Selling interest today was offset by optimism over steady declines for inter-bank lending rates and ideas the bad news on the economy has already been priced into the stock market. The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) closed up 0.18%, posting a fifth-consecutive higher close, something that hasn’t happened since April. Today’s small-cap gainers are CVR Energy (NYSE:CVI), Arbor Realty Trust (NYSE:ABR) and Safe Bulkers (NYSE:SB).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• The ISM Manufacturing Survey came in at 38.9%, which was below the forecast of 42% and marked the lowest manufacturing activity index in 26 years.
• For the year, the Russell is now down 30%, while the Dow is off 30% and the S&P 500 is down 34%.
• Today's trading was easily the calmest session seen since the collapse began back in mid-September.
• Airlines appeared to get a lift from another pullback in crude oil prices, which were down $3.90 a barrel, or about 5.7%.
• The AMEX Airline Index rose 5.6% to the highest point since Sep. 22 and is now up 85% since the Oct. 10 low. 
• Wireless telecoms were the top performers, followed by tire and rubber stocks, multiline insurers, life health insurers, glass and metal container stocks, gold and aluminum.
• Casinos were out of favor so far today after posting solid gains late last week. Oil exploration and oil production stocks were also down, as were department stores, home improvement retail, automotive retail and oil and gas storage . . .

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