Tag -  ALDN 

Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALDN), Focus Media Holding Ltd. (Nasdaq:FMCN) and Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:RIGL) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Cypress Bioscience Inc. (Nasdaq:CYPB), DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS) and Rambus Inc. (Nasdaq:RMBS) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Palm Inc (Nasdaq:PALM), American Science & Engineering Inc (Nasdaq:ASEI), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT), Arthrocare Corp. (Nasdaq:ARTC), AeroVironment Inc. (Nasdaq:AVAV) and Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALDN).

DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS), Palm Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM) and Formula Systems Depository Receipt (Nasdaq:FORTY) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:QCOR), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE), AEP Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:AEPI), James River Coal Co. (Nasdaq:JRCC), Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALDN) and Paragon Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:PRGN).

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).

Indevus Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:IDEV), Macquarie Infrastructure Co LLC (Nasdaq:MIC) and Crosstex Energy Inc (Nasdaq:XTXI) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Hiland Partners LP (Nasdaq:HLND), Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:ALDN), Crosstex Energy LP (Nasdaq:XTEX), Aercap Holdings NV (Nasdaq:AER), Taylor Capital Group Inc (Nasdaq:TAYC) and Double Eagle Petroleum Co (Nasdaq:DBLE).

Small-cap stocks pulled higher this morning and remained in positive ground after a mixed batch of economic reports buffeted the market. A firm tone in energy stocks, momentum from overseas gains and optimism about upcoming stimulus plans provided a lift. At 10:04 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was up 8.51, or 1.68% at 513.54.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing Survey came in at 40.6, which was better than the forecast of 37.0 and a nice bounce off record lows from the previous reading. Still, this number is low historically and consistent with recession. Although the ISM reading was positive relative to expectations, the same can’t be said for factory orders, which tumbled 4.6%, much worse than the projection for a decline of 2.5%. Completing the early data trifecta, pending home sales were also sour, sinking 4.0% versus the consensus for a decline of 1.0%. Now that this rush of economic data is out of the way, the market should be free to focus on other factors before this afternoon’s 2:00 p.m. ET release of FOMC minutes.

Crude oil prices pulled back above $50 dollars a barrel for the first time in some ...

DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS), JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:JASO) and Orexigen Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:OREX) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: PDL BioPharma Inc. (Nasdaq:PDLI), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF), Zhongpin Inc. (Nasdaq:HOGS), Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALDN), American Commercial Lines Inc. (Nasdaq:ACLI) and Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ).

Hampton Roads Bankshares Inc. (Nasdaq:HMPR), ATC Technology Corp. (Nasdaq:ATAC) and Central Valley Community Bancorp (Nasdaq:CVCY) are among the new 52-week lows in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Encore Bancshares Inc. (Nasdaq:EBTX), DG FastChannel Inc. (Nasdaq:DGIT), Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALDN), Northrim BanCorp Inc. (Nasdaq:NRIM), Medtox Scientific Inc. (Nasdaq:MTOX) and Quidel Corp. (Nasdaq:QDEL).

DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:APWR) and Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN) 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), Pozen Inc. (Nasdaq:POZN), Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq:CLNE), American Superconductor Corp. (Nasdaq:AMSC), Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:ALDN) and ATP Oil & Gas Corporation (Nasdaq:ATPG).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Targanta Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq:TARG), Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALDN) and Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:RJET) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (Nasdaq:JTX), CPI International Inc. (Nasdaq:CPII), Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:PGC), Renaissance Learning Inc. (Nasdaq:RLRN), Northrim BanCorp Inc. (Nasdaq:NRIM) and Zygo Corp. (Nasdaq:ZIGO).

Here are the biggest percentage gainers among small caps:

Small-cap stocks resumed the slide into the midday time frame, unable to sustain a morning bounce as recession fears were rekindled by dour manufacturing data. At 11:44 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was down 3.66, or 0.73%, at 498.45 at the lowest point since last Friday’s erosion to five-year lows. However, trading remains volatile, with the market popping back off a 3% mid-morning slide fairly quickly.

In what has become a familiar refrain lately, the Russell started out the day in positive territory and rallied to a gain of 3.2% shortly after the opening as employment and inflation indicators came in tame. However, when the industrial production report showed manufacturing activity posted the largest decline in nearly 34 years the market started to fray at the edges, but was still in positive territory. However, even if investors were willing to shrug off the output data due to quirks like Hurricane Gustav and a strike at aircraft maker Boeing, the 10:00 a.m. ET release of the Philly Fed survey (which is an October number) was the lowest figure in some 18 years and investors gave up the fight.

