Tag - APWR

On Thursday I stated that job creation will be one catalyst that will bring renewable energy infrastructure back into the spotlight in 2010.  This job creation is going to come from innovative, small-companies just like it has in the past – and that means small-cap stocks like Chinese wind turbine manufacturer A-Power Energy Generation Systems (Nasdaq: APWR).  I featured this company in yesterday's article.

Don't be fooled by this company's name, renewable energy is a global industry and even small foreign companies like A-Power are creating jobs for Americans.  A-Power's new plant in the U.S will employ over 1,000 workers, not to mention those who will be hired to engineer and build the factory, and those who will eventually install and service turbines on U.S. soil.

With the official rate of unemployment at 10.2% and the broader U-6 rate at 17.5%, President Obama is focused on real job creation going into 2010.  But the old rules from the last three decades of a consumer driven economy don't apply now – we are in an economy of slow growth that will only recover when value is actually created, not just consumed.

And several industries that have been reliable job creators – the auto, financial, and residential construction industries to name just a few – are unlikely to grow at a rate that will absorb the hundreds of thousands of unemployed...

 Today I'm going to tell you about the opportunity in small-cap companies that produce power – and specifically one Chinese wind turbine manufacturer that has seen its stock soar 182% already this year.   I know that there is a huge opportunity here for investors who want to establish a position in a company that is growing market share in this exciting industry.

In fact, I've recently put together a special report on three companies that will benefit from a renewed focus on alternative energy including wind, solar, and landfill methane.  You can read my Special Report: Alternative Energy Investing: 3 Top Stocks Set for Profits when you sign up for a no risk trial to SmallCapInvestor PRO. 

Renewable energy infrastructure is coming back into the spotlight 2010 for a few important reasons:

1) Job creation that the economy desperately needs

2) Reduction of pollution required to combat global warming

3) Need for independent, home grown sources of energy

All of these will require a range of energy producing solutions.   Tomorrow I'll write about job creation – today it's all about wind power.

Sigma Designs Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM), i2 Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:ITWO) and A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) are among the biggest percentage losers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: CardioNet Inc. (Nasdaq:BEAT), i2 Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:ITWO), OSI Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OSIS), Conn's Inc. (Nasdaq:CONN), Tree.com Inc. (Nasdaq:TREE) and Nobility Homes (Nasdaq:NOBH).

Charlotte Russe Holding Inc. (Nasdaq:CHIC), MSC Software Corp. (Nasdaq:MSCS) and Electro-Optical Sciences Inc. (Nasdaq:MELA) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Sequenom Inc. (Nasdaq:SQNM), Huron Consulting Group Inc. (Nasdaq:HURN), Biocryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:BCRX), Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (Nasdaq:SWHC), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ) and A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR).

CVB Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:CVBF), ClickSoftware Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq:CKSW) and BioDelivery Sciences International Inc. (Nasdaq:BDSI) are among most actively traded small-cap companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Fuqi International Inc. (Nasdaq:FUQI), Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:SPPI), Biocryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:BCRX), Spartan Motors Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), Geron Corp. (Nasdaq:GERN) and A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR).

DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS), AgFeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED) and James River Coal Co. (Nasdaq:JRCC) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Electro-Optical Sciences Inc. (Nasdaq:MELA), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE), Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (Nasdaq:SWHC) and ADC Telecommunications Inc. (Nasdaq:ADCT).

Noven Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:NOVN), Take Two Interactive Software Inc. (Nasdaq:TTWO) and American Capital Agency Corp. (Nasdaq:AGNC) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: CardioNet Inc. (Nasdaq:BEAT), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), ATP Oil & Gas Corporation (Nasdaq:ATPG), RINO International Corp. (Nasdaq:RINO), Spartan Motors Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR) and Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (Nasdaq:ENER).

CardioNet Inc (Nasdaq:BEAT), Cepheid (Nasdaq:CPHD) and OmniVision Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:OVTI) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: AgFeed Industries Inc (Nasdaq:FEED), Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:SPPI), Canadian Solar Inc (Nasdaq:CSIQ), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:APWR), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd (Nasdaq:SOLF) and STEC Inc (Nasdaq:STEC).

Stocks were mixed today as the both the Dow and S&P 500 closed down while the Nasdaq was up. Falling oil prices and continued investor unease over earnings sent stocks mostly lower for the day.

The Dow closed down 36 points to 8,146, the Nasdaq closed up 3 points to 1,756, and the S&P 500 closed down 4 points to end the week at 879.

The Russell 2000, a widely-followed bellwether index for small-cap stocks, closed up almost 2 points to end the week at 481.

