Sales of Windows 7 fuel growth for the software giant. Stocks end flat as 3M's decline pushes the Dow lower, but traders appear to be waiting for next week's election and Fed meeting.
Prices continued to fall on worries that the Federal Reserve may not inject as much money into the economy as expected.
A stronger US currency weighed on prices even after the Fed chairman said inflation levels are too low.
Prices rallied past $1,370 as the US dollar weakened.
Stocks turn up -- as the dollar falls -- after the Fed vows to step in to boost economy. Pfizer is buying King Pharmaceuticals. Drilling shares rise after Obama lifts drilling moratorium.
Prices slipped as investors waited for news of more monetary easing from the Federal Reserve.
The Dow nearly hits 11,000 but ends off 19 points. Investors cheer Alcoa results. Retailers see decent September sales. Analysts see the U.S. jobless rate rising to 9.7%.
After hitting a new high early in the day, prices pull back as investors lock in profits ahead of Friday's employment data.
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