Markets up again...Oil prices drop... GM offering buyouts

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NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks have climbed for the second day in a row at the end of a brutal month for global markets. An unusually turbulent ride for investors left the S&P 500 down nearly 7 percent in October, its worst monthly loss in seven years. The index rose 29 points, or 1.1 percent, to 2,711. The Dow climbed 241 points, or 1 percent, to 25,115 and the Nasdaq rose 144 points, or 2 percent, to 7,305. The Russell 2000 edged up 4 points, or 0.3 percent, to 1,511.

NEW YORK (AP) —Oil prices are down today. Benchmark U.S. crude fell 1.3 percent to $65.31 per barrel in New York. At the same time, Brent crude, used to price international oils, shed 0.6 percent to $75.47 per barrel in London. U.S. crude has fallen 10 percent this month. In other energy futures, wholesale gasoline lost 2.1 percent to $1.77 a gallon. Heating oil edged up 0.1 percent to $2.26 a gallon and natural gas rose 2.3 percent to $3.26 per 1,000 cubic feet.

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors will attempt to cut costs by offering buyouts to about 18,000 white-collar workers in North America. The company has made the offer to salaried workers with 12 or more years of service. The move comes on the same day that GM reported a $2.5 billion third-quarter profit. The company says that although it is performing well, it wants to continue to reduce costs while the company and the economy are strong.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Four months after signing an executive order creating the National Council for the American Worker, President Donald Trump is set to announce that over 160 companies and organizations are pledging to provide new career opportunities for more than 6 million Americans. The White House says Trump will announce that since the unveiling of his "Pledge to America's Workers," businesses and groups have promised to create 6.39 million new opportunities for workers.

FREEPORT, Maine (AP) — L.L. Bean is looking across the border to Canada to boost sales. The Maine-based retailer has signed an agreement in which its iconic boot and other products will be sold in 30 stores in Canada for the holiday season, and in L.L. Bean-branded stores opening over the next decade. The company also has launched a dedicated website for Canadian customers that incorporates duties and smooths out currency fluctuations.