May 12, 2016: Markets opened higher on Thursday despite the report that new claims for unemployment benefits had risen more than expected. Equities drifted below the break-even line by mid-morning and stayed there until mid-afternoon. Telecom, basic materials, and consumer staples led the late gains. WTI crude oil for June delivery settled at $46.70 a barrel, up about 1% for the day and a second consecutive 6-month high. June gold fell 0.39% on the day to settle at $1,271.20. Equities were headed for a mixed close shortly before the closing bell as the DJIA traded up 0.14% for the day, the S&P 500 traded up 0.06%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded down 0.36%.

The DJIA stock posting the largest daily percentage gain ahead of the close Thursday was Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) which traded up 1.77% at $58.02. The stock’s 52-week range is $47.25 to $68.19. Trading volume was about 30% below the daily average of around 9.3 million. The athletic gear maker released corporate social responsibility positions this morning.

The Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) traded up 1.23% at $134.64. The stock’s 52-week range is $102.10 to $150.59. Trading volume was more than 3 times the daily average of around 4.9 million. The aerospace giant had no specific news Thursday, one day after its investor day conference.

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) traded up 1.19% at $51.65. The stock’s 52-week range is $39.72 to $56.85. Volume was about 30% below the daily average of around 30 million shares. The software giant had no specific news Thursday.

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) traded up 0.81% at $77.93. The stock’s 52-week range is $60.00 to $81.73. Volume was about 25% lower than daily average of around 8.3 million shares. The credit card company had no specific news.

Of the Dow 30 stocks 19 are set to close higher Thursday and 11 are on track to close lower.

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