Credit: Shutterstock photoU.S. stocks were firmer at mid-day, but weakness in McDonald's ( MCD ) shares kept a lid on Dow gains. McDonald's was feeling pressure from an analyst report from M Science, which says U.S. same-store sales are tracking below consensus. Otherwise, investors are still weighing the effects of Hurricane Irma, believing so far that damages may will be less than expected. Crude oil is up $0.28 to $48.35 per barrel.
Data this morning showed small business optimism index rose 0.1 points to 105.3 in August, beating forecasts for 104.5, according to data compiled by Econoday, and the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report showed job openings rose 54,000 to 6.170 million in July, a record high, after surging 414,000 in June to 6.116 million (revised from 6.163). The rate was unchanged at 4.0% for a second straight month, up from 3.8% in May.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
