U.S. Stocks Fluctuate as Declines in Metals Offset ISM-Chicago

Posted by admin on December 30, 2009 under Articles | Read the First Comment

By Rita Nazareth

Dec. 30 (Bloomberg) — U.S. stocks drifted between gains and losses as lower metal prices dragged down commodity producers, offsetting a report showing that companies expanded more than anticipated in December.

Barrick Gold Corp. retreated as a stronger dollar weighed on gold prices. Apple Inc. rallied 1 percent to lead technology companies to the biggest advance among 10 industries after Kaufman Bros. LP lifted its share-price estimate. Benchmark indexes recovered most of an early slump after the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago Inc. said its business barometer rose to 60, the highest level since January 2006.

full story at http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=axM.er0YjjKI&pos=2