Stocks climb higher…Oil prices drop… Home Depot eliminates malware

NEW YORK (AP) — The stock market is closing at record highs following another piece of good news on the economy. Fewer Americans filed first-time claims for unemployment benefits last week. The S&P 500 rose nine points to close at a record 2,011. The Dow Jones industrial average climbed 109 points to 17,265 also a record. The Nasdaq jumped 31 points to 4,593.

NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices continue to fall on expectations of a quick return of Libyan production and continuing signals of lower global demand. Benchmark U.S. crude dropped $1.35 to close at $93.07 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, fell $1.27 to close at $97.70 in London.

UNDATED (AP) — The Home Depot says it has eliminated malware from its U.S. and Canadian networks that affected 56 million unique payment cards between April and September. The Atlanta-based home improvement retailer says it has also completed a “major” payment security project that provides enhanced encryption of customers’ payment data in the company’s U.S. stores.

NEW YORK (AP) — Oracle says Larry Ellison is stepping aside as CEO of the company he founded. The business software maker has promoted Safra Catz and Mark Hurd to replace him as co-CEOs. Ellison will reclaim the title of chairman at Oracle and is also taking the role of chief technology officer. Jeff Henley, Oracle’s chairman since January 2004, is now its vice chairman.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Apple is tightening its technological security so not even the company can pry into a password-protected iPhone or iPad in a move meant to reassure the millions of people who are increasingly storing vital pieces of their lives on the devices. The additional safeguard is part of Apple’s latest mobile software, iOS 8, which the company released yesterday.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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