Markets slip as stocks drift after muted opening
New York markets traded lower in midafternoon deals with small gains limited to about four points while losses hovered near two. Sector activity skewed to special situations with chemicals, building materials, heavy electrical equipment and metals showing strength, while steels, rails and aircraft remained uneven. In Chicago live poultry and eggs markets held steady amid steady wholesale prices and mixed receipts, while livestock at St. Louis saw hogs mostly steady to higher, calves strong and cattle active with higher prices for prime and high-quality yearlings.