U.S. stock market keys off lackluster housing data

Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2009

U.S. stock market keys off lackluster housing data

With one U.S. stock market gauge of the housing sector up more than
20% so far this year, a fair amount of optimism has crept into builder
stocks. On Tuesday, this sense of optimism takes a hit as housing
starts come in flat for September, deflating builder stocks along with
consumer discretionary shares.

CATERPILLAR TOPS TARGETS; SHARES RALLY 5%

Caterpillar's third-quarter profit falls 53% from the year-ago period, but
results handily beat analysts' estimates.

PFIZER REPORTS 26% PROFIT JUMP, BUT LOWER SALES

Pfizer reports a 26% spike in third-quarter profit, helped by lower
expenses and charges taken in the 2008 quarter for litigation.

UNITED TECHNOLOGIES' QUARTERLY PROFIT FALLS

United Technologies' third-quarter profit falls 17% as the recession
rolls back demand for its elevators, building-security products and
ventilation systems.

DUPONT NET EXCEEDS ESTIMATE, AIDED BY COST CONTROL

DuPont Co. reports that third-quarter net income rose a
stronger-than-expected 11% as tight cost controls helped offset a 20%
drop in sales.