U.S. stocks drop as leading data disappoint

Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:56 -0500

U.S. stocks drop as leading data disappoint

U.S. stocks fell Thursday as declines in metals and crude-oil futures weighed
on the materials and energy sectors, while chip companies were hurt by an
analyst downgrade.

FAA FIXES SYSTEM FAILURE; DELAYS STILL EXPECTED

Flights across the U.S. see delays and cancellations Thursday due to a
telecommunications glitch.

THURSDAY'S BIGGEST GAINING AND DECLINING STOCKS

Among the shares expected to see active trade in Thursday's session are the
semiconductor firms as well as Aetna, Campbell Soup, Hot Topic, Jack in the
Box, Limited, NetApp, Sears, Sony, Stage Stores and Williams-Sonoma.

MINERS, DANONE PRESSURED IN LOWER EUROPE

Lower commodity futures drag on miners and shares of yogurt maker Danone fall
after it cuts its target for sales growth in the medium term, pressuring
Europe's equity benchmarks.

LEADING INDICATORS RISE FOR 7TH STRAIGHT MONTH

The index of leading economic indicators rise for the seventh consecutive month
in October, showing that a recovery is "unfolding" in the U.S. economy, the
private Conference Board said.