Salesforce Jumps on Fresh Deal Reports; Wall Street Sells Off

Stocks sold off after March's trade deficit surged, prompting fears revised GDP could show the U.S. economy contracted in the first quarter. Salesforce.com (CRM) unexpectedly jumped in the afternoon session, triggering a temporary halt in trading. Shares were higher on reports Microsoft (MSFT) is exploring a bid for the company. Genworth Financial (GNW) was the worst performer on the S&P 500 after receiving a downgrade at Morgan Stanley to UNDERWEIGHT. Crude oil closed above $60 a barrel for the first time since December 11. Commodity prices were higher after protesters shut down a Libyan port.