quarter net income to exceed analysts' estimates. As gas pump costs soared, The Conference Board said its gauge of sentiment eased to 102.4 from a revised 104.4 in February. Analysts had looked for a dip to 103.0. "This report is not a market mover," said Hugh Johnson, chief investment officer of Johnson Illington Advisors. "Investors are waiting for the next market-movers, and they all will come on Friday, most importantly the employment report. The market this week could be somewhat trendless until we get to Friday." Abbott Laboratories Inc. rose 1.6 percent to $45.90 after J.P. Morgan raised its investment rating on Abbott to "neutral" from "underweight," citing expectations for a company rebound in 2007. Apollo Group Inc. fell about 2 percent to $71.40 after the for-profit-education company posted higher quarterly profit on increased enrollment but said costs also jumped as the school spent more on advertising to attract new students. --SP 2312 Local Time 2012 GMT
