Daily Market Recap -
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Updated Each Business Day at Approximately 4:30 pm ET
Bank stocks led the major indices to their third consecutive winning session. Citigroup's CEO said the company was on its way back to sustainable profitability. Regional banks were also pulling higher for a second day on speculation Barclays could be interested in making an acquisition. Stocks overcame news that inflation was increasing in China. China's inflation rate rose 2.7 percent last month. As such, China may have to change its monetary policies to stem accelerating prices. In U.S. news, January's exports fell 0.3 percent while imports declined 1.7 percent. Weekly jobless claims declined for the second straight week though the four-week moving average of continuing claims rose. The oil sector also made headlines as Devon Energy said it is selling assets in Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico and Azerbaijan to BP for $7 billion. It is buying half of BP's Canadian oil sands project for $500 million.

The Dow advanced 44 points to 10611. International Business Machines was a standout on the upside as it gained $1.98 to $127.60. 3M partially offset with a $0.30 loss to $81.26. The NASDAQ added 9 points to 2368. The S&P 500 headed 4 points higher to 1150. The Dow Utility Index edged more than a point higher to 378 and the Dow Transports marched 24 points higher to 4320. The small caps of the Russell 2000 edged 2 points higher to 677.

Volume totaled 982 million shares on the New York Stock Exchange and 602 million shares were exchanged on the NASDAQ. Winners outdid decliners by a 3 to 2 margin on the New York Stock Exchange. There were about 7 stocks higher for every 6 lower on the NASDAQ. Gold retreated $16.50 to $1104 per ounce. US Treasury securities were mixed moving higher at the long end of the curve amid solid demand for a U.S. Treasury bond auction. Closing yields were 0.15 percent for the 3-month bill, 2.41 percent for the 5 year-note, 3.73 percent for the 10 year note and 4.67 percent for the 30-year bond. Tomorrow's economic line-up includes Janaury's inventories, February's retail sales and March's consumer sentiment reports.

Customers with questions concerning this Afternoon Comment are advised to contact Dendra Lambert at: 1-800-444-1854 x1239 or (502) 588-1239. Members of the media are advised to contact Chambers Moore at 1-800-444-1854 x8416 or (502) 588-8416.