July 29, 2014: Markets opened higher on Tuesday following a modestly better showing from companies reporting earnings before the opening bell. There was no major economic news today and everyone waits to hear from the FOMC after its meeting ends tomorrow. Shortly before closing today the DJIA traded down 0.21% for the day, the S&P 500 traded down 0.27%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded up 0.12%.

The stock posting the biggest percentage drop today was UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE: UNH)  which traded down 1.61% at $84.37. The stock’s 52-week range is $66.72 to $87.24. Share volume was about 30% above the daily average of around 3.7 million shares traded. Rising medical costs reported by a Aetna Inc. (NYSE: AET) put a scare into healthcare investors today.

United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) traded down 1.50% at $107.37 today in a 52-week range of $99.50 to $120.66. Volume was about 25% above the daily average of around 3.4 million shares traded. There was no news on the company today.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) traded down 1.18% at $29.75 in a 52-week range of $27.76 to $3296. Volume was about 15% above the daily average of around 26 million shares. The drug maker posted disappointing second-quarter results this morning.

The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) traded lower by 0.96% at $86.33. The stock’s 52-week range is $60.41 to $87.63. Volume was about 15% above the daily average of around 6 million shares traded. The company had no major news today.

Of the Dow 30 stocks 21 are set to close lower today and 9 are poised to close higher.

ALSO READ: Customer Service Hall of Shame

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.