Advancers in the small-cap space were lead today by MTR Gaming (Nasdaq:MNTG) up 51% on heavier than average volume. Through its subsidiary organizations, MTR Gaming engages in the racing, gaming, and entertainment businesses. With nearly 3,000 employees, MTR Gaming's properties include Presque Isle Downs & Casino and Mountaineer Casino in West Virginia.

Other small-cap winners include yesterday's leading decliner, American International Group (NYSE:AIG) up 24%; Dana Holding Corp. (NYSE:DAN) up 38% on news of an analyst upgrade based on the firm's improved liquidity situation; and A-Power Energy Generation Systems (Nasdaq:APWR) up 17% on announcing a signed agreement to build an offshore liquefied natural gas facility near Macau, China.

Decliners include Community West Bancshares (Nasdaq:CWBC) down 21%; Cordus Valley Bancorp (Nasdaq:CVLY) down 13%; and Tower Financial Corporation (Nasdaq:TOFC) down 12%.

*****Oil dropped below $60 a barrel as consumer confidence came in below expectations. The belief is that when the American consumer is not confident, he or she does not spend money.  

That's true to an extent. A brief look at airfare and hotel deals will tell you that Americans are not traveling as much as we have in the past. Indeed, just visit Yahoo! News and put in the term "hotel bankruptcy" and you get over 1,100 results with articles highlighting the latest hotel bankruptcies: tough time to be in the hospitality business.  

And retail sales showed clearly that we aren't headed to the mall as much, either. But iPhones seem to be selling pretty well. And foreclosure sales have been going pretty well, too.  

As for oil, the schizophrenic International Energy Agency (IEA) just raised its demand forecast for 2010 by 1.4 million barrels a day. Seems like the IEA was just lowering estimates a couple weeks ago.  

In any event, after taking profits on oil positions in my Top Stock Insights and SmallCapInvestor PRO advisory services, I'll be looking to buy oil stocks again sometime in the next couple of months. That's because demand is only half the story on oil. (Click here to find out more about Top Stock Insights and click here for SmallCapInvestor PRO.) 

Oil companies are not investing as much to bring new supply on line. So when demand does return, companies won't be able to ramp supply quickly enough. This will lead to demand outstripping supply. And prices will rise. In fact, some believe supply and demand will reach parity in 5 years or less. That's a dangerous situation. And as an investor, you are almost obligated to own oil stocks.  

*****"We are at the cusp of stabilization…" So says Stephen Stanley, chief economist at RBS Securities. Economists are raising their growth forecasts for the second half of 2009 from 1.2% to 1.5%.  

Granted, that's not a big move, but we'll take what we can get. And maybe a little bullish talk will help consumer confidence.

Of course, consumers will probably notice when unemployment averages 9.8% in 2010. The U.S. economy has changed in some fundamental ways. The auto and finance industry job cuts may well be permanent. And it could take a few years for new jobs to be created.  

*****Cold War politics are alive and well. At the G-8 meeting in Italy, Russian president Medvedev pulled a coin from his pocket that he said represents the new world currency. Medvedev even has the motto for this global currency worked out - "unity in diversity" is printed on the coin that was minted in Belgium. Quaint, isn't it?  
What does Russia hope to gain with this tactic? Nobody wants to buy their bonds. And a global currency won't give Russia any new influence. Oil is priced in dollars, but even then, a new currency won't affect oil's value, only its relative price. 

So it would seem that Russia is simply messing with the U.S. And that's a strategy that could backfire, mainly because Russia has no leverage. I'd expect to see other countries come out in support of the U.S. dollar just because Russia doesn't like it.  
*****Now, here's TradeMaster Daily Stock Alerts' Jason Cimpl with his weekly video chart analysis. Enjoy! Click here to view the video.

P.S. Next Wednesday I'm releasing an update to my Predictions issue for Top Stock Insights. We did the first issue of it back in January to lay out how investors should invest in 2009. We were spot on and make huge profits for subscribers. This new update comes at a time when the market rally appears to be petering out and investors really need solid data and investment ideas. Click here to sign up for your copy and a 30-day trial to the service.

A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), Stein Mart, Inc. (Nasdaq:SMRT) and Geokinetics Inc. (Nasdaq:GOK) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Navigant Consulting Inc. (Nasdaq:NCI), Pacific Booker Minerals Inc. (Nasdaq:PBM), Symyx Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:SMMX), Oriental Financial Group Inc. (Nasdaq:OFG), Psychemedics Corp. (Nasdaq:PMD) and Meta Financial Group Inc. (Nasdaq:CASH).

Verigy Ltd (Nasdaq:VRGY), Cheesecake Factory Inc (Nasdaq:CAKE) and Geron Corp (Nasdaq:GERN) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:APWR), Century Aluminum Co (Nasdaq:CENX), Pricesmart Inc (Nasdaq:PSMT), Wind River Systems Inc (Nasdaq:WIND), Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:RIGL) and Lawson Software Inc (Nasdaq:LWSN).

