The employment numbers for July were just all right, but they gave investors a reason to buy into a market that continues to trend higher. The Dow finished at 13,096, snapping a four-day losing streak and its biggest gain in more than a month. Even Facebook shares rose 5.2 percent, to $21.09. The next big question is whether the Dow can break out of what's been a fairly narrow trading range (it's had a tough time staying over 13,000) and whether investors will be encouraged enough to spend more money.
More by Mark Lacter:
Huge win for L.A. aerospaceCase of the disappearing tuna
Stocks take off on jobs report - Dow up 217
L.A.'s celebrity tour business is getting out of hand
Chick-fil-A CEO is swimming against the tide*
Friday morning headlines
Stocks taking off on unexpectedly good jobs report
Beware of Friday's jobs report - the numbers may be way off
Is Chick-fil-A being hurt by the kerfuffle over gay marriage?*
Uh-oh, orange juice futures are soaring
Recent Markets stories:
Stocks take off on jobs report - Dow up 217Friday morning headlines
Uh-oh, orange juice futures are soaring
Thursday morning headlines
California's Facebook windfall looks a lot smaller than expected
New at LA Observed
Follow us on Twitter
On the Media Page
Go to Media
LA Biz Observed
Go to LA Biz Observed
Sign up for daily email from LA Observed

Last look at Van Nuys location