Stocks: Economy in focus

@CNNMoneyInvest December 27, 2011: 8:46 AM ET
premarkets

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NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- U.S. stocks were poised for a flat open Tuesday as investors continued to look for positive economic news.

The Dow Jones industrial average (INDU), S&P 500 (SPX) and Nasdaq (COMP) futures were mixed. Stock futures indicate the possible direction of the markets when they open at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Stock markets in the United States and Europe were closed Monday for the Christmas holiday.

While many investors have already closed their books for the year, the next few trading days could determine whether the major indexes end 2011 with gains or losses.

On Friday, investors pushed the S&P 500 back into positive territory for 2011 and the Dow up 6% for the year.

Trading is expected to be choppy over the next few days as volume will be light with many market participants off for the week.

Economy: After the market open, a report on consumer confidence will be released, providing investors with data on how Americans are feeling about the economy.

Case-Shiller home prices for October are set for release ahead of the opening bell.

Companies: On Monday, Sony (SNE) said it would end its joint venture in liquid crystal display panels with Samsung Electronics.

Sears Holdings (SHLD, Fortune 500) on Tuesday reported a sharp drop in holiday sales compared to a year ago, and said the results will force it to close 100 to 120 Sears and Kmart stores.

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World markets: European stocks were higher in afternoon trading. The DAX (DAX) in Germany added 0.3% and France's CAC 40 (CAC40) edged up 0.2%. London's market remained closed.

Asian markets ended mixed. The Shanghai Composite (SHCOMP) fell 1.1% and Japan's Nikkei (N225) fell 0.5%. Hong Kong's market was closed.

Currencies and commodities: The dollar lost strength against the euro, the British pound and the Japanese yen.

Oil for February delivery rose 19 cents to $99.87 a barrel.

Gold futures for February delivery lost $10.10 to $1,595.90 an ounce.

Bonds: The price on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury was little changed, with the yield holding steady at 2.03% from late Friday.  To top of page

Index Last Change % Change
Dow 32,627.97 -234.33 -0.71%
Nasdaq 13,215.24 99.07 0.76%
S&P 500 3,913.10 -2.36 -0.06%
Treasuries 1.73 0.00 0.12%
Data as of 6:29am ET
Company Price Change % Change
Ford Motor Co 8.29 0.05 0.61%
Advanced Micro Devic... 54.59 0.70 1.30%
Cisco Systems Inc 47.49 -2.44 -4.89%
General Electric Co 13.00 -0.16 -1.22%
Kraft Heinz Co 27.84 -2.20 -7.32%
Data as of 2:44pm ET
Overnight Avg Rate Latest Change Last Week
30 yr fixed3.80%3.88%
15 yr fixed3.20%3.23%
5/1 ARM3.84%3.88%
30 yr refi3.82%3.93%
15 yr refi3.20%3.23%
Rate data provided
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