August 17, 2015: Markets opened lower on Monday before crossing into the green at around mid-morning. The Empire State manufacturing survey posted ugly negative results which like drove the low start. Then consumer discretionary stocks and biotechs picked up the slack. Crude oil for October delivery lost about 1.4% on Monday, while gold gained about 0.3%. Shortly before the closing bell the DJIA traded up 0.31% for the day, the S&P 500 traded up 0.43%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded up 0.73%.

The DJIA stock posting the largest daily percentage gain ahead of the close Monday was UnitedHealth Group Inc.  (NYSE: UNH) which traded up 2.29% at $123.79. The stock’s 52-week range is $80.72 to $126.05. Trading volume was about half the daily average of around 4 million. The company had no specific news today.

The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) traded up 1.69% at $108.97. The stock’s 52-week range is $78.54 to $122.08. About 7 million shares traded hands today, around 15% below the daily average of about 8 million. The House of Mouse is planning to expand Disneyland and Walt Disney World by incorporating Star Wars-themed additions..

McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE: MCD) traded higher by 1.37%% at $100.63. The stock’s 52-week range is $87.62 to $101.10. Trading volume was about 20% below the daily average of around 5.4 million. The company had no specific news today.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) traded up 1.05% at $117.18. The stock’s 52-week range is $98.15 to $134.54. Trading volume was about 25% below the daily average of around 47 million. The company had no specific news today.

Of the Dow 30 stocks 25 are set to close higher today and 5 are on track to close lower.

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