Dress Barn Inc. (Nasdaq:DBRN), Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:SPPI) and A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX), IMAX Corp. (Nasdaq:IMAX), Celldex Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:CLDX), AgFeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ) and Healthways Inc. (Nasdaq:HWAY).

EarthLink Inc. (Nasdaq:ELNK), Children's Place Retail Stores Inc. (Nasdaq:PLCE) and A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ), Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX), Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:RJET), Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:SPPI), AgFeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED) and James River Coal Co. (Nasdaq:JRCC).

Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:HALO), Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (Nasdaq:SWHC) and Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), Focus Media Holding Ltd. (Nasdaq:FMCN), Acura Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:ACUR), Sterling Construction Co Inc. (Nasdaq:STRL), Sonic Corp. (Nasdaq:SONC) and AgFeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED).

Medarex Inc. (Nasdaq:MEDX), Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (Nasdaq:SWHC) and A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc.(Nasdaq:SPPI), Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF), Matrixx Initiatives (Nasdaq:MTXX), Focus Media Holding Ltd. (Nasdaq:FMCN) and Monro Muffler Brake Inc. (Nasdaq:MNRO).

Today was options expiration and it made for dull trading. The S&P 500 finished up 2.74 at 921, the Dow Industrials finished down 16.85 at 8,538XXX. The Nasdaq was the strong index, it finished the day up 19.75 at 1,827 on a Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) upgrade of Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT). 

Oil prices fell below $70. But even better, gasoline futures dropped below $2 after inventory data showed a huge surplus. That suggests prices at the pump may start to head lower.

Large cap oil stocks like Exxon-Mobil (NYSE:XOM) and Chevron (NYSE:CVX) were down in the 1% range, but several micro-cap oil & gas exploration stocks were up. Brigham Exploration (Nasdaq:BEXP) was up 4.36%, Kodiak Oil (AMEX:KOG) was up 7% and Cano Petroleum (AMEX:CFW) was up 3.5%.

The Russell 2000 finished much like its large-cap brethren, with a minimal 3.16 point gain.

Top small cap winners for the day included TerreStar (Nasdaq:TSTR) up 30%, Sealy (NYSE:ZZ) up 20.5% and Smith and Wesson (Nasdaq:SWHC) up 21.9%.

Small cap decliners of note include A-Power Energy (Nasdaq:APWR) down 12%, E*Trade (Nasdaq:ETFC) down 11% and Cost Plus (Nasdaq:CPWM) down 13%.

So now the government is actually going to subsidize car sales with up to $4,500 in incentives for car buyers who get rid of cars that get 18 mpg or less.  

I understand that the auto industry is hurting. And I also get that more efficient cars help reduce our dependence on foreign oil. But is it appropriate to use tax payer dollars to fund auto purchases?  

Perhaps if we were talking about something that is a necessity, like farming, subsidies make some sense. After all, we need farmers. I think we have to consider cars a luxury, or at least a discretionary purchase.  

Not only that, but a car subsidy can only create temporary demand. And given the precipitous drop in car sales (10 million vehicles will be sold this year as opposed to 16 million in 2007), it's highly unlikely any momentum can be created. Not with unemployment on the rise. And not with home values still falling.  

*****Increasing demand based on stimulus spending is a temporary fix. The government is just buying time hoping that the economy will recover. But many of the signs of recovery are based in stimulus spending.  

*****Analysts are now acknowledging that oil has been rallying on a falling dollar and on expectations of price inflation. Of course, the potential for price inflation is, once again, directly related to government stimulus spending.  

The massive amounts of Treasury bonds that have been and will be sold are boosting interest rates and driving the value of the U.S. dollar down. So any asset priced in dollars is rising in price. Like oil. Mind you, that doesn't mean its value is rising, just its price.
 
At some point, higher oil prices will affect the prices of other goods. But as I've noted before, it's likely to be a while before producers are able to raise prices in the current economic environment. Remember, it wasn't until 2007 that inflation really started to become an issue.  

*****Another catalyst for commodity prices in general is supply. Global demand is down, credit has been difficult to get, and miners and producers have not been investing in increasing supply.  

That sets the stage for supply/demand imbalances when economic growth returns.  
We'll be discussing these topics and our bullish outlook for commodity stocks in next Wednesday's Video Conference. It's titled Inflation Busters: Discover the Stocks to Grow and Protect Your Wealth and will air on Wednesday, June 24 at 6 pm. It's free to attend, you can sign up HERE.  

*****Jason Cimpl, technical analyst at TradeMaster Daily Stock Alerts, has his latest video chart analysis ready for you. Last Friday, Jason absolutely nailed this week's trading. I hope you find this week's analysis just as useful. Here's the LINK.  

