U.S. stocks up modestly on housing, earnings

Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:00:53 -0500

U.S. STOCKS UP MODESTLY ON HOUSING EARNINGS
U.S. stocks cling to a narrow gain on Wednesday as housing and
industrial data show improvements and companies including Deere posted
strong earnings, but anxiety lingers over European finances and
unemployment.

TOYOTA TO ESTABLISH QUALITY TASK FORCE
Toyota says it will establish a global quality-control task force to
be headed. by its company president that will seek to bolster its
product.

DEERE BENEFITS FROM WEAK DOLLAR, LOWER COSTS
Deere posts 19% growth in net profit for the first quarter, as
management revises its financial forecast for fiscal 2010 higher.

WEDNESDAY'S BIGGEST GAINING AND DECLINING STOCKS
MarketWatch's daily rundown of major gainers and decliners in the U.S.
stock market.

OIL FUTURES TURN LOWER AS DOLLAR GAINS STRENGTH
Oil futures turn lower on Wednesday as the dollar gained strength,
halting a run that had pushed prices above $77 a barrel for a second
day.