Most U.S. Stocks Fall As Investors Monitor Economic Data

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Most U.S. stocks retreated, driving the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index to a weekly decline, as investors watched economic and corporate earnings reports.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., the largest U.S. tiremaker, dropped 10 percent after reporting a profit that was below estimates. VeriSign Inc. (VRSN), an operator of Web domain name registries, tumbled 15 percent after saying regulators have delayed a review of the company’s contract for that business. Expedia Inc. surged 15 percent as the online travel agency reported third-quarter earnings that topped analysts’ estimates.

Eight stocks declined for every five that advanced on U.S. exchanges at 4 p.m. New York time. The S&P 500 decreased 0.1 percent to 1,411.94 as the benchmark measure extended its weekly decline to 1.5 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 3.53 points, or less than 0.1 percent, to 13,107.21. Volume for exchange-listed stocks in the U.S. was about 5.8 billion shares, or 2.3 percent below the three-month average.

“You’re getting a mix of data that don’t have a clear direction,” said Stephen Wood, the New York-based chief market strategist for North America for Russell Investments, which oversees $152 billion. “It’s important for investors’ psychology to see GDP data beating estimates. Yet the earnings season has been a very challenging one.”

The benchmark gauge for American equities is poised to snap a four-month rally amid concern about corporate profits. The S&P 500 has slumped 2 percent so far in October. Third-quarter earnings at 71 percent of the index’s companies beat estimates, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Sales missed forecasts at 59 percent of companies, the data showed.

Economic Data

The economy in the U.S. expanded more than forecast in the third quarter, paced by a pickup in consumer spending, a rebound in government outlays and gains in residential construction. Separately, the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final index consumer sentiment for October increased to 82.6 from 78.3 the prior month. Economists projected 83 for the gauge after a preliminary October reading of 83.1, according to the median forecast of 60 economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

Concern about a worsening of Europe’s debt crisis grew after German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said there are doubts on whether Greece will meet requirements for its European bailout, according to an e-mail release of an interview to be broadcast Oct. 30 on ZDF television.

“There’s still concern about Europe,” said Thomas Garcia, head of equity trading at Santa Fe, New Mexico-based Thornburg Investment Management Inc. His firm oversees about $80 billion. “You have Greek debt crisis, problems in Spain and other areas. The market is going to be back and forth until those guys get things figured out over there.”

Goodyear’s Results

Goodyear (GT) dropped 10 percent to $11.02. The company posted a quarterly adjusted profit of 53 cents a share. The average estimate of eight analysts surveyed by Bloomberg was for a profit of 59 cents. The results excluded one-time items, such as accelerated depreciation and pension settlements in the U.K.

CA Inc. (CA) dropped 8.7 percent to $22.73. The maker of software for managing information technology cut its fiscal 2013 revenue forecast, citing lower-than-expected new product sales amid a weaker global economy.

Deckers Outdoor Corp. (DECK) tumbled 17 percent to $29.48 after cutting its forecast for annual sales growth by almost two- thirds amid declining demand for its UGG brand sheepskin boots.

VeriSign plunged 15 percent to $39.39. The company, which operates the registry for .com names, submitted the agreement to provide that service to the U.S. Commerce Department on June 26 and anticipated an approval by Nov. 30, according to a statement yesterday. The agency, which along with the U.S. Department of Justice, is reviewing the agreement and may not complete the review on time, the Reston, Virginia-based company said.

Dean Foods

Dean Foods Co. (DF) tumbled 11 percent to $16.74. The largest U.S. dairy processor was downgraded to hold from buy at Stifel Nicolaus & Co. by equity analyst Christopher Growe.

ImmunoGen Inc. (IMGN) sank 17 percent to $11.47 after the biotechnology company reported a royalty rate structure with partner Roche Holding AG that disappointed investors.

The S&P 500 Property & Casualty Insurance Index slipped 0.7 percent. The eight-member gauge has declined for six straight days, its longest losing streak since May. Travelers Cos., the lone insurer in the Dow, lost 0.8 percent to $71.56. Allstate Corp. (ALL) fell 0.9 percent to $40.15.