Teekay Tankers Ltd. (Nasdaq:TNK), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) and BNC Bancorp (Nasdaq:BNCN) are among the biggest percentage losers in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Chindex International Inc. (Nasdaq:CHDX), Alyst Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq:AYA), Citi Trends Inc. (Nasdaq:CTRN), Valhi Inc. (Nasdaq:VHI), Matrixx Initiatives (Nasdaq:MTXX) and Pzena Investment Management Inc. (Nasdaq:PZN).

Matrixx Initiatives (Nasdaq:MTXX), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) and Medicines Co. (Nasdaq:MDCO) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation (Nasdaq:ATPG), AgFeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED), Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX), China Medical Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:CMED), Fuqi International Inc. (Nasdaq:FUQI) and Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:SPPI).

Matrixx Initiatives (Nasdaq:MTXX), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:APWR) and O2Micro International Ltd (Nasdaq:OIIM) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd (Nasdaq:JASO), Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:MIPI), Savient Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:SVNT), ImmunoGen Inc (Nasdaq:IMGN), Century Aluminum Co (Nasdaq:CENX) and Internet Gold-Golden Lines Ltd (Nasdaq:IGLD).

Stocks started positive in morning trading, but quickly gave ground before the noon lunch hour Eastern time and never recovered. The Dow Jones Industrials were down 1.25% to close at 8,504; the Nasdaq closed down 1.11% at 1,796; and the S&P 500 shed 1.27% to end the day at 912.

Small-cap stocks, as measured by the Russell 2000 Index, fared worse, giving up 1.22% to close at 505.

Today's small-cap gainers were lead by STEC Inc (Nasdaq:STEC), a California-based memory chip maker, up 29%. STEC increased its Q2 financial outlook stating that improved sales of its ZeusIOPS solid-state drive product line had caused the company to revision its guidance. STEC now expects adjusted earnings of between 32 and 36 cents per share.

Other small-caps showing leadership include La-Z-Boy, (NYSE:LZB) up 22% on news that it returned to profitability in Q4 and beating analysts' EPS estimates; Merge Healthcare (Nasdaq:MRGE) up 17%; Alvarion (Nasdaq:ALVR) up 16%; and Satyam Computer Services (NYSE:SAY) up 16%.

Small-cap decliners were lead by Matrixx Initiatives (Nasdaq:MTXX) down 70% on receiving a warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discontinue selling it's Zicam product and for consumer to stop using it immediately. The FDA has indicated that there have been 130 reported cases of people losing the sense of smell after using the products. Zicam is a leading product for preventing and minimizing the effects of the common cold when the patient uses the product at the first symptoms of a cold. The FDA action affects only the nasal swabs and gels and does not apply to the tablets or lozenges.

Although Matrixx is on record stating that the product does not cause a loss of smell the company has indicated that it will consider withdrawing the products in questions, which in total account for roughly 40 percent of its sales.

Other small-cap decliners include Myriad Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:MYRXV) down 32%; Magyar Bancorp (Nasdaq:MGYR) down 34%; A-Power Energy Generation Systems (Nasdaq:APWR) down 24% on news that first quarter earnings fell by nearly half; and two of yesterday's leaders: Jazz Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:JAZZ) down 17% and QEP (Nasdaq:QEPC) down 15%. 

*****Jason Cimpl, technical analyst at TradeMaster Daily Stock Alerts, called yesterday's 2.5% drop on the S&P 500 to a tee. If you watched the video chart analysis from Jason that I included in Friday's Daily Profit, then you were ready for Monday's sell-off. I hope you were able to profit from it.

And bonus points to Jason for calling the closing level of the S&P within 2 points. I think Jason's video chart analysis will be a welcome addition to Daily Profit. Look for the next one in Friday's edition.

******If it weren't for gasoline, prices at the wholesale level would have fallen 0.1% in May. Still, prices are off 5% from this time last year. That's the biggest drop in 50 years. Is this good news?

Not for corporate profits, and so probably not for valuations. And not for the Fed, who's terrified of deflation. But for the crowd expecting runaway inflation because of a weaker dollar and rising interest rates, it might be.

It should be obvious that weak demand and high unemployment will keep a lid on prices in the short-term. Remember too that it took 18 months before rising oil prices really started to find their way into the prices of consumer goods, too. Right now, inflation expectations are just that - expectations.

Still, those expectations have helped oil and commodity prices run higher…

*****And inflation expectations aren't the only thing driving commodity prices higher. Demand from emerging markets, especially China and India, remains fairly strong. After all, these countries have money to spend to help re-inflate their economies.

