Dell Keeps Tech Afloat

Treasuries edged ahead. The 10-year note was up 3/32 in price, yielding 4.56%. The dollar was mixed against the world's major currencies, and gold was higher by 30 cents at $635.40.

Crude prices dropped after of the Energy Department's weekly inventory report showed a larger-than-expected increase in crude stocks. Oil inventories rose by 5.1 million barrels and gasoline stocks rose by 1.4 million barrels. Distillate inventories were down 1.2 million barrels. January crude futures lost 93 cents and closed below $60.

The inventory number failed to solidify the $60 level, something Pado said would be "a small negative for the market heading into the long weekend. Falling back below $59 should set the ball in motion to push crude to test the support at $57."