Pacific Gold Corp fka PCFG

[bigstocksnbonds]

Market news:

NEW YORK (AP) -- An encouraging trade report and signs that a tax cut package would pass the Senate sent stocks edging higher Friday.

The government reported Friday morning that the U.S. trade deficit fell to its lowest level in nine months in October. Growing demand for American goods overseas pushed exports to their highest level in more than two years. The trade deficit narrowed to $38.7 billion, 13.2 percent below September's deficit of $44.6 billion.

In afternoon trading, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 22.06, or 0.2 percent, to 11,392.73.

General Electric Co. led the 30 stocks that make up the index with a 3.7 percent jump to $17.77. GE announced Friday that it planned to raise its dividend by 17 percent.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 6.68, or 0.5 percent, to 1,239.68. All 10 company groups that make up the index rose.

The Nasdaq composite index rose 21.07, or 0.8 percent, to 2,637.86.

Prospects were improving that the Senate would approve legislation aimed at avoiding sweeping tax increases Jan. 1. Negotiators added a few sweeteners to promote ethanol and other forms of alternative energy. A test vote was set for Monday.