(June 5 2012) U.S. stocks closed slightly higher Tuesday following an upbeat economic report; however, gains were limited by Europe’s ongoing debt problems. The ISM Services index or May rose to 53.7, surprising economists who had forecast the index would fall to 53.1 from April’s 53.5.
European and Canadian stocks also finished higher following a statement by Japan’s Finance Minister that the G7 decided today in a conference that the country’s would work together to solve the European debt crisis.
Commodities Prices
Commodities are mixed in the after hours session. After climbing 0.4% in today’s regular session, crude oil is down 0.26% in after hours trading. Corn is also slumping after hours, with prices down 0.09%. Natural gas is up 0.04% and gold which is up 0.09%. Gold rose 0.3% in today’s regular session to close at $1,616.90 an ounce.
U.S. copper futures fell below $3.50 per lb after hours on Tuesday for the first time since early January. Copper closed the regular session at $3.5175.
Stock Movers
Resource related stocks seeing movement in Tuesday’s after hours session:
Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:WMB)
Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (NYSE:HP)
WPX Energy Inc. (NYSE:WPX)
TransCanada Corp. (NYSE:TRP)