Optimism About Jobs Leads the Dow Higher: The Procter & Gamble Company (PG), International Business Machines Corp. (IBM), 3M Co (MMM)

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Today’s biggest gainers, however, have come from the tech sector. Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HPQ) has reached Dow-topping gains of 1.7%, while International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) trails close behind, picking up 1.6%. As investors begin to take stock in HP’s turnaround plan, the stock has been on the rise despite the ongoing woes of the PC market. HP recently announced that it will begin selling a $169 Android-powered tablet in April, marking the first step in the company’s plan to carve out a niche in the lucrative mobile field. Investors hope it works: HP’s mobile history is so far barren and empty — part of the reason why it fell to such harrowing lows.

IBM, meanwhile, is moving into record territory with its gains. However, with the company predicting better-than-expected results from its data analysis business and possessing plenty of money for stock buybacks and dividend payouts, IBM’s rise shouldn’t scare off investors. This is one company that has the future well thought-out.

The article Optimism About Jobs Leads the Dow Higher originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Dan Carroll

Fool contributor Dan Carroll has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends 3M and Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG). The Motley Fool owns shares of International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM).

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