Tag - NASDAQCM:AKNS

Akeena Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:AKNS), Centrue Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:TRUE) and Alon USA Energy Inc. (Nasdaq:ALJ) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:PGC), Dover Motorsports Inc. (Nasdaq:DVD), iPCS Inc. (Nasdaq:IPCS), Internet Initiative Japan Depository Receipt (Nasdaq:IIJI), Ambac Financial Group (Nasdaq:AKT) and LandAmerica Financial Group Inc. (Nasdaq:LFG).

Here are the biggest percentage gainers among small caps:

Royale Energy Inc (Nasdaq:ROYL), SuccessFactors Inc (Nasdaq:SFSF) and Advanced Battery Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:ABAT) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: UAL Corp (Nasdaq:UAUA), Ameristar Casinos Inc (Nasdaq:ASCA), China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL), China Sunergy Co Ltd (Nasdaq:CSUN), National Coal Corp (Nasdaq:NCOC) and Akeena Solar Inc (Nasdaq:AKNS).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

UAL Corp (Nasdaq:UAUA), Royale Energy Inc (Nasdaq:ROYL) and China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: National Coal Corp (Nasdaq:NCOC), Akeena Solar Inc (Nasdaq:AKNS), BioSante Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:BPAX), Third Wave Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:TWTI), ExlService Holdings Inc (Nasdaq:EXLS) and Blue Phoenix Solutions (Nasdaq:BPHX).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Infinera Corp (Nasdaq:INFN), China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL) and Akeena Solar Inc (Nasdaq:AKNS) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: UAL Corp (Nasdaq:UAUA), Titan Machinery Inc (Nasdaq:TITN), Ascent Solar Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:ASTI), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:APWR), Tercica Inc (Nasdaq:TRCA) and Sequenom Inc (Nasdaq:SQNM).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Sigma Designs Inc (Nasdaq:SIGM), Canadian Solar Inc (Nasdaq:CSIQ) and Kosan Biosciences Inc (Nasdaq:KOSN) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Akeena Solar Inc (Nasdaq:AKNS), Sourcefire Inc (Nasdaq:FIRE) and China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL) are also among the most actively traded companies.

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Akeena Solar Inc (Nasdaq:AKNS), UAL Corp (Nasdaq:UAUA) and Dress Barn Inc (Nasdaq:DBRN) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

TiVo Inc (Nasdaq:TIVO), China Sunergy Co Ltd (Nasdaq:CSUN) and China Finance Online Co Ltd (Nasdaq:JRJC) are also among the most actively traded companies.

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Northern Technologies International Corp (Nasdaq:NTI), Community Partners Bancorp (Nasdaq:CPBC) and Akeena Solar Inc (Nasdaq:AKNS) are among the biggest percentage gainersin Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

General Steel Holdings Inc (Nasdaq:GSI), Gevity HR Inc (Nasdaq:GVHR) and Himax Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:HIMX) are also among the biggest percentage gainers.

Here are the biggest percentage gainers among small caps:

Small-cap stocks pushed higher on the opening, lifted by another slide in crude oil prices overnight, and by a pleasant upward surprise on durable goods data ahead of the opening. At 9:52 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was up 0.72, or 0.11%, at 735.11.

Crude oil prices have now tumbled more than 5% off last week’s record highs, and were pressured overnight by news that Saudi Arabia would increase production and that Asian demand could begin to ebb because of high price levels. In general, the commodity story was under pressure early today, with gold sinking about 2% and grains prices expected to tumble this morning.

There was some thought that traders might be unwinding some of the long crude oil/short dollar trades that have been so popular in recent months. The greenback was on a bid this morning, climbing 0.3% against the euro, and about 0.7% versus the yen. In general, a strong dollar at this stage of the economic cycle is seen as supportive to equities, reflecting investment flow demand and softening food and energy prices, which would bolster consumer purchasing power.

Back to the durable goods report, the headline figure came in down 0.5%, which was better than the forecast for a slide of 1%, but the real surprise was on the ex-transportation figure, which was up 2.5%, well clear of the median expectation for a gain of 0.5%. The MBA Mortgage Application survey also came out this morning, and reflected slack demand, with the index down 4.6% and the purchase index off 17.4%. This is a volatile data base and appeared to be overshadowed by the durables surprise. The economic data push for today is now out of the way; later . . .

BMP Sunstone Corp (Nasdaq:BJGP), Akeena Solar Inc (Nasdaq:AKNS) and Prospect Capital Corp (Nasdaq:PSEC) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

China Finance Online Co Ltd (Nasdaq:JRJC), Daktronics Inc (Nasdaq:DAKT) and China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL) are also among the most actively traded companies.

