Summary: Earnings took center stage again with a disappointment from IBM and a better-than-expected performance from Morgan Stanley dividing markets. The Dow fell for its second day in a row. Morgan Stanley gave rise to the financials sector after posting increases in its quarterly earnings and revenue. The New York-based firm joined Citigroup , JPMorgan and Bank of America in reporting a solid first quarter. Crude oil prices held near the flatline after a weekly reading on inventories showed a decline, though not as steep as analysts anticipated. U.S. stockpiles shrank by 1 million barrels, more than half the drop a week earlier. Abbott Laboratories was active after beating estimates on its top- and bottom-line. Sales grew nearly 30% in a year full of acquisitions and product launches.
