Major Averages Posting Modest Gains In Mid-Day Trading

(RTTNews) - After initially showing a lack of direction, stocks have moved modestly higher over the course of the trading day on Friday. Buying interest has remained relatively subdued, however, limiting the upside for the markets.

While a majority of the major sectors have moved to the upside on the day, most continue to show only modest moves in mid-day trading.

Computer hardware stocks have shown a strong upward move, however, with the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index advancing by 1.3 percent. Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) is posting a standout gain, jumping by 4 percent.

Some strength also remains visible among semiconductor stocks, with Intel (INTC) leading the way higher after providing upbeat guidance.

Railroad and internet stocks are also seeing some strength, while gold stocks are giving back ground after moving sharply higher over the past few sessions.

The major averages are currently posting modest gains, off their highs for the session. The Dow is up 37.81 points or 0.2 percent at 16,772.00, the Nasdaq is up 11.85 points or 0.3 percent at 4,309.48 and the S&P 500 is up 4.98 points or 0.3 percent at 1,935.09.