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

China Precision Steel Inc. (Nasdaq:CPSL), Natus Medical Inc. (Nasdaq:BABY) and Allos Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:ALTH) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Cytori Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:CYTX), China Sunergy Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN) and Akeena Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:AKNS) are also among the most actively traded companies.

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Akeena Solar Inc (Nasdaq:AKNS), China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL) and Packeteer Inc (Nasdaq:PKTR) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Origin Agritech Ltd (Nasdaq:SEED), Progenics Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:PGNX) and TASER International Inc (Nasdaq:TASR) are also among the most actively traded companies.

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL), China Sunergy Co Ltd (Nasdaq:CSUN) and Akeena Solar Inc (Nasdaq:AKNS) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Ascent Solar Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:ASTI), Origin Agritech Ltd (Nasdaq:SEED) and China Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology Ltd (Nasdaq:CNTF) are also among the most actively traded companies.

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Small-cap stocks took a mild dip Friday, pressured by pre-weekend profit-taking from traders who were eager to cash in on the recent upswing, by jitters over sagging consumer sentiment and by soaring crude oil prices. The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) closed down 2.21, or 0.30%, at 741.17. Despite the sloppy finish Friday, small-cap shares still notched the highest weekly close of 2008.

Small-cap shares have been a leading performer of late versus large-cap index products, reminiscent of the long bull market run from 2002 to 2007 in which small-cap products paced the way toward record highs. However, the Russell 2000 did close lower Friday while the S&P 500 was up slightly, which is a mild caution sign looking ahead to next week’s action.

In addition to the aforementioned profit-taking desire, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey tumbled to 28-year lows for the month of May when the data was released Friday morning. The lows underscore the fragility of the recent stock market rally, especially when consumer spending funds are crimped by soaring gasoline and food prices.

Crude oil took flight Friday, climbing to nearly $128 dollars a barrel. Although some energy stocks stand to benefit from higher crude prices, for the most part these record levels are seen as an overall negative to stocks because the economy is still powered by spending. Goldman Sachs, a key investment banking and research firm, on Friday raised its price targets on crude oil, which can only send shivers down the consumer spine – especially heading toward the start of the summer holiday driving season in the United States.

The stock market appeared to push through Friday’s “double witching” options expiration without too much volatility. Once the S&P 500 moved well past the concentrated strike at 1,400 late this week, it took away some of the excitement surrounding expirations.

CommVault Systems Inc (Nasdaq:CVLT), Akeena Solar Inc (Nasdaq:AKNS) and Emcore Corp (Nasdaq:EMKR) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

China Sunergy Co Ltd (Nasdaq:CSUN), Anadigics Inc (Nasdaq:ANAD) and Silicon Image Inc (Nasdaq:SIMG) are also among the most actively traded companies.

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Small-cap shares had an uneventful session Thursday, hovering near steady levels much of the day while posting one of the quietest daily ranges seen this year. In the end, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) gained 3.33, or 0.47%, to 719.55. Earnings results from American International Group (NYSE:AIG) came out about 15 minutes after the close, and how AIG fares overnight could play a key role in the opening mood for Friday for financial shares and the market in general.

Early on today the market found support by short-covering from quick turn traders who caught the slide yesterday. In addition, weekly chain store sales and the morning economic data were supportive, which brought some bids into play.

The chain store report reflected decent sales for Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) and Costco (Nasdaq:COST), and was expected to play a supportive role for retailers overall. However, the tone was mixed to soft much of the day for retailer shares, and in fact department stores, home improvement retail and general merchandise stores were all lower within the S&P sector groups.

As for the economic data, weekly claims were below forecast and the wholesale inventory data was also above the median projection. While weekly claims caught some attention as bullish news, the market was little changed in the immediate aftermath of both reports. In general, recent economic data out of the United States has tended to surprise on the upside, but with prices pulling back off three-month highs, perhaps traders will need to see more dramatic surprises to spark . . .

Kingsway Financial Services Inc (NYSE:KFS), Hardinge Brothers Inc (Nasdaq:HDNG) and Akeena Solar Inc (Nasdaq:AKNS) are among the biggest percentage losers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

MCG Capital Corp (Nasdaq:MCGC), Ceco Environmental Corp (Nasdaq:CECE) and California Coastal Communities Inc (Nasdaq:CALC) are also among the biggest percentage losers.

Here are the biggest percentage losers among small caps:

After a brief opening bounce, small-cap stocks are down slightly from Wednesday, but have been mostly steady in Thursday’s session. At 12:03 p.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was down 0.02, or 0.17%, at 716.04.

