Stock Market Update

[BRIEFING.COM] The S&P 500 (-0.4%), Nasdaq Composite (-0.8%), and DJIA (-0.4%) are off of their session lows as the broader market sees some improvements this afternoon. 

Four S&P 500 sectors now hold gains, with the defensive consumer staples (+1.0%) and health care (+0.6%) sectors leading the way. Colgate-Palmolive (CL 89.47, +4.23, +4.96%) and Church & Dwight (CHD 95.63, +3.67, +3.99%) are both standouts after topping earnings expectations. 

The energy sector (+0.6%) also holds a solid gain despite crude oil futures settling today's session $0.19 lower (-0.3%) at $65.19 per barrel.  Chevron (CVX 175.64, +4.45, +2.60%) is gaining ground after beating its own earnings estimates, while Exxon Mobil (XOM 140.35, -0.16, -0.11%) is flattish.