The market was basically flat today, with the major indexes finishing mixed. The Dow (INDEX: ^DJI) was up 0.14%, while the S&P 500 (INDEX: ^GSPC) and the Nasdaq (INDEX: ^IXIC) were down 0.05% and 0.21%, respectively. No Dow component was up or down as much as 3%. With that as context, let's look at the stocks everybody was talking about.
Online real estate lister Trulia (NYSE: TRLA) made a notable stock market debut today, as its shares closed their first day of trading at an even $24, 41% above its $17 IPO price. It was the first IPO in more than a month. But before you get too excited, my fellow analyst Matt Koppenheffer has some cold water for you. He warns of Trulia's growth without profitability.
Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) announced that it's looking to cut 16,000 jobs within the last six months of the year, targeting a year-end employee count of 260,000. This is all part of its Project New BAC plans, which is an effort to slim down the bank, and refocus it on its core operations. While the job cuts aren't new, the pace of cuts is faster than previously expected. (For a thorough run-down of Bank of America's prospects, click herefor our premium report.)
In its latest effort to more effectively monetize its massive audience, Facebook is going to start charging companies that use its Facebook Offers service. Businesses will now have to pay $5 -- and up, based on the size of the business's audience -- for what was once a free deal service. Regardless of whether this particular attempt works well for Facebook, it's the type of thing you'll see more of from the social network.
It's easy to get caught up in a hot IPO pop like Trulia's, or other daily noise, but good investing requires a longer-term outlook beyond the daily grind. To help, check out "3 Stocks That Will Help You Retire Rich." The free report details three stocks that can help in your quest for the perfect portfolio. Click here to find out their names.
