Late Market Roundup

Ford Motor Co F has reported that its US sales have dropped 10.7% to 157,503 cars and trucks in August, as the company’s year-ago results also reflect the government's cash-for-clunkers promotion. Focus and Fusion sales reported a double-digit decline in August. Energy stocks started September on a positive note, driven by strong economic data from the US, China and Australia. Energy stocks gained momentum after a surprise increase in the US ISM manufacturing index for August. Shares of Exxon Mobil XOM rose about 2.91%, while Chevron CVX gained about 3.11%. The NYSE Arca Oil Index (XOI) jumped about 3.56%. Daimler AG DDAIF has reported a 7.4% rise in its US sales to 20,122 vehicles in August, from 18,734 in August 2009. Mercedes-Benz’s sales increased 10% to 18,826 units, while sales of smart cars plunged 72.4% to 448 units. Gold futures pared their gains of the earlier session, after the rise in the US and Chinese manufacturing data affected investor interest in gold. Gold for December delivery dropped about 0.3% to $1,246.30 an ounce, from $1,256.60 an ounce in the earlier session on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). from Benzinga's Markets.