Hurricane Sandy, dubbed “Frankenstorm” because it is forecast to reach the U.S. East Coast near Halloween next week, will cause insured losses of as much as $4.9 billion, Bloomberg Industries analyst Jonathan Adams estimated, citing Kenetic Analysis Corp.

Expedia Surges

Expedia Inc. (EXPE) surged 15 percent to $59.06. The company, which gets more than 40 percent of its business outside the U.S., expanded even as the European sovereign-debt crisis entered its third year. International revenue rose 22 percent in the period, surpassing domestic growth of 14 percent. Hotel reservations accounted for 77 percent of worldwide sales, while 7 percent came from airlines.

Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) jumped 6.9 percent to $238.24 after posting a smaller operating loss than analysts had anticipated as the world’s largest online retailer ramped up spending on delivery services ahead of the holiday sales season.

Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) added 3.3 percent to $37.56. The largest U.S. cable company and the majority owner of NBC said third-quarter profit more than doubled, boosted by advertising revenue, the sale of assets and a decrease in the loss of subscribers.

Eastman Chemical Co. (EMN) climbed 12 percent to $60.19. The biggest U.S. producer of chemicals from coal surpassed third- quarter profit estimates and lifted its 2012 forecast.

Arch Coal

Arch Coal Inc. (ACI) gained 11 percent to $8.09. The fourth- largest U.S. producer of the fuel reported third-quarter results that exceeded analysts’ estimates after shipments increased more than projected and costs declined.

Moody’s Corp. (MCO) rose 4.8 percent to $47.89 after saying profit increased 41 percent as companies took advantage of record investor demand and low borrowing costs by issuing debt.

NetSuite Inc. (N) gained 15 percent to $65.40, a record. The software maker majority-owned by Oracle Corp.’s Larry Ellison surged after customer gains spurred higher than expected sales growth and the company raised its full-year forecast.

Julian Robertson, founder of Tiger Management LLC, said hedge funds that have positioned themselves for a “disaster” are making a mistake.

“I think right now they are all scared,” Robertson, who once ran one of the most successful hedge funds in world, said today in a television interview on “Bloomberg Surveillance” with Tom Keene. “They are really only going to be profitable in the event of a big disaster.”

Trailed Markets

Hedge funds have trailed markets this year after cutting risk to protect themselves against losses. The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Hedge Fund Index (BBHFUNDS) gained 3.1 percent through September, compared with a 16 percent increase in the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index and a 4.5 percent advance in the Barclays Capital Bond Composite U.S. Index.

Hedge funds that wager on rising and falling stocks are 22 percent net long, below the average of 35 percent to 40 percent, according to an Oct. 22 report published by Bank of America Merrill Lynch. A net position is the difference between bets on rising stocks and falling stocks.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., the largest U.S. tiremaker, dropped 10 percent after reporting a profit that was below estimates. VeriSign Inc. (VRSN), an operator of Web domain name registries, tumbled 15 percent after saying regulators have delayed a review of the company’s contract for that business. Expedia Inc. surged 15 percent as the online travel agency reported third-quarter earnings that topped analysts’ estimates.

Eight stocks declined for every five that advanced on U.S. exchanges at 4 p.m. New York time. The S&P 500 decreased 0.1 percent to 1,411.94 as the benchmark measure extended its weekly decline to 1.5 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 3.53 points, or less than 0.1 percent, to 13,107.21. Volume for exchange-listed stocks in the U.S. was about 5.8 billion shares, or 2.3 percent below the three-month average.

“You’re getting a mix of data that don’t have a clear direction,” said Stephen Wood, the New York-based chief market strategist for North America for Russell Investments, which oversees $152 billion. “It’s important for investors’ psychology to see GDP data beating estimates. Yet the earnings season has been a very challenging one.”

The benchmark gauge for American equities is poised to snap a four-month rally amid concern about corporate profits. The S&P 500 has slumped 2 percent so far in October. Third-quarter earnings at 71 percent of the index’s companies beat estimates, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Sales missed forecasts at 59 percent of companies, the data showed.

Economic Data

The economy in the U.S. expanded more than forecast in the third quarter, paced by a pickup in consumer spending, a rebound in government outlays and gains in residential construction. Separately, the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final index consumer sentiment for October increased to 82.6 from 78.3 the prior month. Economists projected 83 for the gauge after a preliminary October reading of 83.1, according to the median forecast of 60 economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

Concern about a worsening of Europe’s debt crisis grew after German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said there are doubts on whether Greece will meet requirements for its European bailout, according to an e-mail release of an interview to be broadcast Oct. 30 on ZDF television.

