On Thursday, at the end of session, US stocks stopped falling as in early trading, and their changes during the day were insignificant and in different directions amid statistical data and quarterly reports of companies, reports MarketWatch.
Index of Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 5.41 points (0.03%), to 17 745.98 points. Standard & Poor's 500 rose 0.06 points (less than 0.01%), up to 2108.63 points. Nasdaq Composite added 17.05 points (0.33%) and amounted to 5128.78 points.
US GDP in the 2nd quarter of 2015 rose 2.3% in annual terms, according to preliminary data of the Ministry of Commerce.
Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg, on average, had forecasted an increase in the US economy for April-June by 2.5%. The indicator for the 1st quarter of this year has been significantly improved; it increased by 0.6% from the previously announced reduction of 0.2%.
The number of Americans who first applied for unemployment benefits last week increased by 12 thousand, from 255 000 the lowest level since November 1973, to 267 000. Experts expect growth in the number of applications by 15 000, to 270 000.
Shares of the social network Facebook Inc (NASDAQ: FB) fell 2.1%. Facebook, after the closing session, reported revenue growth of 39% in the 2nd quarter, which was better than market expectations, but the company's net profit declined by 9% due to the high costs.
On Thursday, more than 50 companies included in Standard & Poor's 500, published statements. Among those already unveiled their financial situation, about 75% of the companies exceeded expectations for profit and 50% for the revenue.
Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg, on average, believe that corporate profits of S&P 500 in the 2nd quarter fell 4% in annual terms. In early July, the index was expected to decline by 6.4%.
Shares of coal miner Arch Coal jumped 8.6%.
Capitalization of Oshkosh Corp., which produces armored vehicles, declined 7.7% after Credit Suisse analysts have worsened recommendations for its shares to "below market level."
American Procter & Gamble Co (NYSE: PG), the world's largest manufacturer of consumer goods, reduced market value by 4%. Net income in the 4th fiscal quarter fell by almost 5 times.
Their rival, Colgate-Palmolive Co (NYSE: CL), reduced net income in the 2nd quarter by 7.7% and shares fell 2.2%.