Stocks moved lower on Monday as weakness in the financial and energy sectors weighed on the broader market. In corporate news, shares of General Motors (GM) slid 0.57% after the company’s labor union contract deadline passed without an agreement being signed. The United Auto Workers (UAW) and GM were attempting to complete a cost-cutting labor deal that would allow the top U.S. automaker to cut itself free from a $50 billion retiree health care burden. Light crude oil deliverable in November slid $0.67, to $80.95 per barrel. The DJIA slid 0.44%, while the S&P fell 0.53%.

Stocks ended the session mixed on Tuesday as strength in the Tech sector helped offset weakness in Retailing. Light crude oil deliverable in November slid $1.42, to $79.53 per barrel. In economic news, Consumer Confidence in September came in at 99.8, below the Street estimate of 104.3. Existing Home sales came in at 5.5 million, above the consensus estimate of 5.48 million. In corporate news, shares of Grant Prideco (GRP) fell 1.63% after the oil services company stated it expected its third quarter EPS to fall below prior guidance of $1.04. Lennar (LEN) slid 3.97% after the company’s fiscal third quarter (ended August) earnings came in below expectations. The DJIA rose 0.14%, while the S&P dropped 0.03%.

Equity markets finished the session in positive territory on Wednesday as weak economic data spurred investor belief that the Federal Reserve could continue cutting interest rates. In economic news, Durable Goods orders in August slid 4.9%, a greater-than-expected drop relative to the Street estimated decline of 3.5%. In corporate news, shares of General Motors (GM) added 9.36% after the company ironed out a deal with the United Auto Workers (UAW), marking an end to the two-day strike and allowing for production to resume. Light crude oil deliverable in November rose $0.77, to $80.30 per barrel. The DJIA added 0.72%, while the Nasdaq gained 0.58%.

Stocks ended the session up on Thursday as investors seemed to be counting on another Fed rate cut following weak economic data. In economic news, New Home sales slid 8.3% in August to an annual pace of 795,000, below the Street estimate of 825,000. GDP for the second quarter rose 3.8%, in line with expectations. In corporate news, Xyratex (XRTX) gained 0.74% after the company’s fiscal third quarter (ended August) EPS came in above expectations. Rite Aid (RAD) dropped 4.16% after the company posted a wider-than-expected loss for its fiscal second quarter. Light crude oil deliverable in November gained $2.58, to $82.88 per barrel. The DJIA added 0.25%, while the S&P rose 0.39%.

Stocks ended the session with modest losses on Friday as stronger-than-expected economic data cooled investor belief in continued interest rate cuts. In economic news, the Chicago Purchasing Managers Index came in at 54.2 in September, above the Street estimate of 53.0. In corporate news, shares of Jones Soda (JSDA) added 5.42% after the company launched five new sport drinks. Light crude oil deliverable in November fell $1.28, to $81.60 per barrel. The DJIA slid 0.13%, while the S&P dropped 0.30%.

Equity markets finished in positive territory for the week, as belief in continued interest rate cuts boosted the broader market. For the week, the DJIA, S&P, and Nasdaq rose 0.54%, 0.06%, and 1.13%, respectively.