Daily ETF Roundup: Stocks Pull Back On Mixed Economic Data

A slew ofdisappointingeconomic reports along with looming concernssurroundingthe fiscal cliff discussions had investors pulling back, as many were reluctant to make big bets ahead of the weekend. While investors continued to weigh the probability of Congress coming to a viable solution, U.S. consumer spending came in surprisingly lower, falling 0.2% last month the first decline since May. Personal incomes, however, were little changed, though analysts had expected a 0.2% increase. Also bucking economist'sexpectationsof an increase, the core price-consumption-expenditures index came in unchanged.

Global Market Overview:Stocks Pull Back On Mixed Economic Data

U.S. equities ended narrowly mixed during today's lackluster trading session.Tech-heavyNasdaq slipped into negative territory, logging in a 0.06% loss.The Dow Jones Industrial Average managed to finish above the psychologically-important 13,000 level again today with its gain of a mere 0.03%. MeanwhiletheS&P 500 posted a 0.02% uptick. In Europe, markets were mostly lower on the day, though the Stoxx Europe 600 is still up 2% on the month. Asian equities were mostly higher after Japan data showed a surprising rise in industrial production for the month of October. Japan's Nikkei Stock Average gained 0.5%, closin at a seven-month high, while China's Shanghai Composite ticked 0.8% higher but is down over 4% in November.

Bond ETF Roundup

Prices for U.S. Treasuries ticked slightly higher once again today. Yield-hungry investors, however, turned to more appealing corporate bonds as new debt offerings from Amazon.com, Disney, Costco, and Chevron hit the market. Below investment-grade bonds also delivered solid performances; gained 0.30% during the session.

Commodity ETF Roundup

In the commodities space, gold and silver took the biggest hits today, dropping nearly 1% and 3% during the session, respectively. Crude oil, however, ticked slightly higher, ending near $89 a barrel. Copper futures hit their 6-week high today on improved demand from the top two copper-consumingcountries: the U.S. and China.

ETF Chart Of The Day #1: XLU

The State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF was one of the best performers today, gaining 1.06% during the session. Utility shares were among todayamong today's top advancers, forcing this ETF to pop in early morning hours. XLU ticked higher throughout the day, eventually settling near its high of $35.35 a share

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ETF Chart Of The Day #2: GDXJ

TheVan Eck Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF was one of the worst performers of the day, shedding 1.55% during the session. Alongside a steep drop in gold spot prices, gold miner equities also fell, forcing this ETF to gap lower at the open. After a quick early morning rally, GDXJ tumbled, falling throughout the day. The fund eventually settled at $21.56 a share.

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ETF Fun Fact Of The Day

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Disclosure: No positions at time of writing.