Market Focus 5/3/2010

Stock Market Closing Prices – 5/3/10

Dow ( DJIA ) Close - 11151.83 +143.22
Nasdaq Stock Close – 2498.74 +37.55
S&P 500 Close – 1202.26 +15.58

Commodities Closing Prices – 5/3/10

Gold Close - 1182.70 +0.00
Oil Close – 86.06 -0.13
Natural Gas – 3.99


The Dow jumps 143 as Germany's approval of bailout funds for Greece. Meanwhile, Economic reports signaled that consumer spending and manufacturing are strengthening.

The rally was broad, with strength in automakers, semiconductor and computer companies, real-estate companies and airlines.

UAL and Continental hope to create the world's biggest airline. Investors see corporate dealmaking as a positive sign for the economy.

Worries about the BP’s oil spill helped the oil market. Crude oil rose sharply in the morning to as high as $87.15 but fell back to a close of $86.19, up 4 cents on the day.

Stock Market May 4, 2010

Factory Orders - 10am EST
Pending Home Sales - 10am EST

Pfizer will announce quarterly results. Before market open.
Merck will announce quarterly results. Before market open.
Chesapeake Energy(CHK) will announce quarterly results. After market close.