US stocks ended mostly higher in a choppy session, powered by a rally in Apple shares a day after the iPad maker’s strong results, though tensions in Ukraine limited gains.
Based on the latest available data, the Dow Jones industrial average was unchanged to end unofficially at 16,501.65. The S&P 500 gained 3.22 points or 0.17 percent, to 1,878.61. The Nasdaq Composite added 21.372 points or 0.52 percent, to close at 4,148.338.
Fears of escalating conflict between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine have risen since Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region last month, and armed protesters in eastern Ukraine have captured several towns.
European stock markets rebounded from earlier weakness stemming from the Ukraine tensions on signs of a resurgence in corporate takeover activity. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index, which hit a near 6-year high of 1,355.29 points earlier this month, closed up 0.3 percent at 1,343.27 points.
The MSCI world equity index, which tracks shares in 45 nations, rose 0.75 points or 0.18 percent, to 413.35.
The dollar index, which tracks the greenback versus a basket of six currencies, fell 0.046 points or 0.06 percent, to 79.809. The dollar was last down 0.21 percent against the yen at 102.3100.
US Treasuries prices edged lower after the data showing stronger-than-expected US durable goods orders reduced safe-haven bids, but the concerns over Ukraine limited losses. The 10-year Treasury note was last down 2/32 to yield 2.695 percent.
Oil prices were higher. Brent crude for June delivery added $1.38 to $110.50 a barrel, while US crude gained 59 cents to $102.03.
Gold futures for June delivery were last up 0.54 percent, at $1,291.6 an ounce.
buenosairesherald.com