Stocks Advance Despite Oil Slipping Lower

Stocks managed to avoid international disturbances today on the way to reasonable gains.  The NASDAQ, in fact, managed its first positive close for the year with a solid 47 point gain.  Keying on Asian and European markets, stock futures pointed upward this morning and up stocks did go.  Stocks managed to hold on to much of their gains despite oil slipping under $31 per barrel.  The Dow closed up 117 points on the day.