Stock Market Closing Prices – 8/04/10

Dow ( DJIA ) Close - 10680.43 +44.05
Nasdaq Close - 2303.57 -20.05
S&P 500 Close – 1127.24 +6.78

Commodities Closing Prices – 8/04/10

Gold Close - 1194.30
Oil Close – 82.21
Natural Gas – 4.72

The Dow is up 44 points to 10680.

Stocks closed higher Wednesday, after trading in a narrow range for most of the day, as investors welcomed improved data on private sector hiring and the services industry.

The online travel company's results blow away estimates. Toyota and Polo Ralph Lauren also rise. Decent reports on private-sector jobs and services cheer investors.

Investors will get another read on the job market Thursday when the government reports weekly initial claims data before the market opens. The retail sector will also be in focus when the nation's top chain stores report same-store-sales figures for July.

Crude oil settled down 8 cents to $82.47 a barrel. Gold rose $8.40 to $1,195.90 an ounce.

Futures trading suggests a flat open for U.S. stocks.

Economic Calendar Data 8/05/2010

Initial Jobless Claims - 8:30am EST
Commerzbank to announce quarterly results. Before market open.
Kraft Food to release quarterly results. After market close.