U.S. stocks closed flat today as 10-year interest rates rebounded to 4.57% on a stronger than expected retail sales report for November; energy prices also moved higher. The Dow Jones (30 Industrials) added 2 points and the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) fell 4% to 10.17. Airline issues traded actively on news of a bid by AirTran (AAI) for Midwest Air (MEH), and media reports of merger talks between Continental and United Air. Options’ trading volume leaders included General Electric (GE) following yesterday’s announcement of a dividend increase, Altria (MO), and […]