April, 27, 2010

The stock market closed narrowly mixed Monday after a strong earnings report from Caterpillar Inc. offset investors' concerns about financial regulation.Banking shares fell as negotiations on financial overhaul legislation continued in Washington.Caterpillar, whose results are seen as an economic indicator, reported earnings that beat analyst expectations after a one-time charge related to health care.

The company said that economic conditions were "definitely improving" and that orders for its heavy equipment were significantly higher than last year.Investors also got good news from Whirlpool Corp., which said profits doubled on higher sales of appliances in the United States and other countries. That's a signal that consumer spending is picking up.News that car rental company Hertz Global Holdings Inc. agreed to buy rival Dollar Thrifty Automotive Inc. also helped stocks.