“There’s still concern about Europe,” said Thomas Garcia, head of equity trading at Santa Fe, New Mexico-based Thornburg Investment Management Inc. His firm oversees about $80 billion. “You have Greek debt crisis, problems in Spain and other areas. The market is going to be back and forth until those guys get things figured out over there.”

Goodyear’s Results

Goodyear (GT) dropped 10 percent to $11.02. The company posted a quarterly adjusted profit of 53 cents a share. The average estimate of eight analysts surveyed by Bloomberg was for a profit of 59 cents. The results excluded one-time items, such as accelerated depreciation and pension settlements in the U.K.

CA Inc. (CA) dropped 8.7 percent to $22.73. The maker of software for managing information technology cut its fiscal 2013 revenue forecast, citing lower-than-expected new product sales amid a weaker global economy.

Deckers Outdoor Corp. (DECK) tumbled 17 percent to $29.48 after cutting its forecast for annual sales growth by almost two- thirds amid declining demand for its UGG brand sheepskin boots.

VeriSign plunged 15 percent to $39.39. The company, which operates the registry for .com names, submitted the agreement to provide that service to the U.S. Commerce Department on June 26 and anticipated an approval by Nov. 30, according to a statement yesterday. The agency, which along with the U.S. Department of Justice, is reviewing the agreement and may not complete the review on time, the Reston, Virginia-based company said.

Dean Foods

Dean Foods Co. (DF) tumbled 11 percent to $16.74. The largest U.S. dairy processor was downgraded to hold from buy at Stifel Nicolaus & Co. by equity analyst Christopher Growe.

ImmunoGen Inc. (IMGN) sank 17 percent to $11.47 after the biotechnology company reported a royalty rate structure with partner Roche Holding AG that disappointed investors.

The S&P 500 Property & Casualty Insurance Index slipped 0.7 percent. The eight-member gauge has declined for six straight days, its longest losing streak since May. Travelers Cos., the lone insurer in the Dow, lost 0.8 percent to $71.56. Allstate Corp. (ALL) fell 0.9 percent to $40.15.

Hurricane Sandy, dubbed “Frankenstorm” because it is forecast to reach the U.S. East Coast near Halloween next week, will cause insured losses of as much as $4.9 billion, Bloomberg Industries analyst Jonathan Adams estimated, citing Kenetic Analysis Corp.

Expedia Surges

Expedia Inc. (EXPE) surged 15 percent to $59.06. The company, which gets more than 40 percent of its business outside the U.S., expanded even as the European sovereign-debt crisis entered its third year. International revenue rose 22 percent in the period, surpassing domestic growth of 14 percent. Hotel reservations accounted for 77 percent of worldwide sales, while 7 percent came from airlines.

Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) jumped 6.9 percent to $238.24 after posting a smaller operating loss than analysts had anticipated as the world’s largest online retailer ramped up spending on delivery services ahead of the holiday sales season.

Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) added 3.3 percent to $37.56. The largest U.S. cable company and the majority owner of NBC said third-quarter profit more than doubled, boosted by advertising revenue, the sale of assets and a decrease in the loss of subscribers.

Eastman Chemical Co. (EMN) climbed 12 percent to $60.19. The biggest U.S. producer of chemicals from coal surpassed third- quarter profit estimates and lifted its 2012 forecast.

Arch Coal

Arch Coal Inc. (ACI) gained 11 percent to $8.09. The fourth- largest U.S. producer of the fuel reported third-quarter results that exceeded analysts’ estimates after shipments increased more than projected and costs declined.

Moody’s Corp. (MCO) rose 4.8 percent to $47.89 after saying profit increased 41 percent as companies took advantage of record investor demand and low borrowing costs by issuing debt.

NetSuite Inc. (N) gained 15 percent to $65.40, a record. The software maker majority-owned by Oracle Corp.’s Larry Ellison surged after customer gains spurred higher than expected sales growth and the company raised its full-year forecast.