The market continues to fret about the possibility for a deep recession in the United States and a slowdown around the world, which would damage profits for both domestic and export-related businesses. And even though today’s unemployment claims report was not as bad as feared (461,000 versus the 470,000 forecast), it is still a historically large number of people filing for unemployment insurance and the number of people on the unemployment line only stands to get worse in coming months. While analysts argue that employment will lag the recovery in stocks and the overall economy, it’s still uncomfortable to get in front of that trend at this stage of the market dynamic.

Looking at sector action today, the best performing areas were coal, education services, agriculture products, footwear companies, food retail firms, airlines, gas utilities and steel stocks. On the downside, life health insurers were getting . . .

IT security company Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALDN) said this morning that it is raising its full year revenue and earnings guidance on account of its completed acquisition of a product line from Secure Computing. However, the company did note that on a GAAP basis earnings are forecasted to decline due to charges associated with the integration of the acquisition.

Shares gained 5%, or $0.63, to $13.39 in pre-market trading. For detailed price information and news stories on Aladdin Knowledge, click ALDN.

Saia Inc (Nasdaq:SAIA), Brigham Exploration Co (Nasdaq:BEXP) and Hanmi Financial (Nasdaq:HAFC) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Alvarion Ltd (Nasdaq:ALVR), Kohlberg Capital Corp (Nasdaq:KCAP), ATA Inc (Nasdaq:ATAI), BioSante Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:BPAX), Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:ALDN) and Dendreon Corp (Nasdaq:DNDN).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALDN) reported ahead of today’s opening that its second-quarter earnings were in line with analyst estimates but still declined from a year ago. For the quarter ended June 30, net income for the Israel-based company was $0.1 million, or $0.01 per share, compared with $3.9 million, or $0.27 a share, for the same quarter a year earlier. Revenues were $26.4 million, compared with $25.5 million for the quarter a year ago. Wall Street had been expecting earnings of $0.01 per share on revenues of $26.2 million. The security software solutions provider said its earnings were hurt by higher expenses from recent acquisitions, a poor exchange rate and delays in anticipated orders.

In today’s trading, shares are mostly flat, down about $0.03 at $9.32. Trading volume has soared to more than 400,000 shares, up from the average of about 128,000.

Small-cap stocks collapsed again Wednesday, unable to escape the glare of soaring energy prices that crimp consumer spending, raise business input costs and slice away corporate margins. The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) shed 19.25, or 2.78%, to 672.34. This marked the fourth largest one-day decline of the year and the 15th decline in 2008 of 2% or more. In the end, small caps posted the lowest daily close since March 19.

Crude oil prices shot to new record highs after the weekly inventory report showed that crude stocks slipped below 300 million barrels for the first time since January. The prospect of tight stocks into a holiday weekend amid saber rattling between Israel and Iran ensured that a risk premium be priced into energy markets. In addition, spot gas prices jumped to a 30-month high, and it appears no commodity market will go without its turn in the sun. The Commodity Research Bureau Index of 19 commodity markets shot to yet another record high and is up 29% in 2008. In addition, new all-time highs were set in the small-cap commodity fund iPath GSCI Total Return Index, which is heavily weighted toward energy.

The dreary close in small caps was a far cry from this morning’s opening when rising European bank shares and talk that the capital-raising crisis had peaked fueled an opening bounce in stocks. That opening rise looked like a nice carryover sign of power in the shadow of Tuesday’s big recovery rally, but the resumption of selling fury today effectively clipped short any bottoming signs that may have been building off the bounce.

While soaring energy prices rightly gathered the lion’s share of attention during today’s collapse, bullish investors may have been scared into the cellar by this morning’s ADP National Employment Report, which showed a decline in payrolls of 79,000, the largest figure since November 2002. Although the correlation between ADP and the official Labor Department report has been unraveling of late, it’s still a scary figure . . .

Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:ALDN), MarineMax, Inc (Nasdaq:HZO) and Avis Budget Group (Nasdaq:CAR) are among the new 52-week lows in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Kronos Worldwide Inc (Nasdaq:KRO), Summit Financial Group Inc (Nasdaq:SMMF), Citizens First Bancorp Inc (Nasdaq:CTZN), Park-Ohio Holdings Corp (Nasdaq:PKOH), Codorus Valley Bancorp Inc (Nasdaq:CVLY) and ICO Inc (Nasdaq:ICOC).

Here are the new 52-week lows among small caps:

Small-cap stocks briefly opened higher after the opening, but have steadily slumped in midday and afternoon trading. Bearish sentiments were fueled by the Commerce Department’s report that factory orders showed the weakest performance in three months during May and the continuing ascent of crude oil prices. The National Employment report also added to gloomy news, with payrolls down by 79,000. At 2:27 p.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was down 12.55, or 1.81%, to 679.04.

