Stocks Finish Mixed amid Ugly Jobs News

U.S. stocks closed mixed Friday as a late buying surge trimmed earlier losses that followed a report U.S. nonfarm payrolls fell 651,000 and the unemployment rate rose to 8.1% in February. The Dow Jones industrial average held at the 6500 level, though it fell 6% on the week. The S&P 500 index edged back from a 13-year low, but it logged a 7% loss for the week.

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The employment report created speculation the economy might be near the bottom. But next week's February retail sales report is not likely to support that argument, says S&P MarketScope. More...

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