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NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks indexes are closing mostly higher as traders welcome more positive news on corporate earnings and deals. The Standard & Poor's 500 edged up a point to 2,039. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 40 1/2 points, or 0.2 percent, to 17,652, another record. The Nasdaq rose five points, or 0.1 percent, to 4,680.
NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices are continuing to fall. Benchmark U.S. crude has dropped $2.97, or 4 percent, to close at $74.21 a barrel today on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, fell $2.46 to close at $77.92 a barrel, also a 4-year low, on the ICE Futures exchange in London.
UNDATED (AP) — There's a report that Halliburton is in talks to buy rival oilfield-services provider Baker Hughes. The Wall Street Journal, citing unidentified people, says talks are moving quickly and could result in a deal soon. No possible price is reported. A spokeswoman for Baker Hughes says the company will not comment on market rumors or speculation.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Truckers who haul cargo in and out of the massive seaports in Los Angeles and Long Beach are again demonstrating against what they call unfair labor practices. Dozens of demonstrators set up outside eight of the twin ports' 15 container terminals today. Spokesmen for the ports report minimal impact on port operations.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California is accusing BP of overcharging the state up to $300 million on natural gas sales. The lawsuit says California gave the British oil and gas giant an exclusive deal to provide $2 billion in natural gas for state agencies. The suit alleges BP sellers routinely charged above market price and BP reaped a profit margin at least three times greater than the contract allowed.
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