U.S. stocks weakened by oil's rise, economic data

Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:03:42 -0400
U.S. stocks weakened by oil's rise, economic data

U.S. stocks declined at Friday's start, with investor sentiment weakened
by July declines in both consumer spending and personal income, with
Dell Inc.'s worse-than-forecast quarter and a rise in oil prices adding
to a bearish view.

Tropical Storm Gustav heads for the Cayman Islands

Tropical Storm Gustav sets its sights on the Cayman Islands late Friday
morning, as energy traders eye its projected path toward the Gulf of
Mexico.

Futures Movers: Oil futures rally more than 2% on storm concerns

Crude-oil futures trade nearly 2% higher, gaining support from ongoing
concerns that Tropical Storm Gustav holds the potential to damage
critical energy infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Ratings Game: Analyst sticks with Lehman buy rating

One of the more candid analysts tracking Wall Street is sticking with
his buy rating on Lehman Brothers, saying the firm will either tackle
the challenges it confronts, or face a hostile takeover.

Dell shares slump as earnings disappoint

Investors showed their displeasure with Dell Inc. Friday, sending the
personal-computer giant's shares down more than 12% in the wake of the
PC maker's disappointing earnings report for the second quarter.