U.S. markets close up for 2nd week

The two reports overshadowed an unexpected drop in consumer confidence and an increase in trade data. The trade gap in September reached $36.5 billion, up from $30.8 billion in August. Economists predicted a rise, but only to $32 billion.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 73 points, or 0.7 percent, to close at 10,270.47, finishing the week with a gain of 2.5 percent. The blue-chip average still finished below a 13-month high it reached Wednesday.

The Nasdaq was up 11 points, or 0.5 percent, at 2,160. The S&P 500 Index rose 3.5 points, or 0.3 percent, to 1,090.

The dollar declined against most major counterparts,
Treasury prices edged lower. The 10-year note was off 2/32 to yield 3.428 percent.

Oil futures fell 59 cents, or 0.8 percent, at $76.35 a barrel in New York.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.