Stocks have pushed high enough that investors have to plan for a pullback in the not-too-distant future.
MSN Money's Charley Blaine explains what the latest reports mean and whether it's safe for investors to move back into this sector.
Crude oil prices have been rising in recent weeks as tensions over Syria have risen. So far, gasoline prices at the pump are little changed. 'So far' is the operative phrase.
Apple is the most valuable company after shares jump more than 19% since mid-April. The catalyst: the company's decision to boost its dividend 15% and buy back billions of dollars in shares.
The Dow briefly tops 15,000, and the broader S&P 500 tops 1,600 for the first time after the government reports 165,000 jobs created in April, more than expected. The unemployment rate drops to 7.5%.
Stocks recovered just about all of Wednesday's losses. But the big drama comes Friday when the government issues its April jobs report. A bad report could hurt the market.
The big question is how long will the swoon last. The central bank remains worried that moderate economic growth isn't good enough, while growth world-wide is stallling.
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TOP STOCKS
Fund managers purchased these names the most during the first quarter.
MARKET DISPATCHES
The Market Dispatches column has been discontinued. Here's where to find the latest stock and business news on MSN Money, and the latest from market writer Charley Blaine.
FRUGAL COOL
Starting Monday, this site is joining forces with MSN Money Smart Spending. Here's why.
MONEY & POLITICS
Breaking up big banks is an untested solution to the too big to fail problem that attempts to isolate and dismantle large, troubled institutions while protecting the rest of the economy.
SMART SPENDING
Yes, sometimes retail therapy has a place. Just try to be aware of shopping to beat the blues, and don't overspend.
SMART TAXES
The IRS is struggling to combat identify thieves who file fraudulent tax returns in the names of older residents who don't need to file.