Julian Robertson, founder of Tiger Management LLC, said hedge funds that have positioned themselves for a “disaster” are making a mistake.

“I think right now they are all scared,” Robertson, who once ran one of the most successful hedge funds in world, said today in a television interview on “Bloomberg Surveillance” with Tom Keene. “They are really only going to be profitable in the event of a big disaster.”

Trailed Markets

Hedge funds have trailed markets this year after cutting risk to protect themselves against losses. The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Hedge Fund Index (BBHFUNDS) gained 3.1 percent through September, compared with a 16 percent increase in the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index and a 4.5 percent advance in the Barclays Capital Bond Composite U.S. Index.

Hedge funds that wager on rising and falling stocks are 22 percent net long, below the average of 35 percent to 40 percent, according to an Oct. 22 report published by Bank of America Merrill Lynch. A net position is the difference between bets on rising stocks and falling stocks.

Bloomberg

Most U.S. stocks retreated, driving the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index to a weekly decline, as investors watched economic and corporate earnings reports.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., the largest U.S. tiremaker, dropped 10 percent after reporting a profit that was below estimates. VeriSign Inc. (VRSN), an operator of Web domain name registries, tumbled 15 percent after saying regulators have delayed a review of the company’s contract for that business. Expedia Inc. surged 15 percent as the online travel agency reported third-quarter earnings that topped analysts’ estimates.

Eight stocks declined for every five that advanced on U.S. exchanges at 4 p.m. New York time. The S&P 500 decreased 0.1 percent to 1,411.94 as the benchmark measure extended its weekly decline to 1.5 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 3.53 points, or less than 0.1 percent, to 13,107.21. Volume for exchange-listed stocks in the U.S. was about 5.8 billion shares, or 2.3 percent below the three-month average.

“You’re getting a mix of data that don’t have a clear direction,” said Stephen Wood, the New York-based chief market strategist for North America for Russell Investments, which oversees $152 billion. “It’s important for investors’ psychology to see GDP data beating estimates. Yet the earnings season has been a very challenging one.”

The benchmark gauge for American equities is poised to snap a four-month rally amid concern about corporate profits. The S&P 500 has slumped 2 percent so far in October. Third-quarter earnings at 71 percent of the index’s companies beat estimates, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Sales missed forecasts at 59 percent of companies, the data showed.

Economic Data

The economy in the U.S. expanded more than forecast in the third quarter, paced by a pickup in consumer spending, a rebound in government outlays and gains in residential construction. Separately, the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final index consumer sentiment for October increased to 82.6 from 78.3 the prior month. Economists projected 83 for the gauge after a preliminary October reading of 83.1, according to the median forecast of 60 economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

Concern about a worsening of Europe’s debt crisis grew after German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said there are doubts on whether Greece will meet requirements for its European bailout, according to an e-mail release of an interview to be broadcast Oct. 30 on ZDF television.

“There’s still concern about Europe,” said Thomas Garcia, head of equity trading at Santa Fe, New Mexico-based Thornburg Investment Management Inc. His firm oversees about $80 billion. “You have Greek debt crisis, problems in Spain and other areas. The market is going to be back and forth until those guys get things figured out over there.”

Goodyear’s Results

Goodyear (GT) dropped 10 percent to $11.02. The company posted a quarterly adjusted profit of 53 cents a share. The average estimate of eight analysts surveyed by Bloomberg was for a profit of 59 cents. The results excluded one-time items, such as accelerated depreciation and pension settlements in the U.K.

CA Inc. (CA) dropped 8.7 percent to $22.73. The maker of software for managing information technology cut its fiscal 2013 revenue forecast, citing lower-than-expected new product sales amid a weaker global economy.

Deckers Outdoor Corp. (DECK) tumbled 17 percent to $29.48 after cutting its forecast for annual sales growth by almost two- thirds amid declining demand for its UGG brand sheepskin boots.

VeriSign plunged 15 percent to $39.39. The company, which operates the registry for .com names, submitted the agreement to provide that service to the U.S. Commerce Department on June 26 and anticipated an approval by Nov. 30, according to a statement yesterday. The agency, which along with the U.S. Department of Justice, is reviewing the agreement and may not complete the review on time, the Reston, Virginia-based company said.

