Stocks were little changed Monday, as traders mulled a warning from AMD, a stronger than expected monthly jobs report and a steep drop in oil prices.
AMD shares rose despite news that its price war with Intel remains fierce, as traders focused instead on the company’s plans to reduce costs. Intelshares gained on the day too. Both companies will report full results later this month, Intel on April 17 and AMD on April 19.
A stronger than expected March jobs gain, meanwhile, eased slowdown fears but sparked inflation concerns, while a big drop in oil prices helped limit downside.
Stratagenesurged 26% on news that it will be acquired by Agilent, while Embarcadero Technologiesedged higher on a private equity buyout deal.
NetLogicgained 9% after raising guidance.
SteelCloudclimbed 16% on a server deal with the U.S. Postal Service.
Vonagelost 10% after losing another legal round.
Sourcefire, Intermecand Sanminadropped on their outlooks.
International Rectifierfell on accounting concerns.
The Nasdaq lost 2 to 2469, the S&P 500 added 1 to 1444, and the Dow gained 9 to 12,569. Volume rose to 2.35 billion shares on the NYSE, and 1.8 billion on the Nasdaq. Declining issues led by a 16-15 margin on the NYSE, and 17-13 on the Nasdaq. Upside volume was 57% on the NYSE, and 56% on the Nasdaq. New highs-new lows were 295-21 on the NYSE, and 168-63 on the Nasdaq.