Jason Cimpl will be discussing the outlook for inflation and commodity prices in a special video conference next Wednesday, June 24 at 6:00 P.M. It's totally free, and Jason will share his top gold stocks with attendees (yes, we see significant upside for certain gold stocks). This video conference is free of charge, you can sign up HERE.

*****The Ural mountain city of Yekaterinburg, Russia takes center stage in global economic news today. The BRIC countries--Brazil, Russia, India and China--are holding their first ever summit starting today. The U.S. is not invited.

That's because these emerging economic giants want more control over the global economy. And with a combined 42% of global currency reserves, they are in position to throw their weight around a little.

It's no secret that the U.S. depends on these countries to buy our Treasuries and fund our bailout and stimulus plans, not to mention our trade deficit. So the news that these countries will be discussing plans to diversify away from American bonds and buy IMF bonds is important for the U.S. dollar. Just last week Brazil pledged $10 billion purchase IMF bonds. That's a far cry from the day's when Brazil was synonymous with hyper-inflation and a poster child for coming to the developed world hat-in-hand.

But there's more to the story, especially with China. Some estimate that China has as much as $1.3 trillion of foreign reserves, most of it in dollars. And right now, China is putting that money to work stockpiling commodities and supporting its economy. So buying Chinese stocks, especially Chinese commodity stocks, is a great idea right now.

At SmallCapInvestor PRO, we just loaded up on Chinese stocks. I believe this is the one reliable growth story in the world today. I've got a Special Report ready with my top investment recommendations; you can get a copy HERE. 

Matrixx Initiatives (Nasdaq:MTXX), McMoRan Exploration Co. (Nasdaq:MMR) and Synutra International Inc. (Nasdaq:SYUT) are among the biggest percentage losers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: United Security Banchares Inc. (Nasdaq:USBI), Facet Biotech Corp. (Nasdaq:FACT), Carmike Cinemas Inc. (Nasdaq:CKEC), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), O'Charley's Inc. (Nasdaq:CHUX) and Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:AKT).

A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT) and BioDelivery Sciences International Inc. (Nasdaq:BDSI) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:JASO), Spectrum Pharmaceuticals In.c (Nasdaq:SPPI), AgFeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) and Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX).

Savient Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:SVNT), Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:SPPI) and TriQuint Semiconductor Inc. (Nasdaq:TQNT) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:JASO), GT Solar International Inc. (Nasdaq:SOLR), AgFeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED), Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) and Cal Maine Foods Inc (Nasdaq:CALM).

UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) and Union Drilling Inc. (Nasdaq:UDRL) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), MAP Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:MAPP), Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX), AgFeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED) and Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE).

Medivation Inc. (Nasdaq:MDVN), Blue Coat Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:BCSI) and Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (Nasdaq:SBLK) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: MAP Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:MAPP), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF), Take Two Interactive Software Inc. (Nasdaq:TTWO), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE), CardioNet Inc. (Nasdaq:BEAT) and A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR).

MAP Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:MAPP), Geokinetics Inc. (Nasdaq:GOK) and Duckwall Alco Stores Inc. (Nasdaq:DUCK) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF), Ocean Power Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:OPTT), Polypore International Inc. (Nasdaq:PPO), Federal Mogul Corp. (Nasdaq:FDML) and Greene County Bancorp (Nasdaq:GCBC).

Prospect Capital Corp. (Nasdaq:PSEC), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) and Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), Novatel Wireless Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), Kirklands Inc. (Nasdaq:KIRK), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ) and UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA).

CardioNet Inc. (Nasdaq:BEAT), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE) and Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Ticketmaster Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq:TKTM), Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX), Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:VNDA), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:OGXI) and Ciena Corp. (Nasdaq:CIEN).

Ciena Corp. (Nasdaq:CIEN), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE) and STEC Inc. (Nasdaq:STEC) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:VNDA), Perfect World Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:PWRD), TBS International Ltd. (Nasdaq:TBSI), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (Nasdaq:ENER) and Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. (Nasdaq:ISLE).

Medicines Co. (Nasdaq:MDCO), Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:AAWW) and GT Solar International Inc. (Nasdaq:SOLR) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:VNDA), Geron Corp. (Nasdaq:GERN), Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ) and JetBlue Airways Corp. (Nasdaq:JBLU).

DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS), Acorda Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:ACOR) and Abiomed Inc. (Nasdaq:ABMD) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Geron Corp. (Nasdaq:GERN), Medarex Inc. (Nasdaq:MEDX), GMX Resources Inc. (Nasdaq:GMXR), UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) and NetGear Inc. (Nasdaq:NTGR).

DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS), Geron Corp. (Nasdaq:GERN) and P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc. (Nasdaq:PFCB) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Medarex Inc. (Nasdaq:MEDX), Kendle International Inc. (Nasdaq:KNDL), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ), UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) and Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE).

