GM, Ford Beat Monthly Sales Forecasts; Factory Orders Slip

General Motors (GM) shares were on watch after the automaker reported a 3 percent increase in domestic sales in May compared to an expected 1 percent decline. Ford (F) also beat estimates, falling at a slower-than-expected pace in May. Auto sales slid 1.3 percent, a far narrower drop than an expected 3.3 percent decline. Plug Power (PLUG) jumped after the alternative fuel-cell developer announced an expansion contract with Wal-Mart (WMT) Canada to outfit its Alberta distribution center. Factory orders in April fell 0.4 percent after a revised 2.2 percent jump in March. Economists had expected the measure to remain unchanged. Stocks were slightly lower.