Market Summary 8/13/2010

Stock Market Closing Prices – 8/13/10

Dow ( DJIA ) Close - 10303.15 -16.80
Nasdaq Close - 2171.48 -16.79
S&P 500 Close – 1079.25 -4.36

Commodities Closing Prices – 8/13/10

Gold Close - 1214.90
Oil Close – 75.39
Natural Gas – 4.33

Stocks fell for a a fourth straight day as investors continued to worry that a fading economy would unleash a wave of deflation.

The Dow fell nearly 17 points to 10303.

Trading volume today was light, as it was all week -- a pretty clear signal that much of the investment community may be on vacation. Traders who were working had little reason to make any major moves because of economic data that remains confusing.

But, if you're a bull, you have to be concerned. A lower close on Friday can translate into a weak open on Monday.

Meanwhile, crude oil was down 35 cents to $75.39. Gold finished down a dime at $1,216.60 an ounce but up 0.6% for the week.

Next week features earnings reports from Wal-Mart (WMT), Target (TGT), Home Depot (HD), Lowe's LOW) and Deere (DE).