MARKET MEASURES: The Dow Jones industrial average gained 26.34 points to close at 13,103.68, eking out its second day of gains this week. The Standard & Poor's 500 rose 4.22 points to 1,412.97.

CLEANED UP: Procter & Gamble posted the biggest gain of any Dow stock. The consumer products company, whose products include Tide detergent and Charmin toilet paper, reported earnings that beat analysts' estimates. P&G rose $1.99 to $70.07.

HOUSING NEWS: Builders' stocks fell after the pace of growth in housing sales slowed last month. PulteGroup fell 44 cents to $17.01. Toll Brothers dropped $1.04 to $34.21.