US Stock Market Remains Flat Amid Earnings Concerns
The US stock market experienced a subdued trading day on Monday, with share prices remaining relatively unchanged due to concerns over earnings. The Dow Jones Industrials and the S&P 500 indices both saw slight declines, while the NYSE saw a higher number of decliners compared to advancers. Several major companies, including Dell and IBM, faced earnings-related challenges, contributing to the market's cautious tone.
Key Takeaways:
- The Dow Jones Industrials fell 13.04 points to 9,890.51 on the New York Stock Exchange, with a trading volume of 656 million shares.
- The S&P 500 declined 2.28 points to 1,297.01, with NYSE decliners outnumbering advancers 1,723 to 1,208.
- Dell's stock price dropped 2 3/8 to 37 7/8 after a revenue forecast cut by Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette.
- IBM's stock price declined sharply on Friday due to revenue concerns, with Morgan Stanley cutting its target price to $195 from $210.
- Charles Payne, head analyst at Wall Street Strategies, stated that investors were seeking earnings-related help, amidst a general cautious market sentiment.
- Microsoft's stock price rose 1 5/8 to 172 13/16, following reports that the company was willing to reach a settlement on its ongoing antitrust suit with the Justice Department.
- The merger between Comcast Corp. and MediaOne Group Inc. was announced, with Comcast agreeing to purchase the cable system operator in a $60 billion stock deal.
Statistics:
- Dow Jones Industrials: -13.04 points to 9,890.51
- S&P 500: -2.28 points to 1,297.01
- Trading volume on the NYSE: 656 million shares
- Decliners vs. advancers on the NYSE: 1,723 to 1,208
- Revenue forecast cut by Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette for Dell: 15 cents per share to 17 cents per share
- Morgan Stanley's target price cut for IBM: $195 from $210
Sources:
- Market News International
- Wall Street Strategies
- PRNewswire