After skyrocketing crude oil sent stocks earthward during Wednesday’s action, sturdy results from Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) and Costco (Nasdaq:COST) offered early encouragement to traders. In the midday session, Wal-Mart is up 1.3% while Costco is down 0.1%. Also supporting bullish sentiments was footwear maker Crocs Inc.’s (Nasdaq:CROX) offered a solid outlook for the remainder of the year. CROX is up more than 16% shortly before noon.

Soaring crude oil futures eased somewhat to $122.53 a barrel after touching a record-high of $123.93. The dollar is stronger against the euro at $1.5395 after . . .

Emcore Corp (Nasdaq:EMKR), Akeena Solar Inc (Nasdaq:AKNS) and China Direct Inc (Nasdaq:CDS) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Synchronoss Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:SNCR), Nighthawk Radiology Holdings Inc (Nasdaq:NHWK) and China Technology Development Group Corp (Nasdaq:CTDC) are also among the most actively traded companies.

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

TomoTherapy Inc. (Nasdaq:TOMO), SiRF Technology Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:SIRF) and Overstock.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:OSTK) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Sigma Designs, Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM), China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN) and Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:AKNS) are also among the most actively traded small-cap companies in pre-market trading.

Here are the most actively traded small-cap companies in Friday's pre-market trading:

Pozen Inc. (Nasdaq:POZN), Sigma Designs, Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM) and AgFeed Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:AKNS), Geron Corp. (Nasdaq:GERN) and CV Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CVTX) are also among the most actively traded small-cap companies in pre-market trading.

Here are the most actively traded small-cap companies in Wednesday's pre-market trading:

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) futures are higher and the small-cap index will likely open with a rise on news of relief for a mortgage lender.

With little major economic news on today’s calendar, investors are focusing on news before the opening that consumer and small business lender Washington Mutual, Inc. (NYSE:WM) is near a deal to receive a $5 billion boost from a private equity group.

The Russell 2000 was basically unchanged Friday, as the market struggled to decipher the employment report. In the end, the index was up 0.16, or 0.02%, to 713.73, the highest daily close since late February. Look for resistance this morning at 717 and 724, while support comes in at 705, 700 and 694.

Outside of Tuesday’s FOMC minutes, the potential for major market-moving events is at a lull this week, and today’s 3:00 p.m. consumer credit data is unlikely to stir passion among stock market traders. It will be interesting to see if the market can build on last week’s solid performance after months of initial jobs-release rallies have given way quickly to bears.

Sequenom, Inc. (Nasdaq:SQNM), Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:AKNS) and TASER International, Inc. (Nasdaq:TASR) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. (Nasdaq:JOSB), Converted Organics Inc. (Nasdaq:COIN) and ShengdaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq:SDTH) are also among the most actively traded small-cap companies in pre-market trading.

Here are the most actively traded small-cap companies in Friday's pre-market trading:

Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALSK), Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN) and China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

EMCORE Corp. (Nasdaq:EMKR), Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:AKNS) and SiRF Technology Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:SIRF) are also among the most actively traded small-cap companies in pre-market trading.

Here are the most actively traded small-cap companies in Thursday's pre-market trading:

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices are falling fast on poor economic news that makes a recession more likely.

At 10:13 a.m. ET, the small-cap index was down 7.33 points, or 1.10%, to 659.98. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) had shed 133.02 points, or 1.10%, to 11,977.22.

Stocks are falling across the board following news before the start of trading that U.S. retail sales unexpectedly fell in February, while the labor market is showing weakness.

The U.S. Commerce Department reported this morning that sales dropped 0.6% to $380.2 billion, defying economists’ forecasts for an increase of 0.2%. Sales in January posted an upwardly revised gain of 0.4%.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Labor Department announced that the number of workers applying for unemployment benefits was unchanged at 353,000 for the week ended March 8. According to the same report, the number of workers claiming jobless aid increased 7,000 to 2,835,000 for the week ended March 1. That’s the highest level in more than two years.

Designer and installer of solar power systems Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKNS) this morning reported a fourth-quarter net loss that widened from the year ago quarter and missed the consensus on Wall Street. Shares slipped 11.3%, or $0.76, to $5.95 in pre-market trading.

For detailed price information and recent news stories about Akeena Solar, click AKNS.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures have declined and the small-cap index will open in negative territory.

Small-cap stocks are poised for a bearish opening on news that U.S. retail sales unexpectedly fell in February. The U.S. Commerce Department reported this morning that sales dropped 0.6%, defying economists’ forecasts for a small increase.

The Russell 2000 was unable to extend Tuesday’s big rally, and tumbled 6.50, or 0.97% to 667.31 on Wednesday. After the dramatic rise the previous day, a little bit of a “breather” session was not a surprise, but the market still needs to hold above 660 to help validate Tuesday’s huge rise. Look for chart resistance Thursday at 677.50, 683 and 688. Meanwhile, initial support should be seen at 660, then critical support comes in approaching 650.