Emulex Corp. (Nasdaq:ELX), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) and Healthways Inc. (Nasdaq:HWAY) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Temple-Inland Inc. (Nasdaq:TIN), Oriental Financial Group Inc. (Nasdaq:OFG), Columbus McKinnon Corp. (Nasdaq:CMCO), Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:AAWW), American Software Inc. (Nasdaq:AMSWA) and CPI Corp. (Nasdaq:CPY).

DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) and Allos Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:ALTH) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: BreitBurn Energy Partners L P (Nasdaq:BBEP), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE), GMX Resources Inc. (Nasdaq:GMXR), Focus Media Holding Ltd. (Nasdaq:FMCN), UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA) and GigaMedia Ltd. (Nasdaq:GIGM).

DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS), Geron Corp. (Nasdaq:GERN) and The9 Ltd. (Nasdaq:NCTY) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), Focus Media Holding Ltd. (Nasdaq:FMCN), Titan Machinery Inc. (Nasdaq:TITN), UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA), Meridian Bioscience Inc. (Nasdaq:VIVO) and AsiaInfo Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:ASIA).

DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS), UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA) and Geron Corp. (Nasdaq:GERN) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Smart Balance Inc. (Nasdaq:SMBL), Cabot Microelectronics Corp. (Nasdaq:CCMP), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), Almost Family Inc. (Nasdaq:AFAM) and The9 Ltd. (Nasdaq:NCTY).

Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN), DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS) and A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: BLDRS Emerging Markets 50 ADR Index (Nasdaq:ADRE), Medarex Inc. (Nasdaq:MEDX), UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA), Dress Barn Inc. (Nasdaq:DBRN), Gymboree Corp. (Nasdaq:GYMB) and Take Two Interactive Software Inc. (Nasdaq:TTWO).

GTSI Corp. (Nasdaq:GTSI), FBL Financial Group Inc. (Nasdaq:FFG) and Myers Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:MYE) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN), Take Two Interactive Software Inc. (Nasdaq:TTWO), Central Pacific Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:CPF), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), RSC Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:RRR) and Main Street Capital Corp. (Nasdaq:MAIN).

Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN), Take Two Interactive Software Inc. (Nasdaq:TTWO) and A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA), Susquehanna Bancshares Inc. (Nasdaq:SNWL), Kirklands Inc. (Nasdaq:KIRK), Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (Nasdaq:SWHC) and Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT).

Stocks opened in the green this morning and have held their own through Thursday afternoon on news that Wells Fargo issued a surprise profit announcement.

At 12:25 pm ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) is up 18.34, or 2.64%, at 460.46, while the Dow is up 2.22% and the S&P 500 is up 2.53%.

New employment data out today did little tamper the strong rally. New jobless claims fell more than expected to 654,000, while continuing claims set an 11th straight record. The total number of laid-off Americans receiving unemployment rose to 5.84 million, from 5.75 million, the most on record since 1967.

Small-cap A-Power Energy Generation Systems (Nasdaq:APWR) is up a whopping 33% after reporting a surge in Q4 profits. Cardiome Pharma (Nasdaq:CRME) is also up 24% after announcing a licensing agreement for Vernakalant, an investigational candidate for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

******The minutes from the last FOMC meeting were released Wednesday. You might recall that was the meeting where Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke announced that the Federal Reserve would start buying $1.13 trillion worth of Treasury bills, corporate bonds and consumer debt.

Bernanke didn’t say at the time he was proposing the biggest Fed balance sheet expansion in history, but the members of the Fed lowered their estimates for economic recovery significantly.

The Fed had expected growth to return in the second half of this year and unemployment to top out around 8.8%. At the last meeting, dismal numbers from the start of 2009 prompted recovery expectations to be pushed into 2010, along with upward adjustments in unemployment number expectations.

It makes sense that the Fed took a more negative view of the economy. Why else would it take such a radical step as the balance sheet expansion? And I’ve been saying all along that unemployment will hit double digits before this recession is over.

What is interesting is what the Fed will say next. Bernanke has made some bullish comments over the last few weeks—comments that are somewhat contrary to the minutes from the last FOMC meeting. Perhaps Bernanake was just talking . . .

Palm Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM), DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS) and PetMed Express Inc. (Nasdaq:PETS) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE), Rambus Inc. (Nasdaq:RMBS), Elizabeth Arden Inc. (Nasdaq:RDEN), Cypress Bioscience Inc. (Nasdaq:CYPB), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ) and A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR).

