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Today's Business Headlines - Market Close from MSNBC.com
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Market Closing Prices
DJIA: 10453.92 +28.88
NASDAQ: 2003.37 -6.51
S&P 500: 1111.92 +2.28
AMEX: 1173.55 -1.64
Wall Street Watch: Complete coverage
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032221/
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Business
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Big gains for Wall Street in 2003
The bulls returned with a flourish to Wall Street in 2003 as the Nasdaq, Dow Jones and
Standard & Poor indexes all ended the year higher - the market's first winning year
since 1999.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3854503/
Dollar at new life low vs. euro
The dollar hit an all-time low against the euro on Wednesday as disappointing U.S.
economic data and concerns about possible attacks in the United States during New Year
celebrations intensified selling pressure.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3845921/
Jobless claims fall to nearly 3-year low
New applications for state jobless benefits hit the lowest level in nearly three years
last week, the government said on Wednesday, boosting hopes that employment is finally
beginning to show sustained growth.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3846164/
U.S. to defer billions in Iraq rebuilding
The Bush administration will delay about $4 billion in Iraq reconstruction work until
the U.S. cedes political control to an interim Iraqi government this summer, the Wall
Street Journal said on Wednesday.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3845949/
Police round up more ex-Parmalat execs
Police carried out a new round of detentions Wednesday in the Parmalat scandal, acting
on eight new arrest warrants accusing top former dairy company officials and outside
auditors with fraudulent bankruptcy, a financial police official said.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3845952/
Meatpackers back new rules on beef
Meatpackers say new rules intended to keep mad cow disease out of the nation's beef
supply could increase processing costs but will be worth it if they restore consumer
confidence.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3849959/
Mortgage rates edge higher
Mortgage rates edged up slightly this week, but the average 30-year mortgage remained
well below 6 percent, financing giant Freddie Mac said Wednesday.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3848205/
Military to take over Halliburton oil role
The U.S. military said Wednesday it would soon take over Halliburton's role of getting
fuel into Iraq, a decision that follows a draft Pentagon audit that found Vice
President Dick Cheney's old firm may have overcharged for the job.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3842663/
U.S. cattle prices weaker, but stabilizing
U.S. cattle futures prices fell for a fifth straight session on Wednesday after the
first U.S. case of deadly mad cow disease was revealed last week, but livestock
analysts said the market was stabilizing.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3848920/
WP: Theaters try new big-screen options
Movie theaters -- which often are more empty than full -- are trying to add to the
bottom line. They're planning ad-driven "pre-shows," concerts and promotions.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3848377/
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