The Business Inventories report at 10:00 a.m. will get a little more attention from traders. Still, the next big data risk comes with Friday’s CPI release.

SmallCapInvestor.com reporter Jennifer Schonberger is reporting from the 20th Roth Capital Partners Annual OC Growth Stock Conference this week in Dana Point, Calif. The conference features presentations from more than 300 small-cap companies.

Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKNS), manufacturer of solar power systems, said in an information session at the Roth OC Growth Stock Conference in Dana Point, Calif. Thursday that it expects to achieve GAAP profitability next year and expects earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to break even by the fourth quarter of this year.

“We have a plan to profitability,” said Steve Daniel, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Akeena Solar. “As supply of silicon outstrips demand, we believe we’ll be able to drive more profit downstream. We’re seeing this already with Andalay in the last few months and we believe the overabundance will help the market place [for solar systems].”

Andalay, is what Akeena Solar calls its premier line of solar panels. The company says these panels improve on conventional solar panels by including built-in wiring, grounding and racking designed to provide better rooftop performance for consumers.

Akeena Solar has simplified the input, installation and labor costs associated with selling and installing solar systems, according to Daniel— driving down its cost of goods sold by lowering manufacturing and production costs of Andalay solar panels.

On an industry level, Daniel says according to financial services group Collin Stewart, the industry will be break-even for capacity and that in the future, capacity will exceed demand, helping to drive prices down in the module area.

Daniel said he thinks the price of a module will go down to $2, from $3.75 for 2008, which coupled with the abundance of silicon, will create a low price module for Akeena that will be able to drive the same kind of profit margin at $5 per watt from currently $8.40 per watt. The executive also noted that lower prices for modules will most likely enable Akeena to sell in every state in the country and Europe because the prices are very competitive.

A decline in polysilicon prices could also help the Los Gatos, Calif.-based company’s path to profitability. Daniel said Akeena thinks there will be a decrease and that that decrease in polysilicon prices could be soon.

“We get a sense that could be coming pretty soon,” said Daniel. “We think that by 2010, we’ll be down toward the $2 per watt range, but we don’t really feel we have to get the $2 per watt to get to that break-even point. We have a path to profitability that assumes some decrease in polysilicon prices, but it’s not that sharp. If we go down to $2 per watt we actually think we can become profitable earlier.”

Shares of solar power systems designer Akeena Solar (Nasdaq: AKNS) have been dimming and brightening all week on above-average volume as investors navigate choppy markets and careening oil prices propelled by broader economic concerns.

“The solar market’s been going up and down dating back to November when you had the energy bill up for vote,” said Elric Martinez, head of investor relations at Akenna Solar. “There were a lot of unknowns and obviously there are a lot of broad market concerns right now and I think a lot of people are trying to find a safe haven.”

On top of broader market concerns, Martinez says recent news out of China that a large amount of silicon is going to be coming on the market at the end of this year and beginning end of next year is weighing on Akeena’s stock. 

“That’s obviously going to cut into some profits for the silicon makers,” said Martinez. “For us being an end user that’s a good thing. But I think people don’t always make that connection and that might be why we’re being brought down as a whole with the silicon manufacturers.”

Martinez says overall there’s no new news out for the company other than its Jan. 2 announcement with Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP). Akeena made a licensing agreement with Suntech to distribute its solar panel technology in Europe, Japan and Australia beginning this month. The company’s most recent announcement of its agreement with Suntech also follows an earlier arrangement made in September of 2007 in which Suntech will manufacture Akeena’s Andalay solar panels.

Martinez also added, “I think there was a bit of speculative investing that came into the stock with the Suntech announcement. The stock doubled at the time and I think that it was a market high when people were looking for places to park their money.”

Andalay, as the technology is called, improves on conventional solar panels by including built-in wiring, grounding and racking designed to provide better rooftop performance for consumers.

Shares of Akeena Solar (AKNS) jumped 9.84%, or $0.80, to $8.93 on volume of 1,652,099 at 10:24 a.m. ET. Shares of Akeena Solar have been trading in the range of $2.97 to $16.80 for the past 52 weeks. The average volume for the stock is 2,051,000.

A strong rally in the last hour of trading lifted the Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices in the green. The small-cap index rose 7.26 points, or 1.03%, to 712.12. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) added 146.24 points, or 1.16%, to 12,735.31.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has lost 7.04%, while the Dow is down 3.99% and the S&P 500 has declined 4.03%.

An uneven day of trading ended on a bullish note as investors went hunting for bargains late in the session.

