Coca-Cola Pops on Monster Stake as Stocks End February With Gains

U.S. stocks closed in the red on the last trading day of the month but still posted strong gains for the entire month of February. Investors were discouraged by lackluster economic data including the lowered GDP reading. Coca-Cola (KO) was by far the Dow's best performer. Shares popped nearly 2% carried by Monster Beverage's (MNST) strong earnings. Monster Beverage gained more than 13 percent. Coca-Cola has a 16.7% stake in the company. Crude settled at $49.76 for its first monthly gain since June. Gap (GPS) rose after raising its buyback program and its dividend. Ross Stores (ROST) bagged almost 7% in Friday's trading after posting better than expected results on both the top and bottom lines.