Wal-Mart, Apple Lead DJIA Higher Thursday

May 18, 2017 by Paul Ausick

May 18, 2017: Markets opened lower again Thursday as investors and traders still seemed jittery over developments in Washington. By midday all three major indexes traded in the green led by telecom and energy stocks. WTI crude oil for June delivery settled at $49.35 a barrel, up 0.6% on the day. June gold dropped 0.5% for the day to settle at $1,252.80. Equities were headed for a higher close shortly before the bell as the DJIA traded up 0.37% for the day, the S&P 500 traded up 0.51%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded up 0.79%.

The DJIA stock posting the largest daily percentage gain ahead of the close Thursday was Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) which traded up 3.16% at $77.50. The stock’s 52-week range is $65.28 to $77.66 and the high was posted this afternoon. Volume was about 80% higher than the daily average of around 8.2 million shares. The world’s largest retailer posted an earnings beat this morning and noted a 63% rise in e-commerce sales.

UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE: UNH) traded up 1.84% at $171.97. The stock’s 52-week range is $128.76 to $176.14. Volume was about 15% below the daily average of around 3.4 million shares. The health insurer had no specific news.

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE: MRK) traded up 1.66% at $64.04. The stock’s 52-week range is $54.08 to $66.80. Volume was about 15% above the daily average of around 9 million shares. The company had no specific news.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) traded up 1.59% at $152.64. The stock’s 52-week range is $91.50 to $156.65. Volume was about 15% higher than the daily average of around 24.8 million. The company had no specific news Thursday.

Of the Dow stocks, 21 are on track to close higher Thursday and 9 are set to close lower.

Take This Retirement Quiz To Get Matched With A Financial Advisor (Sponsored)

Take the quiz below to get matched with a financial advisor today.

Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.

Here’s how it works:
1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz
2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.
3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future

Take the retirement quiz right here.

Posted in Investing | Comments Off on Wal-Mart, Apple Lead DJIA Higher Thursday