Afternoon Markets: Dow Jones flat as optimism fades

The Dow Jones is flat in early trading on concerns the market revival may be outpacing the real rate of recovery.

America's blue chip index has climbed just 10 points (0.11%) 9,802.59 following strong rallies over the past two days. Financials are faring well. American Express added 1.06% to $36.22, while Bank of America Corp gained 0.96% to $17.42. Elsewhere, General Electric climbed 1.35% to $17.13 and Kraft Foods advanced 1.14% to $26.57. However, communications firms AT&T Inc shed 0.72% to $26.35, while Verizon Communications fell 2.04% to $29.79. In the UK, the FTSE is continuing to cement its position above 5,000 with a gain so far on Thursday of almost 39 points (0.75%) to 5,162.74. ...