The Dow is relatively unchanged today following some mixed U.S. economic reports. At the midway point of the trading day, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI -0.98%) is up 15 points, or 0.11%, to 13,406. The S&P 500 (^GSPC -0.46%) is up 0.27% to 1,463.
There were four U.S. economic releases this morning:
|
Report |
Period |
Actual |
Previous |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Nonfarm payrolls |
December |
155,000 |
161,000 |
|
Unemployment rate |
December |
7.8% |
7.8% |
|
ISM nonmanufacturing index |
December |
56.1% |
54.7% |
|
Factory orders |
November |
0% |
0.8% |
Source: Marketwatch U.S. Economic Calendar.
This morning the Department of Labor reported that the U.S. added 155,000 jobs in December. That's slightly less than last month's 161,000 and below analyst expectations of 160,000 but right in line with the yearly average of 155,000. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 7.8%. For the unemployment rate to decline substantially, the economy will have to add at least 200,000 to 250,000 jobs per month.
US Change in Nonfarm Payrolls data by YCharts.
Next up, the Institute for Supply Management's nonmanufacturing index rose from 54.7 to 56.1. A reading of more than 50 indicates economic expansion. Analysts had expected the index to remain unchanged.
Lastly, the Department of Commerce reported that factory orders were unchanged in November, down from 0.8% growth in October and below analyst expectations of 0.3% growth. While orders were fewer than expected, if the transportation sector were excluded -- particularly military and commercial aircraft -- then orders rose 2%.
Given the mixed economic reports, it's no surprise that the market is relatively unchanged.
Today's Dow Leader
Disney (DIS -1.01%) is leading the Dow today, up 1.8% to $52.14. There's no specific news driving the stock today. Disney was the third-best Dow stock of 2012, up 32.8% over the course of the year. The stock crushed 2012 on account of its outperforming ESPN division, the success of the Avengers movie, and all-around good results.
