The European Central Bank is providing a stimulus to the economy, similar to the Federal Reserve’s bond-buying program, that will give regional countries more financial ability to import goods. However, markets were rather flat in today’s trading on the U.S. Big Board, as the three major indexes slipped modestly. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell -0.05 percent, -8.7, to end the day at 17,069.58, as both the Nasdaq and S&P slipped, the Nasdaq falling -0.22 percent, -10.28 points, to end the day at 4,562.29. The S&P 500 nudged down -3.07 points, -0.15 percent, to end the day at 1,997.65, as CNNMoney tells MHProNews. The Manufactured Housing Composite, which had fallen two consecutive days, regained modestly, moving up +0.57 percent to 608.1. Tracked stocks closed mixed in today’s trading, as Louisiana Pacific Corp. (LPX) posted the highest percentage gain, +1.49 percent, +0.21 points, to close at $14.34. Skyline Corp. dropped the most of stocks we follow, -2.33 percent, -0.07 points, to close at $2.94. Affiliated Managers Group (AMG) $210.82 -0.72 (-0.34%). Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA) -parent company to Clayton Homes, 21st, Mortgage, Vanderbilt Mortgage and other factory built housing industry suppliers – $206,820.00 +382.00 (+0.19%). Carlyle Group (CG) $32.84 -0.17 (-0.51%). Cavco Industries (CVCO) $69.19 +0.51 (+0.75%). Deer Valley (DVLY) $0.86 0.00 (0.00%). Equity LifeStyle Properties (ELS) 45.57 -0.15 (-0.33%). Killam Properties Inc. (KMP) $10.36 -0.17 (-1.61%). Liberty Homes (LIBHA) $1.15 0.00 (0.00%). Nobility Homes (NOBH) $10.75 -0.25 (-2.27%). Patrick Industries (PATK) $42.09 +0.24 (+0.70%). Sun Communities Inc (SUI) 53.85 +0.02 (+0.05%). Third Avenue Value Fund (TAVFX) (Sept. 3) $62.69 +0.34 (+0.55%). UMH Properties (UMH) $10.25 -0.03 (-0.29%). Universal Forest Products (UFPI) $47.44 +0.75 (+0.69%). ##

(Image credit: CNNMoney and RealTick)