3 Stocks Holding Back the Dow: General Electric Company (GE), Intel Corporation (INTC)

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is headed south so far in trading today. Although the tech giant is taking strides to update its software to close security gaps and is highlighting the capabilities of its new big-data product, analysts have recently downgraded Mr. Softy, dropping the company’s price target to $27 based on concerns about the speed of Windows 8’s market-share growth and a recent cut in Surface tablet sales estimates.

The bright side
One of the Dow’s components has been a bright light of optimism this morning: UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH) . Up 1.2% so far in trading, the health care group can largely thank its ex-dividend date on Wednesday for the boost. Though the company has not raised its dividend for the past four quarters, investors may wish to cash in on the company’s continued reign as Fortune‘s “World’s Most Admired Company” in insurance and managed care, which it has won for the past three years.

The article 3 Stocks Holding Back the Dow originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Jessica Alling.

Fool contributor Jessica Alling has no position in any stocks mentioned, but you can contact her here. The Motley Fool recommends Apple, Intel, and UnitedHealth Group. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, General Electric Company, Intel, and Microsoft.

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