Markets Higher Closing News 11/27/13

a US stocks finished positive ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday with the Dow logging its fifth straight day of gains amid light volume trading and a round of mostly upbeat US economic data. Technology and Industrials led gains on the S&P 500, while Energy and Utilities topped declines.  Gold and Oil are both lower amid a rally in the dollar. In US economic news, the Labor Department reported Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell by 10K to a seasonally adjusted 316K.  Economists’ had forecast first time applications to rise to 332K last week.  The four-week moving average for new claims, which irons out week-to-week volatility, slipped 7,500 to 331,750. A separate report showed orders for Durable Goods - items from toasters to aircraft that are meant to last at least three years, fell 2%, largely because demand for civilian and defense aircraft tumbled. Durable goods orders had increased 4.1% in September. Chicago PMI showed monthly growth in composite activity remains exceptionally strong, at 63.0 for this month's reading vs an even stronger 65.9 in October.  Strength is centered in new orders which are at a robust 68.8. The prior reading, at 74.3, was a 9 year high.  Production slowed in the month but remains very strong at 64.3 vs 71.1.Michigan Consumer Sentiment popped surprisingly higher, to 75.1 for the final November reading vs Econoday expectations for 73.3. The mid-month reading was 72.0 which implies a solid upper 70s level for the last two weeks which is the best pace since August. Market Indices/Statistics:Dow closed up 24.53 pts/ +0.15% to 16,097.33; 19 of the 30 Dow stocks closed higher.S&P closed up 4.48 pts/ +0.25% to 1,807.23, 8 of the 10 S&P 500 sectors closed higher. Nasdaq closed up 27.00 pts/ +0.67% to 4,044.75Technology was the strongest sector (+1.01%), Energy was the weakest (-0.65%)The VIX is up 0.10 to 12.91Gold is down 3.6 to 1237.8Oil is down 1.35 to 92.32Nat Gas is up 0.042 to 3.906Yen vs. Dollar is up 0.88 to 102.16 Euro vs. Dollar is up 0.0001 to 1.3572The ICE Dollar Index (USDX) is up 0.09 / +0.11%Top Headlines:Shares of Teen apparel retailer Tilly's Inc (NYSE: TLYS, $12.00) fell 24.43% today after posting lower than expected Q3 revenue following Tuesday’s close and forecast a much lower-than-expected profit for the fourth quarter, citing weak customer traffic amid increased promotions in the holiday season.Hewlett-Packard Co.(NYSE: HPQ, $27.36) surprised after the close on Tuesday by reporting stronger-than-expected revenue due to growth in its enterprise group, which supplies servers, storage and networking products to business.  Shares of HPQ, up 92% YTD, rose more than 7% in post market trading on Tuesday and held that bullish posture to finish 9.05% higher on the NYSE.  CVS Caremark Corporation(NYSE: CVS, $66.76) said on Wednesday it was buying Coram LLC, Apria Healthcare Group Inc.'s specialty infusion services and enteral nutrition business unit, for $2.1 billion.  CVS, which operates the No. 2 U.S. drugstore chain and the second-largest pharmacy benefits management (PBM) business, said Coram's infusion operations will help it provide cost-effective services to its clients.  Shares of CVS rose 1.01%on the news.  Markets are closed tomorrow for Thanksgiving.  Coming FridayU.S. Economic Reports:No releases scheduled. Earnings Friday:    Fannie Mae (FNMA) est. 0.60c; Charm Communications (CHRM) est. 0.09cHere at the NYSE - Friday, November 29At the open: Charitybuzz, a luxury charity auction website that raises funds for nonprofits around the world, will visit the New York Stock Exchange(NYSE) and ring The Opening Bell®to celebrate raising $100 million for charity to date. Since its inception in 2005, Charitybuzz has funded the work of more than 2,000 nonprofitsaround the globe.At the close:The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation will visit the New York Stock Exchange to celebrate the 66thAnniversary of the Marine Toys for Tots Program while reminding the public that it's once again time to help bring the joy of Christmas to America's less fortunate children.To mark the occasion, President and CEO Pete Osman will ring the NYSE Closing Bell.Please remember to check in with us every morning for the NYSE Morning Update! http://exchanges.nyx.com/parasnand-madho/Thanks and have a great evening!