Stocks post modest gain as unemployment data, rising yields compete

The much-better-than expected headline of today's unemployment data couldn't boost stocks, as the Dow Jones industrial average gained just 13 points, or 0.15 percent, to close at 8,763. Among the Dow's 30 component stocks, the big winners included companies that stand to see flagging orders revived if the economy turns around soon. Alcoa (AA), Boeing (BA) and Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) were the average's biggest gainers.

Financials including American Express (AXP), Bank of America (BAC), Citigroup (C) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) all fell as investors worried that rising Treasury yields presage increasing inflation and higher benchmark interest rates from the Federal Reserve, which could hurt bank profits.

For more stocks making moves today, be sure to check out BloggingStocks' market wrap-up.