US Stock Indexes Close Mixed, Halliburton Surges, Oil Climbs

U.S. Stock indexes closed mixed due to increased credit concerns in the financial sector and rising oil prices. The DJIA fell slightly -0.33 to 11842.36, the Nasdaq gave back -20.36 to 2385.73 and the S&P 500 inched ahead +0.07 points to 1318.

Halliburton (HAL | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) surged 6.10% or $3.05 to $53.08/share after ending takeover talks with Expro International Group.

Ford Motor Co. (F | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) fell another 8.95% or $0.52 to $5.29/share due to plummeting auto sales and greater losses.

RCN Corp. (RCNI | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) added 12.60% or $1.32 to $11.80/share after bullish comments by a Miller Tabak analyst per Barrons.

Fisher Communications (FSCI | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) climbed 10.08% or $3.21 to $35.07 after the Seattle based radio station’s owner rejected a $43-$45 buyout offer.

Oil climbed $1.59 to $136.95/barrel, Gold fell $16.50 to $887.20/oz and the VIX slipped 1.14% to 22.61.