Stocks slip off their best levels in a broad-based retreat but
continue to post formidable gains. Within the S&P 500, 78% of
components are in positive territory. Heavy-weights Exxon Mobil (XOM
93.90, +1.23) and General Electric (GE 32.54, +0.41) are leading the
way. Microsoft (MSFT 29.66, -0.33) and Anheuser Busch (BUD 50.46,
-1.27) are the worst-performing names.
European markets ended their session with solid gains, as oil and
commodity stocks provided leadership. London's FTSE advanced 1.2%,
France's CAC rose 1.0% and Germany's DAX gained 1.3%.