Business
US Stocks Rise As Economy Shows Signs Of Growth
Fresh signs Friday that the United States economy continues its slow, steady recovery and easing worries about Greece’s debt problems helped push stocks higher.
Stocks got a boost after reassuring statements from Greece’s finance minister and the head of the European Central Bank. Major European indexes are higher, while the dollar fell against the euro.
Major indexes pulled back briefly after Fitch Ratings cut its view on Greece’s debt, before quickly recovering. Stocks have been fluctuating in recent days on ongoing concerns about the European nation’s ability to repay debt.
Rising commodity prices also helped energy and material stocks, pushing indexes higher. Commodities mostly climbed on hopes demand will jump as the economy continues to improve. Chevron Corp. and ExxonMobil Corp. both rose.
The Dow Jones industrial average is again creeping toward the 11,000 level. It came within 13 points earlier in trading. The Dow is up 56 points.
The Dow broke a two-day losing streak Thursday after retailers reported strong March sales. J.C. Penney shares jumped after an analyst upgraded his view on the stock. The retailer raised its first-quarter outlook Thursday after reporting better-than-expected sales.
A report on wholesale inventories provided the latest positive sign on the economy. The Commerce Department said inventories rose 0.6 percent in February, better than the 0.4 percent forecast by economists polled by Thomson Reuters.
Sales at wholesalers also rose faster than expected, gaining 0.8 percent. It was the 11th straight month of rising sales. Economists had forecast a 0.5 percent rise.
Consistently rising inventories and sales at the wholesale level mean that manufacturers are getting steady orders that should allow them to hire more workers. It also means retailers are ramping up orders as consumers return to stores after curtailing their spending during the recession.
In early afternoon trading, the Dow rose 56.23, or 0.5 percent, to 10,983.30. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 5.75, or 0.5 percent, to 1,192.18, while the Nasdaq composite index rose 9.36, or 0.4 percent, to 2,446.17.
The Dow has flirted with the 11,000 level throughout the week, coming within about a dozen points of the mark on both Monday and Tuesday. If the Dow hits 11,000, it would be the first time it reached that level in 18 months.
However, it hasn’t been able to hit that level as stocks have remained relatively flat throughout the week.
“Considering how fare we’ve come, a sideways week was appropriate,” said Maury Fertig, chief investment officer at Relative Value Partners in Northbrook, Ill.
If Dow rises Friday, it would give the index its sixth straight weekly gain for the first time since a stretch in March and April last year just after market bottomed. The Dow started the day at exactly the same level it closed last week. Analysts have said that the markets’ steady climb in recent weeks made it due for a pause.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.