Markets: News  

U.S. stocks close higher on tech, Cisco

Stocks rise on the back of the tech sector following strong earnings and a dividend hike from Cisco Systems, and get an added boost from reassuring comments from Germany's Angela Merkel. See full story.

Videogames' future may be free of charge

A growing number of videogame makers are building games that are online and free-to-play, though some analysts are skeptical that big franchises can justify their budgets under a new business model. See full story.

Trading volume drop can't just be blamed on summer

Trading in the stock market has slowed to a somnolent pace, even after accounting for all the traders and hedge fund managers escaping to their vacation homes in the Hamptons. Get used to it. See full story.

Should Apple buy Netflix?

Even after dividend payouts and stock buybacks, Apple will still have plenty of cash. Does acquiring Netflix make sense for its expected TV efforts? See full story.

Facebook falls to record low as lockup expires

Facebook shares fall to record low as the post-IPO lockup on about 271 million shares expires. More than 1.3 billion more shares are to be unlocked before the end of the year. See full story.

All eyes have been diverted recently by the drama being played out by the Dow. Yet Mark Hulbert advises to also take a look at the Dow Jones Transportation Average, which is more than 5% off its early May highs. See full story.

Most financial advisers have their clients' best interests at heart, but there are a few bad apples. Here's how to protect yourself, and your retirement funds, from rogue brokers and bad advice. See full story.