Small-cap stocks remained lower into mid-session, pulled down by losses in commodity, financial and technology stocks amid ongoing worries about corporate profits in one of the deepest economic recessions since the Great Depression.  Some of today’s small-cap gainers are A-Power (Nasdaq:APWR), Aladdin Knowledge Systems (Nasdaq:ALDN) and Mindray (NYSE:MR).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• Corn futures crashed 7%, touching limit down losses and the Gold and Silver Index slumped more than 5%, reflecting losses for mining and metals shares.  
• Commodities were hit especially hard today, with crude oil prices tumbling 7% on worries about the global demand picture.  
• Overseas markets were lower coming into today’s session, which likely weighed on the market as well. 
• The dollar was firm against the euro this morning, which could also weigh on other commodity markets and stocks with close ties to physical markets. 

Small Cap Gainers:

• GE joins with A-Power on wind turbine gearbox equipment; shares of A-Power rise 21%. See (Nasdaq:APWR)
• Aladdin Knowledge Systems agrees to buyout at 20% premium; shares rise 14%. See (Nasdaq:ALDN).  
• Mindray announces preliminary 2008 operating results; shares pop 14%. See (NYSE:MR).
• The Cooper Companies is up 8% today after declaring a half-year cash dividend last week. See (NYSE:COO).

Small Cap Losers:

• Small-cap gold stock Detour Gold Corp. is down 21%. See (Nasdaq:DRGDF). 
• Small-cap coal company Patriot Coal Corp. fell 17.3% as commodities slumped across the board today. See (NYSE:PCX).
• Small-cap eatery Morton’s Restaurant Group Inc. is down 7.8% as restaurant stocks get clobbered. See (NYSE:MRT).  
• Homebuilder shares were taking a hit today, with small-cap builders Centex Corp. down 7.7%; KB Home off 6.2% and Meritage Homes Corp. down 10.5%. See (NYSE:CTX), (NYSE:KBH) and (NYSE:MTH).  

Audiovox Corp. (Nasdaq:VOXX), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) and ICT Group Inc. (Nasdaq:ICTG) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALDN), AEP Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:AEPI), InterMune Inc. (Nasdaq:ITMN), Cooper Companies Inc. (Nasdaq:COO), Telefonica de Argentina (Nasdaq:TAR) and Coleman Cable Inc. (Nasdaq:CCIX).

Small-cap stocks edged lower in a fairly weak start to this week’s trading, pulled down by worries about corporate profits as we enter the unofficial start of earnings season this afternoon. Energy and commodity stocks were a source of worry early today as crude oil futures extended the recent slide.  Some of today’s small-cap gainers are A-Power (Nasdaq:APWR), Aladdin Knowledge Systems (Nasdaq:ALDN) and Hologic (Nasdaq:HOLX).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• Overseas markets were lower coming into today’s session, which likely weighed on the market as well.  
• The dollar was firm against the euro this morning, which could also weigh on other commodity markets and stocks with close ties to physical markets.  
• Crude oil prices tumbled more than $2 a barrel into the U.S. stock market opening, which could pull down energy stocks.
• U.S. markets took a hit on Friday; today is relatively quiet before we get a flood of economic data later this week.  
• The Russian ruble fell to the lowest point in more than five years and the IMF warned that western Europe was behind the curve on implementing stimulus plans.

Small Cap Gainers:

• GE joins with A-Power on wind turbine gearbox equipment; shares of A-Power rise 21%. See (Nasdaq:APWR)
• Aladdin Knowledge Systems agrees to buyout at 20% premium; shares rise 14%. See (Nasdaq:ALDN).  
• Hologic Q1 profit view above estimates, shares up 14.5%. See (Nasdaq:HOLX). 
• Q4 revenues up at Carrols Restaurant Group; shares rise 10%. See (Nasdaq:TAST).  

Small Cap Losers:

• Cleaning and maintenance solutions firm Zep, Inc. down 22% after reporting Q1 results last week. See (NYSE:ZEP).  
• Patriot to shutter Jupiter mine in West Virginia; shares drop over 18%. See (NYSE:PCX).
• Spartech Corporation down 13% on lower-than-average volume. See (NYSE:SEH).  
• Simcere Pharmaceutical Group announces preliminary full-year revenue and earnings; shares trade 10% lower. See (NYSE:SCR).  

Palm Inc (Nasdaq:PALM), DryShips Inc (Nasdaq:DRYS) and A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:APWR) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Human Genome Sciences Inc (Nasdaq:HGSI), Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:ALDN), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc (Nasdaq:EGLE), YRC Worldwide Inc (Nasdaq:YRCW), TXCO Resources Inc (Nasdaq:TXCO) and Oceanfreight Inc (Nasdaq:OCNF).

DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS), Silver Standard Resources Inc. (Nasdaq:SSRI) and DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: James River Coal Co. (Nasdaq:JRCC), American Capital Agency Corp. (Nasdaq:AGNC), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), Ituran Location and Control Ltd. (Nasdaq:ITRN), Ciena Corp. (Nasdaq:CIEN) and Cal-Maine Foods Inc. (Nasdaq:CALM).

