Stocks ended a volatile week on a mixed note on Friday, as consumer confidence fell to new lows and diplomatic wrangling over Iraq continued into the weekend.
The Nasdaq slipped fractionally to 1340, the S&P 500 tacked on 1 to 833, and the Dow added 37 to 7859. Volume declined to 1.54 billion shares on the NYSE, and 1.6 billion on the Nasdaq. Advancers led 17-14 on the NYSE, but decliners led 16-14 on the Nasdaq. Upside volume was 51% on the NYSE, but only 42% on the Nasdaq. New highs-new lows were 43-50 on the NYSE, and 46-56 on the Nasdaq.
Adobesurged 8.2% after topping estimates, despite providing a broad guidance range.
Overturefell 12% on rumors that Yahoomight acquire a European competitor – despite the fact that the rumors were denied by Espotting Media, the rumored acquisition target.
Symbol Techfell 13% on news of possible SEC charges.
Blueflysurged 22% on another rescue by George Soros.
WebMDbeat estimates and raised guidance, but fell 11.5% on valuation concerns. Verityalso fell despite beating estimates, and Ameritradelost 9% on a warning.
Amazon.comgained 1.2% as the company expanded its affiliate program to the UK.
Sun, down 2.1%, made a major push into InfiniBand technology.
PeopleSoft, up 1.9%, added IM to its enterprise portal.
SAPgained 2.8% on a change at the top.
Akamaislipped 2.2% on news that it will pay $3.55 million settle a lawsuit.
Citrixrose 1.2% after joining a new mobile alliance.
Netegritygained 14% on takeover rumors.
Microchipfell 8.4% on negative comments by Merrill Lynch.
Two reports gave conflicting views of the health of the IT industry. IDC said the PC sector is improving, but Fortune 1000 IT managers said they remain cautious.
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