Small-cap stocks remain high; ABR, EYE, and CVI lead gainers

Small-cap stocks remained moderately higher into the mid-session time frame, with support from lower inter-bank lending rates and analyst upgrades on key technology and retailer firms offset by a somber reading on manufacturing activity. Today’s small-cap gainers are Arbor Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE:ABR), Advanced Medical Optics Inc. (NYSE:EYE) and CVR Energy (NYSE:CVI).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• The market was trading in very tame fashion today, holding a relatively slim trading range while being devoid of the massive volatility.  
• The U.S. dollar was firm against the euro, which also hindered upside in commodity products.  
• Crude oil prices were down about 3%, which likely anchored down energy stocks.
• Oil exploration and oil production stocks were down, as were department stores, home improvement retail, automotive retail and oil and gas storage stocks.  
• Casinos were out of favor so far today after posting solid gains late last week.

Small Cap Gainers:

• Arbor Realty Trust Inc. is up about 42% climbing above the 20-day moving average for the first time in a month. See (NYSE:ABR).
• Advanced Medical Optics Inc. is surging 24% following solid earnings news from Friday. See (NYSE:EYE).  
• CVR Energy Inc. is rallying nearly 24%, extending a big rally that started Friday. It's set to release earnings Thursday. See (NYSE:CVI).  
• China Sunergy announces it will report Q3 results on Nov. 25; shares pop 20%. See (Nasdaq:CSUN).

Small Cap Losers:

• Saga Communications careening 15% ahead of its earnings release tomorrow. See (NYSE:SGA).
• LandAmerica Financial Group to lay off 105 employees, shares down 16%. See (NYSE:LFG).
• Lydall, Inc. down 21% on lower Q4 results due to weak automotive market. See (NYSE:LDL).  
• AtriCure Inc. is tumbling 43% on news that the firm is under investigation by the Department of Justice for potential false claims on the company’s surgical devices. See (Nasdaq:ATRC).

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