Small-cap stocks had no clear direction much of the time, as the bears and bulls struggled and sought to gain a perspective on the state of the U.S. economy. The Russell 2000 spent the early morning near the flat line but slipped and fell at about 11:30 a.m. ET. It bottomed out shortly after 2 p.m. ET as investors reacted to news that Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS) is predicting a recession.

The New York-based investment bank wrote in a note to its clients that it expects gross domestic product to decline in the second and third quarters, prompting the Fed to keep lowering the federal funds rate until it hits 2.5%.

The federal funds rate, the rate at which commercial banks make overnight loans to each other, currently stands at 4.25%.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices posted losses today following mixed housing news and more mortgage concerns. The small-cap index fell 19.09 points, or 2.64%, to 704.86. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) lost 238.42 points, or 1.86%, to 12,589.07.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has declined 7.99%, while the Dow is down 5.09% and the S&P 500 has shrunk 5.32%.

Small-cap stocks opened in positive territory and then gained more following news of an announcement at 10 a.m. ET that pending U.S. home sales fell 2.6% in November to a reading of 87.6.

The decline is more than what economists were expecting, but investors apparently liked the fact that the figures for October and September were revised higher.

Additionally, the National Association of Realtors reported that it expects existing-home sales to hold steady during the following months before rising later in the year and improving in 2009.

“On the one hand, we have a pent-up demand from the four million jobs added to our economy over the past two years of sales decline,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, in a statement. “On the other, consumers continue to wait for additional signs of market stabilization.”

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) posted a gain for the first time in 2008 as most of the major U.S. indices ended a turbulent session in positive territory. The small-cap index climbed 2.35 points, or 0.33%, to 723.95. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) advanced 27.31 points, or 0.21%, to 12,827.49.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has lost 5.49%, while the Dow is down 3.30% and the S&P 500 has retreated 3.55%.

Small-cap stocks went on a rollercoaster ride that ended with a late-session rally that pushed the index into the green. Equities started the day higher, then fell abruptly after about 30 minutes and bounced around for the remainder of trading.

With no major news releases scheduled for today, investors turned their attention to future policy actions aimed at improving the U.S. economy and preventing a recession.

“The housing downturn and credit disruption will weigh on our economy and impose a penalty on our economic growth,” Treasury secretary Henry Paulson said in a speech to the New York Society of Securities Analysts this afternoon. “We will likely have further indications of slower growth in the weeks and months ahead.”

However, Paulson did not mention any new measures the Bush administration is planning to keep the economy moving forward and reiterated his belief that there will be no recession.

“While growth looks to have slowed considerably in the last part of 2007, our economy remains resilient and I expect it to continue to grow,” he said.

Also addressing the economy was President Bush, who called on the U.S. Congress to make some of his income tax cuts permanent and urged the passing of a number of housing-related proposals.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices tumbled as news of a poor jobs report raised fears about the health of the U.S. economy. The small-cap index fell 23.44 points, or 3.15%, to 721.57, its sixth consecutive decline. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) dropped 256.54 points, or 1.96%, to 12,800.18.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 is down 5.80%, while the Dow has lost 3.50% and the S&P 500 has dropped 3.86%.

Stocks fell hard and the bears dominated the session today on news before the start of trading that nonfarm payroll employment rose a paltry 18,000 in December, according to the U.S. Labor Department. Economists were projecting job growth of 70,000 following an upwardly revised figure of 115,000 in November.

“Service sector job gains were offset by sharp job losses in construction and manufacturing,” said Arun Raha, vice president of Economic Research and Consulting for the North American operations of reinsurance company Swiss Re, in an email. “Within services, a cautious retail sector hired less than usual this holiday season.”

The unemployment rate jumped to 5% from 4.7%. That translates to a total of 7.7 million unemployed people, an increase of 474,000 from the level in November. Economists were forecasting the jobless rate to rise to 4.8%.

“This slowdown in employment growth, in an environment of high oil prices, soft manufacturing and weak confidence, will soften consumer spending,” Raha continued. Consumption comprises about 70% of U.S. gross domestic product.

Does that mean a recession is all but inevitable? Not necessarily.

“The latest data imply at least a 50/50 chance of recession,” said Raha. “Unemployment insurance claims are still below the typical rate preceding a recession, so a recession may not happen.”

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) closed in negative territory as investors digested news of economic reports. The small-cap index fell 8.54 points, or 1.13%, to 745.01. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) added 12.76 points, or 0.10%, to 13,056.72.

Small-cap stocks opened the session in positive territory but lost steam during the second half of trading and fell into the red.