Dean Foods

Dean Foods Co. (DF) tumbled 11 percent to $16.74. The largest U.S. dairy processor was downgraded to hold from buy at Stifel Nicolaus & Co. by equity analyst Christopher Growe.

ImmunoGen Inc. (IMGN) sank 17 percent to $11.47 after the biotechnology company reported a royalty rate structure with partner Roche Holding AG that disappointed investors.

The S&P 500 Property & Casualty Insurance Index slipped 0.7 percent. The eight-member gauge has declined for six straight days, its longest losing streak since May. Travelers Cos., the lone insurer in the Dow, lost 0.8 percent to $71.56. Allstate Corp. (ALL) fell 0.9 percent to $40.15.

Hurricane Sandy, dubbed “Frankenstorm” because it is forecast to reach the U.S. East Coast near Halloween next week, will cause insured losses of as much as $4.9 billion, Bloomberg Industries analyst Jonathan Adams estimated, citing Kenetic Analysis Corp.

Expedia Surges

Expedia Inc. (EXPE) surged 15 percent to $59.06. The company, which gets more than 40 percent of its business outside the U.S., expanded even as the European sovereign-debt crisis entered its third year. International revenue rose 22 percent in the period, surpassing domestic growth of 14 percent. Hotel reservations accounted for 77 percent of worldwide sales, while 7 percent came from airlines.

Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) jumped 6.9 percent to $238.24 after posting a smaller operating loss than analysts had anticipated as the world’s largest online retailer ramped up spending on delivery services ahead of the holiday sales season.

Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) added 3.3 percent to $37.56. The largest U.S. cable company and the majority owner of NBC said third-quarter profit more than doubled, boosted by advertising revenue, the sale of assets and a decrease in the loss of subscribers.

Eastman Chemical Co. (EMN) climbed 12 percent to $60.19. The biggest U.S. producer of chemicals from coal surpassed third- quarter profit estimates and lifted its 2012 forecast.

Arch Coal

Arch Coal Inc. (ACI) gained 11 percent to $8.09. The fourth- largest U.S. producer of the fuel reported third-quarter results that exceeded analysts’ estimates after shipments increased more than projected and costs declined.

Moody’s Corp. (MCO) rose 4.8 percent to $47.89 after saying profit increased 41 percent as companies took advantage of record investor demand and low borrowing costs by issuing debt.

NetSuite Inc. (N) gained 15 percent to $65.40, a record. The software maker majority-owned by Oracle Corp.’s Larry Ellison surged after customer gains spurred higher than expected sales growth and the company raised its full-year forecast.

Julian Robertson, founder of Tiger Management LLC, said hedge funds that have positioned themselves for a “disaster” are making a mistake.

“I think right now they are all scared,” Robertson, who once ran one of the most successful hedge funds in world, said today in a television interview on “Bloomberg Surveillance” with Tom Keene. “They are really only going to be profitable in the event of a big disaster.”

Trailed Markets

Hedge funds have trailed markets this year after cutting risk to protect themselves against losses. The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Hedge Fund Index (BBHFUNDS) gained 3.1 percent through September, compared with a 16 percent increase in the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index and a 4.5 percent advance in the Barclays Capital Bond Composite U.S. Index.

Hedge funds that wager on rising and falling stocks are 22 percent net long, below the average of 35 percent to 40 percent, according to an Oct. 22 report published by Bank of America Merrill Lynch. A net position is the difference between bets on rising stocks and falling stocks.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., the largest U.S. tiremaker, dropped 10 percent after reporting a profit that was below estimates. VeriSign Inc. (VRSN), an operator of Web domain name registries, tumbled 15 percent after saying regulators have delayed a review of the company’s contract for that business. Expedia Inc. surged 15 percent as the online travel agency reported third-quarter earnings that topped analysts’ estimates.

Eight stocks declined for every five that advanced on U.S. exchanges at 4 p.m. New York time. The S&P 500 decreased 0.1 percent to 1,411.94 as the benchmark measure extended its weekly decline to 1.5 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 3.53 points, or less than 0.1 percent, to 13,107.21. Volume for exchange-listed stocks in the U.S. was about 5.8 billion shares, or 2.3 percent below the three-month average.

