Stocks ended higher for the third straight day today amid mixed financial news, the Finanical Times reports. Home prices sank, leading to a surge in sales, while consumer confidence remained low. A better-than-expected earnings report from AmEx led financials higher as the Dow closed up 58.70 points at 8,174.73. The Nasdaq gained 15.44 points to close at 1,504.90, and the S&P 500 rose 9.14 points, settling at 845.7.
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