The bullish pre-market mood was due to a report by Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NYSE: ADP), which claimed that U.S. nonfarm private employment increased 40,000 in December. The provider of business outsourcing solutions attributed the rise to small- and medium-sized businesses, which added 75,000 jobs while larger companies cut 35,000.

The December figure was larger than forecasted but is almost three times below the average for three-month period from September through November.

A slowdown in employment growth is consistent with a slowdown in economic growth.

Breaking down the numbers, employment in the service-providing sector was up, while the goods-producing sector suffered its thirteenth consecutive monthly decline and manufacturing employment fell for the eighteenth consecutive month.

In other employment news, U.S. Labor Department reported that jobless claims for the week ended Dec. 29 fell 21,000 to 336,000 from the previous week’s upwardly revised figure of 357,000.

However, many consider the government’s statistics to be imprecise due to the distorting effects of the Christmas holiday, which decreased the time laid-off workers have to file for benefits.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) slipped into negative territory while most of the other major U.S. indices remain in the green. At 2:32 p.m. ET, the small-cap index had lost 3.60 points, or 0.48%, to 749.95. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was up 38.45 points, or 0.25%, to 13,082.41.

Small-cap stocks fell at about 1 p.m. ET, defying the modestly bullish mood that set over Wall Street following the release of jobs data.

A report by the Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NYSE: ADP), a provider of business outsourcing solutions, showed that nonfarm private employment increased a more-than-expected 40,000 in December.

But there is still cause for concern, as the figure is about three times smaller than the monthly averages for the months of September through November.

Separately, the U.S. Labor Department reported that jobless claims for the week ended Dec. 29 fell 21,000 to 336,000 from the previous week’s upwardly revised total of 357,000.

The more stable four-week moving average was 343,750, a decrease of 750 from the previous week’s revised average of 344,500.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices are posting gains on news of a better-than-expected jobs report.
 
At 10:47 a.m. ET, the small-cap index had added 0.97 points, or 0.13%, to 754.52. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was up 28.61 points, or 0.22%, to 13,072.57.

Stocks both small and large are in positive territory following the release of a report that showed higher-than-expected U.S. private sector job growth.

Nonfarm private employment increased 40,000 in December, according to Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NYSE: ADP). The provider of business outsourcing solutions said that small- and medium-sized businesses more than accounted for the rise, adding 75,000 jobs. Meanwhile, larger companies cut 35,000 jobs.

ADP said that the gain was greater than forecasted, but warned that the numbers show a slowing of nonfarm private employment. The three-month period from September through November averaged 118,000 new jobs.

The data is consistent with a slowing economy.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) lost ground today following news of an unexpected downsizing in U.S. manufacturing in November. The small-cap index fell 12.48 points, or 1.63%, to 753.55. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) dropped 220.86 points, or 1.67%, to 13,043.96.

The first session of 2008 belonged to the bears following news that U.S. manufacturing unexpectedly shrank in December.

The Institute for Supply Management reported after that its manufacturing index fell to 47.7 in December, down from 50.8 in November and well below economists’ projections for a reading of 50.5. A level above 50 indicates an expansion.

The decline, which comes after 10 months of expansion, is due to a fall in new orders, production and exports. The data tell us that tighter lending conditions and the ongoing problems in the U.S. housing sector have taken their toll.

The numbers also renew fears that the slowing U.S. economy could tip into recession. Manufacturing comprises about 14% of gross domestic product.

Small-cap stocks started just above the flat line but dropped immediately after the report’s release at 10 a.m. ET.

Equities experience a short-lived bounce in the afternoon when the U.S. Federal Reserve released its minutes from the meeting on Dec. 11, when it decided to lower the target interest rate 0.25% to 4.25%.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) is in the red as investors respond to news of an unexpected contraction in the U.S. manufacturing sector. At 1:31 p.m. ET, the small-cap index had lost 13.87 points, or 1.81%, to 752.20. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was down 242.40 points, or 1.83%, to 13,022.42.

The bears are dominating trading today on news that U.S. factory production unexpectedly shrank in December.

The Institute for Supply Management reported after the start of trading that its manufacturing index fell to 47.7 in December. Economists were expecting to see a reading of 50.5, down from 50.8 in November. A level above 50 indicates an expansion.

The decline tells us that tighter lending conditions and the ongoing problems in the U.S. housing sector have taken their toll. The data also renewed fears that the slowing U.S. economy could tip into recession.

Manufacturing comprises about 14% of gross domestic product.

Meanwhile, construction spending in November surprisingly increased 0.1% from the level in October, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Economists were expecting to see a decline of 0.4%.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices are falling on unexpected news that the manufacturing sector is contracting.
 