Small-cap stocks opened higher, briefly slipped into negative territory, then climbed back to flat levels in the first 30 minutes of trading. Some pressure was linked to disappointment over the lack of a big stimulus announcement out of the G-20 meeting, a decline in worldwide stocks overnight, and a mild rise in Libor rates. However, a better than expected result on industrial production helped limit the initial damage.  Today's biggest small-cap gainers are China Southern Airlines Co. Ltd. (NYSE:ZNH), Level 3  (Nasdaq:LVLT) and General Motors (NYSE:GM).

Other Market Watch highlights included:

• Energy and commodity stocks have been a big drag on the market in recent weeks, but are oversold.
• Crude oil prices rallied back into positive territory after being down about $1 a barrel earlier this morning.  
• Stock index futures bounced off the lows right before the opening when the industrial production report came in at plus 1.3%.  
• Small caps opened higher, briefly slipped into negative territory, then climbed back to flat levels in the first 30 minutes of trading.  
• The chart retains a bearish slant, is now trading on intraday charts between a double bottom off the recent lows, double top on highs.  

Small Cap Gainers:

• China Southern Airlines Co. Ltd. is up 12% on news that Chinese airlines were asking the government for aid to deal with rising costs and sinking demand. See (NYSE:ZNH).  
• Level 3 plans to raise up to $400M from offering; shares pop 9.2% in pre-market. See (Nasdaq:LVLT).
• General Motors to sell 3% stake in Suzuki for $230 Million, Financial Times Reports. GM Up 6% in pre-market. See (NYSE:GM).
• Vimicro International up 3% in pre-market after reporting Q3 results on Friday. See (Nasdaq:VIMC).  

Small Cap Losers:

• Dryships Inc. treads 2.85% lower in pre-market; shares have dropped about 90% within the last 52 weeks. See (Nasdaq:DRYS).
• United Therapeutics down 30% in pre-market after oral PAH drug fails trial. See (Nasdaq:UTHR).  
• Retalix Ltd. tumbled 28% as the retail software distributor reported earnings. See (Nasdaq:RLTX).  
• A-Power Energy Generation Systems down 12% in pre-market on very light volume. See (Nasdaq:APWR).
• Canadian Solar down nearly 7% in pre-market after Collins Stewart downgraded the solar cell manufacturer to "hold" on Friday. See (Nasdaq:CSIQ).  

Small-cap stocks pushed higher on the open but slipped back into negative territory about 20 minutes into the session as oversold conditions, bargain hunting and a bounce in downtrodden commodity shares battled with dreary weekly claims data, which showed the latest filings at seven-year highs and continuing claims at 25-year highs. Today’s small-cap gainers are AMAG Pharmaceuticals. (Nasdaq:AMAG), Optimer Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:OPTR) and JA Solar (Nasdaq:JASO).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• Overnight, Britain’s sterling tumbled to 6 ½-year lows against the dollar.  
• The international trade report came out at the same time as claims and reflected a trade deficit of $56.5 billion, slightly better than the forecast.  
• Small-cap stocks pushed higher on the open but slipped back into negative territory about 20 minutes into the session.  
• Crude prices were up about $0.40 a barrel ahead of the U.S. stock market open.  
• The weekly unemployment claims report came in at 516,000, well ahead of the forecast for 480,000 and at the highest point since Sept. 2001.

Small Cap Gainers:

• AMAG Pharmaceuticals announces Ferumoxytol resubmission designated complete, Class 1 response by the FDA. Shares pop 80% in pre-market. See (Nasdaq:AMAG).  
• Optimer Pharmaceuticals Inc. up 13% in pre-market following news on Wednesday that the firm’s antibiotic drug met late-stage trial goals. See (Nasdaq:OPTR).  
• JA Solar up 5% in pre-market on very light volume; shares plummeted Wednesday on its Q3 loss, Q4 outlook. See (Nasdaq:JASO).  
• Clean Energy Fuels up 4.2% in pre-market ahead of its Q3 earnings release today. See (Nasdaq:CLNE).  

Small Cap Losers:

• WellCare Health Plans Inc. tumbled 44%, gapping lower to 52-week lows. See (NYSE:WCG).  
• AgFeed Industries, Inc. lowers FY 2008 EPS guidance; shares tank 33% in pre-market. See (Nasdaq:FEED).
• A-Power Energy Generation down 7.21% in pre-market on lower-than-average volume. See (Nasdaq:APWR).  
• Sina Q3 profit rises, provides Q4 revenue outlook. Shares are down 5.2% in pre-market on light volume. See (Nasdaq:SINA).