Afternoon Markets: Dow edges upwards as consumer confidence grows

The Dow Jones is climbing cautiously higher, up by 5.58 points (0.07%) to 8409.38, as figures show U...

The Dow Jones is climbing cautiously higher, up by 5.58 points (0.07%) to 8409.38, as figures show US consumer confidence rose this month to its highest point since September. The Reuters/University of Michigan final index of consumer sentiment jumped up to 68.7, which was more than forecast, from 65.1 in April. This reinforces signs the worst of the recession may be abating. In a mixed bag of winners Merck Co is leading the pack, up 1.72% to $27.23, while Citigroup Inc has gained 1.09% to $3.71. However, General Motors is the biggest loser so far, plunging 6.25% to $1.05 as it looks ...