Among the sector activity stories for Wednesday, Dec. 9, from AP Financial News:
NEW YORK (AP) _ Shares of defense contractors fell after Macquarie Securities downgraded some companies in the sector, including Lockheed Martin Corp., on concerns about tight military budgets.
NEW YORK (AP) _ Airline stocks were mixed with the broader market, even though officials of the biggest carriers offered upbeat views on travel demand going into next year.
DENVER (AP) _ Shares of metal manufacturers were mixed after an analyst noted prices were rising despite what she sees as a small improvement in demand for steel products.
