The US stock markets ended with gains on Monday. The trading volumes were lower due to holiday season. After the news of infusion of more cash for Merrill Lynch, the market sentiments were looking better. Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed 07 percent higher at 13,550. Nasdaq Composite also gained 0.8 percent and ended the session before Christmas at 2713.
The advances remained more on NYSE in a shortened trading session. The volumes were lower as less number of traders participated and the session was cut by 3 hours.
GE Capital announced its plans to buy middle-market commercial finance business of Merrill Lynch. Stock price of Merrill Lynch fell three percent to end at $ 54.
Equipment Rental company United Rentals announced that the company may end its fight with Cerberus Capital Management. United Rentals has asked Cerberus Capital to pay 1billion USD as termination fee.
The stock markets are expected to open firm after holidays. Global markets have also shown positive signs. Emerging markets gained in past couple of trading sessions.