Stocks closed out one of the best months for markets in years with a mixed performance on Friday after data showed a smaller-than-expected contraction in the economy during the second quarter. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 17.15 points, or 0.2%, to end trading at 9171.61, leaving it up 8.6% in July for its best monthly performance since October 2002. It was the best July for the Dow in percentage terms since 1989, when it gained 9.04%. Market Data Center > Most Actives | Gainers | Losers New Highs and Lows | Money Flows Intraday Futures | Currencies The measure's best-performing stock in July was Caterpillar, which surged by 33%. It gained 1.5% on Friday. Its worst peformer was McDonald's. The fast-food chain's shares fell 4.2% on the month, and shed 1% on Friday. The S&P 500 climbed 0.73 point, or 0.1%, to 987.47. It gained 7.4% in July and it has risen 34.33% in five months, its best five-month span since October 1938. The Nasdaq Composite Index slid 5.[Read more...]