The markets closed mixed today as news was light along with trading volume. The Dow 30 closed lower by 22, the S&P 500 gained 3, and the Nasdaq 100 was able to post a gain of 23. Monday is a bank holiday in the states and the U.S. markets will be closed. Trading resumes Tuesday as normal.
Deere (NYSE: DE) shares had a wild day of trade today but were able to finish the day higher by 0.96% as the maker of farm equipment announced better than expected earnings and revenue for the fourth quarter. The company also raised its profit and equipment sales outlook for the year as it "sees key farm markets stabilizing." Shares of the company are now up over 6% for the year and at new highs.
Unilever (NYSE: UN) blasted off 15.12% today after Kraft Heinz (NYSE: KHC) confirmed that it will "continue to pursue a merger with the UK consumer giant even after Unilever declined its offer." Unilever attempted to back away from those comments and said it "sees no merit in the Kraft Heinz proposal and sees the offer of $143 billion as undervalued." Shares of Kraft Heinz shot up 10.64% on the news, also with well above average volume.
Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) was back and forth today (+0.25%)after hitting all time highs a couple of times this week. There was news this morning from Reuters which reported that the tech giant will begin assembling its lower-priced iPhone SE models at a contract manufacturing plant in Southern India. Apple has previously said that it would be interested in opening retail stores in the country. Shares are now up over 17% on the year.