“You’re getting a mix of data that don’t have a clear direction,” said Stephen Wood, the New York-based chief market strategist for North America for Russell Investments, which oversees $152 billion. “It’s important for investors’ psychology to see GDP data beating estimates. Yet the earnings season has been a very challenging one.”

The benchmark gauge for American equities is poised to snap a four-month rally amid concern about corporate profits. The S&P 500 has slumped 2 percent so far in October. Third-quarter earnings at 71 percent of the index’s companies beat estimates, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Sales missed forecasts at 59 percent of companies, the data showed.

Economic Data

The economy in the U.S. expanded more than forecast in the third quarter, paced by a pickup in consumer spending, a rebound in government outlays and gains in residential construction. Separately, the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final index consumer sentiment for October increased to 82.6 from 78.3 the prior month. Economists projected 83 for the gauge after a preliminary October reading of 83.1, according to the median forecast of 60 economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

Concern about a worsening of Europe’s debt crisis grew after German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said there are doubts on whether Greece will meet requirements for its European bailout, according to an e-mail release of an interview to be broadcast Oct. 30 on ZDF television.

“There’s still concern about Europe,” said Thomas Garcia, head of equity trading at Santa Fe, New Mexico-based Thornburg Investment Management Inc. His firm oversees about $80 billion. “You have Greek debt crisis, problems in Spain and other areas. The market is going to be back and forth until those guys get things figured out over there.”

Goodyear’s Results

Goodyear (GT) dropped 10 percent to $11.02. The company posted a quarterly adjusted profit of 53 cents a share. The average estimate of eight analysts surveyed by Bloomberg was for a profit of 59 cents. The results excluded one-time items, such as accelerated depreciation and pension settlements in the U.K.

CA Inc. (CA) dropped 8.7 percent to $22.73. The maker of software for managing information technology cut its fiscal 2013 revenue forecast, citing lower-than-expected new product sales amid a weaker global economy.

Deckers Outdoor Corp. (DECK) tumbled 17 percent to $29.48 after cutting its forecast for annual sales growth by almost two- thirds amid declining demand for its UGG brand sheepskin boots.

VeriSign plunged 15 percent to $39.39. The company, which operates the registry for .com names, submitted the agreement to provide that service to the U.S. Commerce Department on June 26 and anticipated an approval by Nov. 30, according to a statement yesterday. The agency, which along with the U.S. Department of Justice, is reviewing the agreement and may not complete the review on time, the Reston, Virginia-based company said.

Dean Foods

Dean Foods Co. (DF) tumbled 11 percent to $16.74. The largest U.S. dairy processor was downgraded to hold from buy at Stifel Nicolaus & Co. by equity analyst Christopher Growe.

ImmunoGen Inc. (IMGN) sank 17 percent to $11.47 after the biotechnology company reported a royalty rate structure with partner Roche Holding AG that disappointed investors.

The S&P 500 Property & Casualty Insurance Index slipped 0.7 percent. The eight-member gauge has declined for six straight days, its longest losing streak since May. Travelers Cos., the lone insurer in the Dow, lost 0.8 percent to $71.56. Allstate Corp. (ALL) fell 0.9 percent to $40.15.

Hurricane Sandy, dubbed “Frankenstorm” because it is forecast to reach the U.S. East Coast near Halloween next week, will cause insured losses of as much as $4.9 billion, Bloomberg Industries analyst Jonathan Adams estimated, citing Kenetic Analysis Corp.

Expedia Surges

Expedia Inc. (EXPE) surged 15 percent to $59.06. The company, which gets more than 40 percent of its business outside the U.S., expanded even as the European sovereign-debt crisis entered its third year. International revenue rose 22 percent in the period, surpassing domestic growth of 14 percent. Hotel reservations accounted for 77 percent of worldwide sales, while 7 percent came from airlines.

Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) jumped 6.9 percent to $238.24 after posting a smaller operating loss than analysts had anticipated as the world’s largest online retailer ramped up spending on delivery services ahead of the holiday sales season.

Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) added 3.3 percent to $37.56. The largest U.S. cable company and the majority owner of NBC said third-quarter profit more than doubled, boosted by advertising revenue, the sale of assets and a decrease in the loss of subscribers.

