Thursday

Stocks slid late in the session today, but still managed to finish in the black for the third consecutive quarter. The Dow finished up 6.4% for the quarter. Growing optimism that the U.S. economic recovery is strengthening has fueled this quarter's gains despite turmoil overseas. Construction and mining equipment maker Caterpillar was the Dow's top performer for the quarter, climbing 19%. As far as economic data goes, many investors are remaining cautious until tomorrow when the government is to release its closely watched monthly employment report. DJIA -30.88 Nasdaq +4.28 S&P 500 -2.43.