Stock indexes closed mixed on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 hitting a 3-week low. Weak US economic reports showed rising unemployment, stagnant retail sales, and slow manufacturing. Energy producers slumped as WTI crude oil hit a 4.75-year low. However, tech stocks boosted the Nasdaq 100. Fed-friendly Nov payrolls and Oct retail sales supported expectations for continued monetary easing. The Dec S&P manufacturing PMI fell to a 5-month low. Atlanta Fed President’s hawkish comments weighed on stocks. Overseas markets closed lower. T-notes rose on dovish factors but were pressured by retail sales and hawkish comments. European bond yields were mixed. Eurozone manufacturing PMI contracted at a steep pace. German ZEW survey unexpectedly rose. UK manufacturing PMI expanded. ECB unlikely to cut rates. Stock movers included energy companies in the red and tech giants in the green. Notable gainers and losers in various sectors. Earnings reports on General Mills, Jabil, Micron, and Toro.

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