Stocks began the new week on a positive note – blue chips pacing the market to solid gains. The Dow Industrials leaped 417 points, the S&P 500 tacked on 44, and the Nasdaq Composite rose 92.
Stock of AT&T was among the day’s many notable gainers. Analysts at Raymond James upgraded the telecom company to “strong buy,” helping shares leap 2.4 percent.
Gasoline pump prices are moving lower again in Louisiana. AAA says the average price for a gallon of gas statewide has dipped 5 cents from a week ago to $3.35. In New Orleans, it’s $3.34 on average. Nationally, the average is $3.79 a gallon.
Oil futures finished slightly lower today. December crude eased 47 cents to settle at $84.58 a barrel.