Eastman Chemical Co. (EMN) climbed 12 percent to $60.19. The biggest U.S. producer of chemicals from coal surpassed third- quarter profit estimates and lifted its 2012 forecast.

Arch Coal

Arch Coal Inc. (ACI) gained 11 percent to $8.09. The fourth- largest U.S. producer of the fuel reported third-quarter results that exceeded analysts’ estimates after shipments increased more than projected and costs declined.

Moody’s Corp. (MCO) rose 4.8 percent to $47.89 after saying profit increased 41 percent as companies took advantage of record investor demand and low borrowing costs by issuing debt.

NetSuite Inc. (N) gained 15 percent to $65.40, a record. The software maker majority-owned by Oracle Corp.’s Larry Ellison surged after customer gains spurred higher than expected sales growth and the company raised its full-year forecast.

Julian Robertson, founder of Tiger Management LLC, said hedge funds that have positioned themselves for a “disaster” are making a mistake.

“I think right now they are all scared,” Robertson, who once ran one of the most successful hedge funds in world, said today in a television interview on “Bloomberg Surveillance” with Tom Keene. “They are really only going to be profitable in the event of a big disaster.”

Trailed Markets

Hedge funds have trailed markets this year after cutting risk to protect themselves against losses. The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Hedge Fund Index (BBHFUNDS) gained 3.1 percent through September, compared with a 16 percent increase in the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index and a 4.5 percent advance in the Barclays Capital Bond Composite U.S. Index.

Hedge funds that wager on rising and falling stocks are 22 percent net long, below the average of 35 percent to 40 percent, according to an Oct. 22 report published by Bank of America Merrill Lynch. A net position is the difference between bets on rising stocks and falling stocks.

 

Most U.S. stocks retreated, driving the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index to a weekly decline, as investors watched economic and corporate earnings reports.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., the largest U.S. tiremaker, dropped 10 percent after reporting a profit that was below estimates. VeriSign Inc. (VRSN), an operator of Web domain name registries, tumbled 15 percent after saying regulators have delayed a review of the company’s contract for that business. Expedia Inc. surged 15 percent as the online travel agency reported third-quarter earnings that topped analysts’ estimates.

Eight stocks declined for every five that advanced on U.S. exchanges at 4 p.m. New York time. The S&P 500 decreased 0.1 percent to 1,411.94 as the benchmark measure extended its weekly decline to 1.5 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 3.53 points, or less than 0.1 percent, to 13,107.21. Volume for exchange-listed stocks in the U.S. was about 5.8 billion shares, or 2.3 percent below the three-month average.

“You’re getting a mix of data that don’t have a clear direction,” said Stephen Wood, the New York-based chief market strategist for North America for Russell Investments, which oversees $152 billion. “It’s important for investors’ psychology to see GDP data beating estimates. Yet the earnings season has been a very challenging one.”

The benchmark gauge for American equities is poised to snap a four-month rally amid concern about corporate profits. The S&P 500 has slumped 2 percent so far in October. Third-quarter earnings at 71 percent of the index’s companies beat estimates, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Sales missed forecasts at 59 percent of companies, the data showed.

Economic Data

The economy in the U.S. expanded more than forecast in the third quarter, paced by a pickup in consumer spending, a rebound in government outlays and gains in residential construction. Separately, the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final index consumer sentiment for October increased to 82.6 from 78.3 the prior month. Economists projected 83 for the gauge after a preliminary October reading of 83.1, according to the median forecast of 60 economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

Concern about a worsening of Europe’s debt crisis grew after German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said there are doubts on whether Greece will meet requirements for its European bailout, according to an e-mail release of an interview to be broadcast Oct. 30 on ZDF television.

“There’s still concern about Europe,” said Thomas Garcia, head of equity trading at Santa Fe, New Mexico-based Thornburg Investment Management Inc. His firm oversees about $80 billion. “You have Greek debt crisis, problems in Spain and other areas. The market is going to be back and forth until those guys get things figured out over there.”

Goodyear’s Results

Goodyear (GT) dropped 10 percent to $11.02. The company posted a quarterly adjusted profit of 53 cents a share. The average estimate of eight analysts surveyed by Bloomberg was for a profit of 59 cents. The results excluded one-time items, such as accelerated depreciation and pension settlements in the U.K.

