Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over daily movements, we do like to keep an eye on market changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
After snapping its long weekly winning streak last week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI 0.13%) is back in the red today. The index has had a bumpy ride all day, down 0.19% as of 2:25 p.m. EDT. Most of the index's 30 blue-chip stocks are in the red, although one big mover from the industrials sector has managed to keep the index from even worse losses. Let's catch up on all the big stories you need to know.
Caterpillar slows the Dow's drop
Caterpillar's (CAT 1.81%) making the most of a bad day, with shares of the manufacturing giant having jumped 2.1% for the day to lead the Dow. There's not much news on the company, but don't celebrate too soon: Caterpillar and the industrials sector as a whole still face an uphill climb out of the current slump in demand and sluggish global growth among many top markets.
While the U.S. housing rebound bodes well for Caterpillar's comeback, the stock has still lost more than 9% year to date. Shares have been hit hard by Europe's prolonged recession and China's slowdown -- particularly the latter, as Caterpillar counts on the world's second-largest economy heavily for growth.
Cisco's (CSCO +1.95%) also having a good day as investors show some faith ahead of the company's earnings release this Wednesday. The firm is expected to grow revenue by 6% and increase its earnings by double digits in its quarterly report. Revenue has been picking up at a strong clip recently for this major tech titan, and Cisco has capitalized on the big data revolution to cement its place in a growing market. A strong report this week will add to the fire behind this surging stock, which is up more than 28% year to date.
It's not such a good day for Disney (DIS +0.14%) investors, as the entertainment giant's shares have fallen 1.5% to lead the Dow lower today. The stock is the unfortunate recipient of a freak bit of bad news, as a sinkhole opened up and swallowed part of a resort near Walt Disney World late yesterday. It's safe to say that this isn't a long-term threat to Disney's stock, but it's a bizarre way to start the week.
For investors, however, Disney's a top bet in the entertainment industry, with a portfolio full of strong brands from television to films and more. Don't let one fissure in the ground impact your investing thesis.
