Markets Close Flat Over Economic Data

The markets closed near the flatline as improving home prices tempered a greater than expected drop in consumer confidence. The Dow slipped 11 points to 9096 while Nasdaq gained 7 points to 1975.

On the upside

Shares of Antigenics (Nasdaq: AGEN) surged ahead of its earnings release on Thursday.

While Masco (NYSE: MAS) reported sharply lower second quarter earnings due to charges, the results beat expectations and the company increased its sales expectations. 

Textron (NYSE: TXT) posted a second quarter loss that was narrower than expected and said that the jet market is expected to improve.

On the downside

Wedbush Morgan analyst J. Derrick Wood downgraded CDC (Nasdaq: CHINA) citing recent gains in its stock price as well as slow growth of its online games.

Olin (NYSE: OLN) disappointed with lower second quarter earnings and revenue.

Trident Microsystems (NYSE: TRID) widened fourth quarter losses as revenue plunged.

In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of more than 10 to 9 on the NYSE and by nearly 5 to 4 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks added a point to 551.