Market Recap: Stocks Up But Thinly Traded as Greece Makes Slow Progress

Markets closed up on Wall Street today:

• Dow +0.26 percent
• S&P +0.20 percent
• Nasdaq +0.07 percent
• Oil +1.88 percent
• Gold +1.36 percent

On the commodities front:

• Oil (NYSE:USO) rose to $98.73 a barrel
• Gold (NYSE:GLD) climbing to $1,748.30 an ounce
• Silver (NYSE:SLV) rose 1.41 percent to settle at $34.23

(Related: Precious Metals Remain Strong as Greece Nears Deadline)

Today’s markets were up because:

1) Greece: Again. Until the soon-to-be twice bailed out nation is able to satisfy its troika of lenders — the European Commission, European Central Bank, and International Monetary Fund — markets will continue to be slaves to the government that makes U.S. lawmakers look effective.

Today, stocks opened lower amid concerns that Greek politicians might not reach an agreement on reforms needed to secure fresh bailout money and avoid a default, but markets bounced back after reports suggested that progress was being made in negotiations.

2) Consumers: The Federal Reserve announced this afternoon that consumer borrowing in the U.S. rose more than forecast in December, driven by demand for auto and student loans. Analysts say consumers’ willingness to take on debt signals a growing confidence in the economy. Of course, Americans could also be taking on debt because gains in employment have yet to push wages high enough for consumers to continue shopping.

3) Earnings: BP shares fell on Tuesday, though the oil company reported increased fourth-quarter profits and raised its dividend. Investors remain wary of how much the Deepwater Horizon oil spill will cost following a trial that is set to begin later this month. UBS shares also declined after the Swiss bank posted a 75 percent drop in fourth-quarter profit. Yum! Brands shares spiked after the fast-food operator beat earnings, thanks to growth in China, while Coca-Cola shares also climbed higher after topping earnings and sales estimates for the fourth quarter. Disney shares were up in anticipation of earnings after the bell.

[Editor’s note: the above is a cross post that originally appeared on Wall St. Cheat Sheet.]