Daily ETF Roundup: Markets Trade Sideways On Mixed Data

Markets straddled the flat line today, dipping in and out of red territory as investors digested a slew of mixed economic data and earnings reports. The Commerce Department reported that orders for long-lasting manufactured goods jumped 9.9% in September, the largest gains since thebeginningof 2010. From the Labor Department, the number of Americans filing for jobless benefits fell less-than-expected, yet another red flag for the fragile labor market. Meanwhile, pending home sales inched slightly higher last month, rising only 0.3%, well bellow expectations. In earnings news, Procter & Gamble (PG) reported earnings that exceeded analyst's forecasts, while Best Buy (BBY) warned that its earnings will be significantly below its year-earlier results .

Global Market Overview:Markets Trade Sideways On Mixed Data

Despite a volatile trading day, all three major U.S. indexes managed to claw their way into positive territory. TheS&P 500 (SPY) logged in the highest uptick, with its 0.3% gain.Tech-heavy Nasdaq (QQQ) and theDow Jones Industrial Average (DIA) inched 0.15% and 0.2% higher, respectively. In Europe, markets were mostly higher after the U.K. reportedsurprisinglystrong GDP figures. Asian equities also gained, as Japan's Nikkei Stock Average surged 1.1% after a news report indicated that the Bank of Japan is considering expanding its stimulus measures. Meanwhile, China's Shanghai Composite slipped 0.7% and Hong Kong's Seng Index gained 0.2%.

Bond ETF Roundup

U.S. Treasury prices declined today after after unsubstanitated rumors about Fitch Ratings potentially downgrading the U.S. rating circulated around Wall Street. Also weighing heavily on the safe haven was speculation of an expanded Japanese asset-purchasing program and irrational movements in the Japanese yen and German Bund markets.

Commodity ETF Roundup

Lackluster reports on home sales and orders for long-lasting goods sent copper futures further south, as demand worriesescalatedonce again. Natural gas also declined after the Energy Department said inventories rose last week. Meanwhile, platinum ticked higher afterAnglo American Platinum Ltd. predicted that supplies may be limited this year because of the South African labor strikes.

ETF Chart Of The Day #1: ITB

The iShares Dow Jones U.S. Home Construction Index Fund (ITB) was one of the worst performers today, shedding 1.78% during the session. After pending homes sales came in at 0.3%, well below the expected 2.8%, this ETF took a steep nosedive, only to slide sideways for the remainder of the day. ITB eventually settled just above its low of $20.17 a share .

ETF Chart Of The Day #2:GDX

The Van Eck market Vectors TR Gold Miners (GDX)was one of the best performers on the day, gaining 3.06% during an otherwise sour session on Wall Street. This ETF posted a surprisingly positive performance considering that gold futures prices traded sideways for most of the session. After gapping significantly higher at the open, GDX traded flat for the rest of the day, eventuallysettlingjust below its high of $51.73 a share .

ETF Fun Fact Of The Day

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Disclosure: No positions at time of writing.