Stocks rebound…Jobs data disappoints…Apple to tighten security…Oil falls…Circular smartwatch

NEW YORK (AP) — Investors seeking safety are leading stocks back into positive territory this afternoon, following a morning slump prompted by a disappointing August jobs report. Dividend-rich utility and phone company stocks are leading the gains. Investors are also buying Treasury notes, pulled down bond yields.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The August jobs report has come as a disappointment, but investors say it’s at odds with reports earlier this week that showed the economy is still strengthening. The government reports that employers added just 142,000 jobs in August, snapping a six-month streak in which more than 200,000 jobs were added each month. John Fox at Fenimore Asset Management calls it “a blip,” saying: “The preponderance of evidence is that things continue to expand.”

NEW YORK (AP) — Apple plans to tighten its online security measures to reduce the chances of its customers being victimized by hackers like the ones who stole nude photos from actress Jennifer Lawrence and other celebrities. CEO Tim Cook told The Wall Street Journal that Apple will use email and push notifications to alert users when there has been an attempt to restore their iCloud data on a new device, change an account password or log on to an account with a new device.

NEW YORK (AP) — The price of oil continues to fall following yesterday’s report showing U.S. crude supplies have dropped less than expected. Benchmark U.S. crude oil has dropped below $94 a barrel in New York after falling $1.09 on Thursday.

NEW YORK (AP) — Motorola has introduced a circular smartwatch in hopes a more traditional design will win over consumers who have so far shunned other computerized wrist devices. The Moto 360 is round with an all-metal frame, making it look more like a regular watch. However, design has not been the only obstacle keeping smartwatches from catching on. Small displays and the need for a companion smartphone nearby have also limited their appeal. LG Electronics also has a circular smartwatch in the works, but it won’t be out for at least a month.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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