Why Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) Sagged on a Flat Day for the Dow

Outside the Dow, Cliffs Natural Resources Inc (NYSE:CLF) fell more than 6% to a new multiyear low, as Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) added its own negative sentiment to the chorus of investors who have become extremely bearish on the steel industry and the suppliers that provide raw materials for steel production. With Cliffs facing not only falling iron ore prices but also higher costs at its mine properties, the company doesn’t have any obvious catalysts that would help its shares hit bottom.

Finally, Juniper Networks, Inc. (NYSE:JNPR) fell 5%. Again, Goldman was the catalyst, downgrading the stock and citing intense competition not just from industry leader Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) but from smaller players as well. With new technology coming out, Juniper has to demonstrate its ability to keep up if it wants to stay competitive in the space, especially given the unpredictable capital-spending patterns among its key telecom customers.

The article Why Caterpillar Sagged on a Flat Day for the Dow originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Dan Caplinger has no position in any stocks mentioned. You can follow him on Twitter: @DanCaplinger. The Motley Fool recommends Cisco Systems and Goldman Sachs.

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