction data disappointed. The Commerce Department said that U.S. construction spending fell 0.6% in December, down from a 0.8% increase in November and below the Reuters consensus forecast, which called for growth of 0.2%. The Dow was flat, the S&P rose 0.1%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.3%. Crude oil rose $1 to about $57 per barrel, while gold fell $13 to $1286 per ounce.

Stocks are mixed at midday on Thursday. British Prime Minister Theresa May is facing a backlash over her Brexit deal with the European Union after two cabinet ministers resigned. Meanwhile, the U.S. and China continue trade talks, but uncertainty remains high about whether the two countries will reach an agreement on tariffs. Industries doing well today include Communications Equipment, Energy Equipment & Services, and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment. Industries showing weakness include Automobiles, Auto Components, and Multiline Retail. The Dow fell 0.1%, the S&P rose 0.2%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.6%. Crude oil rose 1% to about $57 per barrel, while gold traded near $1214 per ounce.