At 10:47 a.m. ET, the small-cap index had lost 8 points, or 1.04%, to 758.03. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was off 98.28 points, or 0.74%, to 13,166.54.

Stocks opened with small gains but quickly sunk after 10 a.m. ET on news that the U.S. manufacturing sector is contracting.

The Institute for Supply Management reported that its manufacturing index fell to 47.7 in December from 50.8 in November. Economists were expecting to see a level of 50.5, which would have been the 11th consecutive month of growth. A reading above 50 indicates an expansion.

New orders, production and exports declined considerably, while imports posted a modest gain.

The numbers tell us that the slump in the U.S. housing sector has spread to other sectors of the economy.

With the bears running the show and economic fears coming to the forefront, investors are largely disregarding upbeat construction news.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures are higher and the small-cap index will likely open in positive territory.

Small-cap stocks are set for a bullish start to 2008 as investors await the Institute of Supply Management’s manufacturing index for December. Economists expect that the measure will show that growth has slowed from the preceding month.

Also grabbing the headlines is news on construction spending, which is also set to be released at 10 a.m. ET. That measure is expected to show a decline.

Looking toward the afternoon, investors will be waiting to see the minutes from the U.S. Federal Reserve’s meeting on Dec. 11, when the central bank decided to drop its target interest rate 0.25% to 4.25%. The minutes will be released at 2 p.m. ET.

Here are the biggest percentage gainers and losers in pre-market trading among companies with a market cap between $100 million and $750 million:

Biggest percentage gainers:

• Akeena Solar, Inc. (AKNS), up 42% on news it has licensed new solar technology.
• China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (CSUN), up 7%.
• Asiainfo Holdings, Inc. (ASIA), up 7%.

Biggest percentage losers:

• RadNet Inc. (RDNT), down 3%.
• LJ International Inc. (JADE) down 4%.
• China BAK Battery, Inc. (CBAK) down 3%.

Shares of Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKNS) are rocketing in pre-market after the designer and installer of solar power systems said this morning that it will distribute its solar panel technology through a licensing agreement with Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) in Europe, Japan and Australia.

Andalay, as the technology is called, improves on conventional solar panels by including built-in wiring, grounding and racking designed to provide better rooftop performance for consumers.

This licensing agreement, which is effective this month, is in addition to Suntech’s previous agreement to manufacture Andalay solar panels.

Shares of Akeena (AKNS) rocketed 43.84%, or $3.49, to $11.45 in pre-market trading. Solar Shares of Akeena Solar have been trading in the range of $2.97 to $10.05 for the past 52 weeks.

Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKNS) shares are soaring after the designer of solar power systems said its lender is increasing its credit line 233% to $25 million from $7.5 million. The Los Gatos, Calif.-based firm’s lender, Comerica Bank, said the increased credit is subject to execution of loan documentation.

"With this additional borrowing capacity, coupled with our recent $26.1 million equity raise, Akeena will have the financial flexibility and resources to fund our working capital needs and ambitious growth plans for the intermediate future," CFO Gary Effren said in a statement. "We have a strong working relationship with Comerica and are pleased by their recognition of the growing strength of the company's balance sheet and financial condition."

In afternoon trading, AKNS shares are up 17.82%, or $1.18, at $7.80. Over the last 52 weeks, shares have ranged from $1.90 to $10.05.

Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKNS), designer and installer of solar power systems, said it will increase its existing credit line with Comerica Bank to $25 million from $7.5 million. 

Under the increased $25 million facility, $17.5 million will be available for borrowing on a non-formula basis, with up to an additional $7.5 million available for borrowing against accounts receivable and inventory levels.

“With this additional borrowing capacity, coupled with our recent $26.1 million equity raise, Akeena will have the financial flexibility and resources to fund our working capital needs and ambitious growth plans for the intermediate future,” Gary Effren, Akeena Solar chief financial officer, said in a press release.

Shares of Akeena Solar (AKNS) jumped 8.31%, or $0.55, to $7.17 out of the gate. Shares of Akeena Solar have been trading in the range of $2.97 to $10.05 for the past 52 weeks.

Shares of Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: SOLF) are under pressure today due to a broader sector sell off on lighter volume in an overall weaker market, according to Lazard Capital analyst Sanjay Shrestha.

Additionally, Shrestha says Akeena Solar, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: AKNS) earnings, which were reported on Nov. 13, came in lower than analysts expected and are weighing on the stock.

“The [falling stock price] is not company specific,” said Shrestha.

Shares of Solarfun Power (SOLF) toppled 11.56%, or $1.36, to $10.40 at 1:13 p.m. ET. Shares of Solarfun Power have been trading in the range of $8.22 to $17.69 for the past 52 weeks.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) has fallen far below the flat line as the morning rally on Wall Street goes into reverse. At 2:16 p.m. ET, the small-cap index had fallen 7.04 points, or 0.94%, to 743.29. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was down 56.49 points, or 0.44%, to 12,901.95.

