Markets mixed on return of skepticism

U.S. stock markets were mixed Friday morning on renewed skepticism over the economic recovery. The Commerce Department reported the trade deficit fell slightly in March to April, dropping from $52.6 billion to $50.1 billion. But investors were focused on Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's remarks Thursday in which he failed to commit the central bank to any new round of stimulus measures. Adding to the downturn that started Thursday afternoon, the Dow Jones industrial average gave up a 20.63 points or 0.17 percent to 12,440.33 in midmorning trading. The Standard & Poor's 500 lost 2.34 points or 0.18 percent to 1,312.62. The Nasdaq Composite index added 0.34 points or 0.01 percent to 2,831.36. The benchmark 10-year treasury note rose 16/32 to yield 1.59 percent. The euro fell to $1.2468 from Thursday's $1.2561. Against the yen, the dollar fell to 79.46 from 79.63 yen. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 index dropped 2.09 percent, 180.46 points, to 8,459.26.