Stocks Down After Fed Cuts Rate

Stocks closed down across the board with the 1/4 point rate cut announcement from the Fed. A large intraday DJIA rally was sparked initially by the cut, then further Fed comments clearly signaled a pause in rate cuts. A volatile day to say the least.p>

The Dow loss -11.81, the Nasdaq Composite rose -13.30 , and the S&P 500 fell -5.35.

General Motors
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  had its largest gain in 3 years on the back of lower than expected losses.  GM gained as much as 14% in NYSE trading.

Citigroup
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falls on $4 billion share sales.  This dilutes the value of the shares causing a drop of  3.4% today adding to 2008’s losses.

Loblaw
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(Canada) rockets up, as the Canadian supermarket chain posts its largest gain in more than 20 years. Announcing its intention to take on Wal-Mart Stores.

Starbucks
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Announced a sharp curtailing of store openings at the close.  The stock is reacting very positively on the news.

Market Snapshot

Dow

-11.81 12820.13

NASDAQ

-13.30 2412.80

S&P 500

-5.35 1385.59

Economic
News

GDP Adv. (Q1): Actual 0.6%, Consensus 0.5%

Chicago PMI (Q1): Actual 48.3 Consensus 47.5