The markets open mixed as investors mulled over the latest batch of economic reports, including an increase in jobless claims. The Dow edged up 17 points to 8537 while Nasdaq slipped a point to 1614.
On the upside
Citrix Systems (Nasdaq: CTXS) offered an earnings outlook that was better than expected by analysts.Profits at Dow Chemical (NYSE: DOW) edged higher as price hikes helped to offset higher raw material and energy costs.
Farm and ranch equipment retailer Tractor Supply (Nasdaq: TSCO) reaffirmed its full-year earnings guidance.
On the downside
Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) posted higher 3rd quarter earnings, but the online retailer offered revenue targets for the rest of the year that fell short of analysts' expectations.Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) announced plans to cut about 10% of its workforce.
Shares of Sony (NYSE: SNE) fell after the consumer electronics and entertainment company drastically lowered its profit and sales outlook.
In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of more than 5 to 3 on the NYSE and by nearly 2 to 1 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks lost 5 points to 496.
