Market Watch 3/02/10

Stock Market Closing Prices – 3/02/10

Dow Jones Industrial Average ( DJIA ) Close – 10405.98 +2.19
Nasdaq Stock Market Close – 2280.79 +7.22
S&P 500 Close – 1118.31 +2.60

Commodities Closing Prices – 3/02/10

Gold Close – 1136.90 +19.10
Oil Close – 79.48 -0.20
Natural Gas – 4.72

Stocks extend gains after merger activity, improved economic reports overseas boost confidence.

More merger activity and a plan by Qualcomm Inc. to buy back stock brought reassurance that business leaders expect the recovery to continue.

Major stock indexes stand at their highest levels in more than a month but the gains have come in light trading volume. That indicates many investors are staying out of the market as they await more evidence about the economy.

Tomorrow’s report and event,

Costco -- COST
ADP Employement - February 2010 - 8:15am EST
Fed Beige Book - 2:15pmEST
The President’s Health Care Reform Proposal