Market Recap: Markets Struggle With EU Election News

Markets closed mixed today:

▼ Dow: -0.23 percent

▲ Nasdaq: +0.05 percent

▲ S&P: +0.04 percent

Precious metals:

▼ Gold: down -0.24 percent to $1,638.58 an ounce

▼ Silver: down -0.69 percent to settle at $30.05 an ounce

Commodities:

▼ Oil: -0.62 percent

Markets were mixed because:

Stock markets recovered around the world following an early stumble caused by election results in France and Greece that appeared to jeopardize Europe's plans for fighting its debt crisis.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell as much as 68 points early Monday but recouped its losses and even rose 10 points in the afternoon. The Dow finally closed the day down 30 points at 13,008.

The Standard & Poor's 500 rose half a point to 1,369. The Nasdaq composite rose one point to 2,958.

European shares plunged at the open, but recovered most of the losses.

Greek voters punished politicians who backed cost-cutting plans, leaving the country without clear leadership. In France President Nicolas Sarkozy was thrown out in favor of Socialist Francois Hollande, who pledged "to finish with austerity."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.