A Major Sale Can't Spark Shares of Boeing

It's another flat day on Wall Street, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up less than a point and the S&P 500 up barely more than a point as of 3:25 p.m. EDT. The only macro news of note was a 1.1% rise in retail sales during February, which was slightly ahead of expectations. Higher gas prices eat up most of that gain, but even when you pull out gas costs, retail sales rose 0.6%, which isn't bad considering the higher payroll taxes in early 2013.

The better-than-expected retail sales haven't helped retailers on the market. Wal-Mart is down a few cents, while Target is up 0.3% on the day. Wal-Mart in particular is under the microscope after a memo from a top executive was leaked to the media, indicating a weak February for the company. We'll have to wait and see how the first quarter goes, but for now it appears retailers are keeping their heads above water, even if they don't experience explosive growth.

Boeing is actually down 0.2% after rumors of a $15 billion order from Ryanair began to circulate. It's telling that the stock is down on such positive news, because Boeing has been screaming higher on nothing but rumors for weeks. Investors have been buying every time there's speculation that the 787 aircraft is closer to test flights and an end to its grounding, which really shouldn't be driving the stock to new highs. A huge order, on the other hand, has the stock moving lower.

To keep investors informed of all of the important news on Boeing, we've created a new report that covers everything you need to know. In this premium research report, two of the Fool's best industrial-sector minds have collaborated to provide investors with the must-know info on Boeing. They'll be updating the report as key news hits, so be sure to claim a copy today by clicking here now.

Both gold and oil have moved 0.2% lower today. Oil is eating up more of consumers' dollars, but if non-energy retail sales can hold up in the face of high prices, the black gold will remain a hot commodity.

The article A Major Sale Can't Spark Shares of Boeing originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Travis Hoium has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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