At about 12 p.m. ET, small-cap stocks abruptly lost steam and nosedived into negative territory, where they have since been joined by the other major U.S. indices.

The apparent reason for the sharp drop is a decline in financial stocks as investors once again turned their attention to the credit problems stemming from the meltdown in the subprime mortgage sector.

Before the start of trading today, Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE), a government-chartered company that buys U.S. mortgages, reported a record quarterly loss and warned that it may have to cut its dividend.

A number of financial institutions have taken a hit in recent months as declining house prices and a wave of foreclosures and delinquencies made securities backed by subprime mortgages essentially worthless.

Morning trading was dominated by the bulls following news of a report from the U.S. Census Bureau that housing starts surprisingly increased 3% in October, after a fall of 11.4% in September.

Elsewhere, the price of oil has added $3.39 to $98.03 a barrel.

Small-cap stocks jumped nearly 3% today, propelled by surprise earnings from Wal-Mart and an easing of credit fears. The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) added 22.06 points, or 2.88%, to 789.15, snapping a two-day losing streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) gained 319.54 points, or 2.46%, to 13,307.09, its first rise in four sessions.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has advanced 0.22%, while the Dow has risen 6.67% and the S&P 500 has added 4.55%.

Trading got off to a bullish start this morning on news that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) saw a 7.9% increase in third-quarter profit at its U.S. stores, while revenue rose 8.9%.

The result pleasantly surprised analysts and eased fears that the U.S. consumer was cutting back on spending. Americans do about 10% of their shopping at the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer, which began offering discounts two weeks earlier than last year to lure customers.

Stocks were gaining momentum, with the Russell 2000 adding more than 1% within the first 30 minutes of trading.

The bears had no chance, even after Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC) said that it projects a fourth-quarter pre-tax charge of $3 billion due to its purchase of collateralized debt obligations that have plummeted in value because of the stagnating U.S. housing market. Collateralized debt obligations are loans—such as mortgages—that are pooled together and sold to institutional investors as a package.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) is posting gains this afternoon as investors respond to better-than-expected earnings from Wal-Mart and a drop in the price of oil. At 2:17 p.m. ET, the small-cap index had advanced 14.25 points, or 1.86%, to 781.34. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was up 223.54 points, or 1.72%, to 13,211.09.

Futures were higher and the day began on a bullish note following news that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) reported a 7.9% increase in third-quarter profit at its U.S. stores, while revenue rose 8.9%. The increase was primarily due to discounts that began two weeks earlier than last year.

The result pleasantly surprised analysts and eased fears that the U.S. consumer was cutting back on spending. Americans do about 10 percent of their shopping at the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer.

Stocks’ upward trajectory was not affected by news that Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC) is projecting a fourth-quarter pre-tax charge of $3 billion due to its purchase of collateralized debt obligations. Like many other financial actors, the second largest bank in the United States is taking a hit from fallout of the stagnation in the housing market.

Shares of Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKNS) are treading in the green this morning after the designer and installer of solar power systems posted strong revenue growth for the third quarter and guided for robust revenue levels for the year, offsetting results of its widened quarterly loss from a year ago.

For the three months ended Sept. 30, the small cap booked net sales of $8.1 million, compared with net sales of $3.6 million in the third quarter of 2006. An analyst polled by Thomson was expecting revenues of $8.25 million.

Akeena Solar’s CEO, Barry Cinnamon, said in a press release that the current quarter’s 125% revenue growth over the same period last year puts the company on track to meet its full year goal of increasing revenue 135% over 2006.

“We are experiencing greater demand for our commercial business owing to favorable government rebates and expect this dynamic will open up more opportunities for us to pursue larger contracts in the future,” said Cinnamon.

Akeena clocked a net loss for the third quarter of $3.7 million, or $0.16 per share, widening from the net loss of $0.4 million, or $0.04 per share, recorded in the third quarter of 2006. An analyst polled by Thomson was expecting a net loss of $0.13 per share.

The company also noted that it raised $26.1 million through a private placement of equity during the quarter. Akeena said it now has nearly $30 million in the bank, no debt and a $7.5 million credit line.

Shares of Akeena Solar rose (AKNS) $0.69, or 9.45, to $7.99 in pre-market trading. Shares of Akeena Solar have been trading in the range of $2.97 to $10.05 for the past 52 weeks.

ShengdaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: SDTH), Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASTI) and GPC Biotech AG (Nasdaq: GPCB) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million: