U.S. stocks kicked off a shortened trading week slightly to the downside as oil prices lost steam on supply concerns. U.S. stocks have been rallying for the past five weeks, but analysts are wary that the gains will continue. 'It seems to me that markets are currently trading on fumes,' said Michael Ingram, a market analyst with BGC Partners, in London. 'Perhaps understandable after the central bank heavy week that we've just exited.' Meanwhile, Starwood Hotels (HOT) agreed to a strengthened takeover bid from Marriott International (MAR) - pegging the value of the hotel chain at $13.6 billion. Last week, Starwood reached a deal with China-based Anbang that would have valued Starwood at a just $13.2 billion. Starwood is a holding of Jim Cramer's charitable trust, Action Alerts PLUS. Finally, Priceline Group (PCLN) has reached a deal with Cuba to allow Americans to book hotels on the island through one of its travel websites, Booking.com. On Sunday, President Obama traveled to Havana in a historic visit that marks the normalization of relations between the two nations. TheStreet's Scott Gamm reports from Wall Street.
More from Video
One Tweet Pulls the Rug Out From Under the Indexes
Despite the president's promise of no stimulus until after Nov. 3, there are no signs yet that this is the sort of correlated selling that leads to a deep correction.
A Technical Look at the New Dow Jones Industrial Average
Salesforce, Amgen and Honeywell will give a lift to the DJIA going forward.
Conagra Brands Looks Tastier After Its Upgrade to Buy
CAG has hung onto the bulk of its recent gains, and could rise to the $50 area, according to the charts and indicators.
Biogen Bulls Get a Lift From Quant Upgrade and Strengthening Charts
Breaking down an approach to the long side of this biotech stock.
Is Renewable Energy the Defensive Stock Opportunity You're Missing
AMSC CEO discusses that and China challenges.