Markets Right Now: Stocks gain with a boost from Walmart

NEW YORK – The latest on developments in financial markets (all times local):

12:00 p.m.

Stocks are up slightly on Wall Street at midday as the market steadies after a day of big losses.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 129 points Thursday, a day after dropping 800 points as investors grew more concerned about a slowdown in the global economy.

A report showing stronger-than-expected retail sales and a solid profit outlook from Walmart appear to have allayed some concerns about the strength of the U.S. economy.

Walmart rose 4.4%. Makers of consumer products also rose. Kellogg climbed 2.6% and Procter & Gamble added 1.7%.

The S&P 500 rose 14 points, or 0.5%, to 2,855. The Dow gained 0.5% to 25,602. The Nasdaq rose 0.3% to 7,794.

Bond prices rose again. The yield on 10-year Treasury slipped to 1.54% following a sharp decline Wednesday.

___

9:35 a.m.

Stocks are rising on Wall Street early Thursday on indications American consumers continue to spend and embrace online shopping.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 67 points, a day after dropping 800 points as investors grew more concerned about a slowdown in the global economy. A report showing stronger-than-expected retail sales and a solid profit outlook from Walmart may allay some concerns about the strength of the U.S. economy.

Walmart rose 5.5%.

The S&P 500 rose 11 points, or 0.4%, to 2,851. The Dow gained 0.3%, to 25,543. The Nasdaq rose 0.2% to 7,788.

The yield on 10-year Treasury slipped slightly to 1.57% following a sharp decline Wednesday.