CA Inc. (CA) dropped 8.7 percent to $22.73. The maker of software for managing information technology cut its fiscal 2013 revenue forecast, citing lower-than-expected new product sales amid a weaker global economy.

Deckers Outdoor Corp. (DECK) tumbled 17 percent to $29.48 after cutting its forecast for annual sales growth by almost two- thirds amid declining demand for its UGG brand sheepskin boots.

VeriSign plunged 15 percent to $39.39. The company, which operates the registry for .com names, submitted the agreement to provide that service to the U.S. Commerce Department on June 26 and anticipated an approval by Nov. 30, according to a statement yesterday. The agency, which along with the U.S. Department of Justice, is reviewing the agreement and may not complete the review on time, the Reston, Virginia-based company said.

Dean Foods

Dean Foods Co. (DF) tumbled 11 percent to $16.74. The largest U.S. dairy processor was downgraded to hold from buy at Stifel Nicolaus & Co. by equity analyst Christopher Growe.

ImmunoGen Inc. (IMGN) sank 17 percent to $11.47 after the biotechnology company reported a royalty rate structure with partner Roche Holding AG that disappointed investors.

The S&P 500 Property & Casualty Insurance Index slipped 0.7 percent. The eight-member gauge has declined for six straight days, its longest losing streak since May. Travelers Cos., the lone insurer in the Dow, lost 0.8 percent to $71.56. Allstate Corp. (ALL) fell 0.9 percent to $40.15.

Hurricane Sandy, dubbed “Frankenstorm” because it is forecast to reach the U.S. East Coast near Halloween next week, will cause insured losses of as much as $4.9 billion, Bloomberg Industries analyst Jonathan Adams estimated, citing Kenetic Analysis Corp.

Expedia Surges

Expedia Inc. (EXPE) surged 15 percent to $59.06. The company, which gets more than 40 percent of its business outside the U.S., expanded even as the European sovereign-debt crisis entered its third year. International revenue rose 22 percent in the period, surpassing domestic growth of 14 percent. Hotel reservations accounted for 77 percent of worldwide sales, while 7 percent came from airlines.

Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) jumped 6.9 percent to $238.24 after posting a smaller operating loss than analysts had anticipated as the world’s largest online retailer ramped up spending on delivery services ahead of the holiday sales season.

Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) added 3.3 percent to $37.56. The largest U.S. cable company and the majority owner of NBC said third-quarter profit more than doubled, boosted by advertising revenue, the sale of assets and a decrease in the loss of subscribers.

Eastman Chemical Co. (EMN) climbed 12 percent to $60.19. The biggest U.S. producer of chemicals from coal surpassed third- quarter profit estimates and lifted its 2012 forecast.

Arch Coal

Arch Coal Inc. (ACI) gained 11 percent to $8.09. The fourth- largest U.S. producer of the fuel reported third-quarter results that exceeded analysts’ estimates after shipments increased more than projected and costs declined.

Moody’s Corp. (MCO) rose 4.8 percent to $47.89 after saying profit increased 41 percent as companies took advantage of record investor demand and low borrowing costs by issuing debt.

NetSuite Inc. (N) gained 15 percent to $65.40, a record. The software maker majority-owned by Oracle Corp.’s Larry Ellison surged after customer gains spurred higher than expected sales growth and the company raised its full-year forecast.

Julian Robertson, founder of Tiger Management LLC, said hedge funds that have positioned themselves for a “disaster” are making a mistake.

“I think right now they are all scared,” Robertson, who once ran one of the most successful hedge funds in world, said today in a television interview on “Bloomberg Surveillance” with Tom Keene. “They are really only going to be profitable in the event of a big disaster.”

Trailed Markets

Hedge funds have trailed markets this year after cutting risk to protect themselves against losses. The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Hedge Fund Index (BBHFUNDS) gained 3.1 percent through September, compared with a 16 percent increase in the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index and a 4.5 percent advance in the Barclays Capital Bond Composite U.S. Index.

Hedge funds that wager on rising and falling stocks are 22 percent net long, below the average of 35 percent to 40 percent, according to an Oct. 22 report published by Bank of America Merrill Lynch. A net position is the difference between bets on rising stocks and falling stocks.

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