Housing Data Flatten Stocks

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted May 19, 2009 8:48 AM CDT
Housing Data Flatten Stocks
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange Thursday, May 14, 2009.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Stocks were flat at the open today, after a disappointing housing starts report. The Dow and Nasdaq inched down 11 and 4 points respectively, while the S&P was essentially flat. Futures had pointed to a higher open, until the Commerce Department announced a greater-than-expected 12.8% dip in housing starts for April. Home Depot, meanwhile, announced a 44% jump in profits, overcoming low sales to top analyst estimates. Bank stocks were slightly higher on news that many would repay government funds. (More stock market stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X