MIDDAY LUNCH

Dow 10611.16  -0.68, Nasdaq 2366.31  -2.15, S&P1149.38   -0.86 

 A disappointing consumer sentiment survey has dampened the mood of the stock market.  Traders had bid the market fractionally higher in early trading in response to a drop in the dollar and strong retail sales.

The U.S. dollar is lower today against the British pound on news that industrial production in Europe spiked a sharper-than-expected +1.7% in January.

The Advance Retail Sales Report for February showed a surprise +0.3% gain in retail sales and a +0.8% increase in sales less autos.

The University of Michigan's preliminary Consumer Sentiment Survey for March came in at 72.5, which was below the 74.0 that economist had estimated.

Steel stocks have been strong today. The group is up +1.9%, which has also given a lift to the materials sector. Materials stocks, as a group, are up +0.7%, more than any other major sector.