Tuesday, the Dow was down 22.65 points (0.08%) at 26,783.49, the NASDAQ closed 43.35 points (0.54%) higher at 8,141.73, and the S&P 500 was up 3.68 points (0.12%) at 2,979.63. The Russell 2000 inched up 1.20 points (0.08%) to 1,562.59, and the Wilshire 5000 increased 56.78 points (0.19%) to 30,654.92.

The prices of the 10-year Treasury note and 30-year Treasury bond each were down 1/32, increasing their yields to 2.063% and 2.539%, respectively.

ON THIS DATE: In 1778, in support of the American Revolution, Louis XVI declared war on England. In 1821, U.S. troops took possession of Florida. The territory was sold by Spain. In 1890, Wyoming became the 44th state to join the United States. In 1913, the highest temperature ever recorded in the U.S. was 134 degrees in Death Valley, California. In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was hand delivered to the U.S. Senate by President Woodrow Wilson. In 1928, George Eastman first demonstrated color motion pictures. In 1929, the U.S. government began issuing paper money in the small size. In 1949, the first practical rectangular television was presented. The picture tube measured 12 by 16 and sold for $12. In 1951, Armistice talks aimed at ending the Korean conflict began at Kaesong. In 1953, American forces withdrew from Pork Chop Hill in Korea after heavy fighting. In 1962, the Telstar Communications satellite was launched. The satellite relayed TV and telephone signals between Europe and the U.S. In 1973, Britain granted the Bahamas its independence after three centuries of British colonial rule. In 1985, Coca-Cola resumed selling the old formula of Coke, renamed “Coca-Cola Classic.” It was also announced that they would continue to sell “New” Coke. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush lifted economic sanctions against South Africa, citing its “profound transformation” toward racial equality. In 1997, scientists in London said DNA from a Neanderthal skeleton supported a theory that all humanity descended from an “African Eve” 100,000 to 200,000 years ago.

WEDNESDAY WISDOM: “The best way to keep one’s word is not to give it.”—Napoleon Bonaparte