U.S. stocks take modest dip across the board

Date: Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:01:02 -0500

U.S. STOCKS TAKE MODEST DIP ACROSS THE BOARD
Retail and energy companies lag behind the broader market, and early
earnings reports fall short of investors' high expectations.

ALCOA SHARES TUMBLE ON DISAPPOINTING EARNINGS
Shares of Alcoa Inc. fall as much as 8% at the open, a day after the
aluminum giant reported a narrower fourth-quarter loss, aided by
improving aluminum prices and lower corporate costs.

ALCOA KICKS OFF EARNINGS WITH A DOSE OF REALITY
For those who like to think a big aluminum company like Alcoa can
double as a barometer for how the rest of the earnings season is
likely to go, it was an ugly start.

TIFFANY RAISES OUTLOOK AFTER STRONG HOLIDAY SALES
another sign that the bruised luxury sector may be nursing back to
life, jewelry retailer Tiffany & Co. on Tuesday raised its profit
outlook for the year after holiday sales turned out better than
expected.

RETAIL STOCKS SLIP AFTER LACKLUSTER SALES REPORT
With some few exceptions, retail stocks were weaker Tuesday, falling
in the wake of a lackluster weekly sales report and broad-market
weakness.