Market Focus 4/22/2010

Stock Market Closing Prices – 4/22/10

Dow ( DJIA ) Close - 11134.29 +9.37
Nasdaq Stock Market Close – 2519.07 +14.46
S&P 500 Close – 1208.67 +2.74

Commodities Closing Prices – 4/22/10

Gold Close - 1139.10 -3.20
Oil Close – 83.65 -0.05
Natural Gas – 4.12


The stock market down in the morning on Greek debt fears , recovered and closed modestly higher after President Barack Obama's speech on financial reform contained no unpleasant surprises. Prices also got a boost from a jump in sales of existing homes last month.

Stronger corporate earnings have brought an important signal that the economy is recovering. But not all the numbers have been as strong as investors would like.

Amazon predicted second- quarter earnings that missed analysts’ estimates, signaling the online retailer’s profitability may come under pressure as consumers’ tastes shift to digital books and movies. Amazon shares were off 5.9% to $141.69 after hours.

Microsoft reported third-quarter revenue that missed analysts’ most optimistic predictions, Microsoft was down 3.1% to $30.42 after hours.

While Microsoft and Amazon.com shares were struggling, shares of American Express and Capital One were higher on better-than-expected earnings.

American Express, which closed up 1.7% to $46.77 in regular trading, rose an additional 1.5% after hours to $47.50.
Meanwhile, Capital One shares were up 5.6% after hours to $48.10 after rising 1.8% in regular trading to $45.55.

Stock Market April 23, 2010

U.S. durable goods orders for March. 8:30 a.m.
U.S. new home sales for March. 10 a.m.

Honeywell scheduled to report quarterly results. Before market open.
Schlumberger to report quarterly results. Before market open.