Stocks Edge Up in Midday Trading

U.S. stocks shed early weakness to extend last week’s gains in midday trading on Monday , getting some support from Apple Inc.’s dividend plans and housing data.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average lately rose 25.28 points to 13,257.90. The S&P 500 Index was up 7.38 points to 1,411.55. The Nasdaq Composite rose 24.22 points to 3,079.48.

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo said Monday that its builder sentiment index stayed at 28, the highest level since June 2007. The flat reading followed five straight increases.

Quarterback Peyton Manning has agreed to join the Denver Broncos, according to media reports Monday. Manning was said to be deciding among the Broncos, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans.