Nasdaq And S&P 500 Posting Gains But Dow Stuck In The Red

(RTTNews) - Stocks continue to turn in a mixed performance in mid-day trading on Thursday, extending the choppy trading seen in the two previous sessions. While the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 have climbed into positive territory, the Dow remains stuck in the red.

Reflecting the relatively lackluster performance being turned in by the broader markets, most of the major sectors are showing only modest moves in mid-day trading.

Internet stocks are seeing significant strength, however, with the Dow Jones Internet Index surging up by 1.2 percent. The gain extends a recent upward move by the index, which has reached its best intraday level in almost a year.

Priceline (PCLN) has helped to lead the sector higher, jumping by 8.2 percent after reporting better than expected fourth quarter results and announcing a $3 billion share buyback program.

Trucking, biotechnology, and airline stocks have also moved to the upside on the day, although buying interest has remained relatively subdued.

On the other hand, commercial real estate stocks have come under pressure, dragging the Morgan Stanley REIT Index down by 1.6 percent. Oil and gold stocks are also seeing some weakness on the day.

Currently, the Dow is down 18.17 points or 0.1 percent at 18,011.68, although the blue chip index has climbed well off its worst levels. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq is up 20.38 points or 0.4 percent at 4,926.75, and the S&P 500 is up 1.49 points or 0.1 percent at 2,101.17