Indices closed in the red zone on Monday. Bank of America, DuPont, Exxon Mobil, and Caterpillar led the Dow’s descent. Brands dipped amid concern over second-quarter earnings season and continuing euro-zone woes. In merger action, health-benefits company WellPoint plans to acquire managed health-care firm Amerigroup for $4.9 billion. On another note, crude oil added $1.54 to settle at $85.99 a barrel. Alcoa posted quarterly details after the closing bell. The aluminum maker earned $61 million, or 6 cents a share, on sales of $5.96 billion. The results exceeded estimates by a penny.
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