During May, factory orders rose by 0.6%, which met Wall Street’s expectation but gave nervous investors no reasons to buy. The Commerce Department’s report showed waning demand for steel, heavy machinery and autos. Soaring fuel prices, weak economic growth and the credit crisis continue to keep investors jittery as long-term prospects remain uncertain.

Crude oil prices gushed higher in afternoon trading to $142.64 a barrel in recent trading. The U.S. dollar is down against the euro and flat against the yen.

The ADP National Employment Report showed a decline of 79,000 in payrolls, which marked the largest decline since November 2002. In addition, ADP revised last month’s gain downward to 25,000 from 40,000. When the ADP report was released about 8:15 a.m. ET, the news sparked a bounce in Treasury futures, trimmed overnight gains in the dollar against the yen and sparked a pullback in overnight gains in stock index futures. The weak ADP figures were troubling ahead of the big monthly employment report slated for Thursday morning.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs cautioned that the correlation between the ADP report and the actual Labor Department monthly employment release has not been that reliable of late. Goldman said that from January 2000 through October 2007, the ADP served up a much tighter projection of the jobs report, but since then the standard . . .

Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:ALDN), Avis Budget Group (Nasdaq:CAR) and MarineMax, Inc (Nasdaq:HZO) are among the biggest percentage losers in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Fuel Systems Solutions Inc (Nasdaq:FSYS), Pyramid Oil Co (Nasdaq:PDO), Royale Energy Inc (Nasdaq:ROYL), Temecula Valley Bancorp Inc (Nasdaq:TMCV), Thomas Weisel Partners Group Inc (Nasdaq:TWPG) and Horsehead Holding Corp (Nasdaq:ZINC).

Here are the biggest percentage losers among small caps:

Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:ALDN), Quest Resource Corp (Nasdaq:QRCP) and Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc (Nasdaq:MDRX) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Superior Bancorp (Nasdaq:SUPR), PrivateBancorp Inc (Nasdaq:PVTB), Triangle Capital Corp (Nasdaq:TCAP), Halozyme Therapeutics Inc (Nasdaq:HALO), Pacific Sunwear of California Inc (Nasdaq:PSUN) and Orion Marine Group Inc (Nasdaq:OMGI).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALDN) skidded 24% in pre-market trading Wednesday after the company announced it was revising its full-year earnings to reflect lower 2008 revenues. The Israel-based Internet security provider said it expects 2008 full-year revenues to be between $112 million and $120 million, below Wall Street expectations of $125.8 million. For the quarter ended June 30, Aladdin’s preliminary estimates place revenues between $26 million and $26.5 million, or about $0.01 per share. The company said second-quarter revenues fell short because of a weak global economy and the loss of several anticipated customers.

Ahead of the bell Wednesday, shares of Aladdin Knowledge Systems were at $10.10, down $3.16 from Tuesday’s close.

Omnicell, Inc. (Nasdaq:OMCL), Zoran Corp. (Nasdaq:ZRAN) and TomoTherapy Inc. (Nasdaq:TOMO) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALDN), Volterra Semiconductor Corp. (Nasdaq:VLTR) and AgFeed Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED) are also among the most actively traded small-cap companies in pre-market trading.

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

Cheniere Energy, Inc. (AMEX:LNG), Silver State Bancorp (Nasdaq:SSBX) and Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALDN) were among the new 52-week lows established during Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations or values under $750 million.

Lee Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:LEE), FedFirst Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:FFCO) and LNB Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq:LNBB) were also among the 52-week small-cap lows.

Here are today's 52-week small-cap lows:

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) edged lower Monday, slipping 3.06, or 0.42%, to 718.00. Despite the dip, the market was still sitting on the second highest daily close since mid-February, and the rather tame pullback was no surprise given overbought momentum readings on daily studies after last week’s big surge.

In addition to profit-taking from short-term traders who caught the rally last week, the psychology behind today’s decline was fueled by soft earnings from the nation’s second largest bank, Bank of America (NYSE:BAC), which fell about 2.5% and was one of the biggest losers in the major broad indices. In addition, National City Corp. (NYSE:NCC), was down 27% after poor quarterly results and the general malaise in the financial sector kept ongoing frets over the credit crunch in play.

“The Fed has eased monetary policy 300 bps in a short span of time and implemented three new programs to reduce stress in the financial markets. However, market stress remains persistent,” Asha Bangalore, an economist with Northern Trust, said in an email. Bangalore noted that, “At the long and risky end, the spread between junk bonds and the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note has improved” but remains elevated and a far cry from the spread levels prior to August 2007. “These indicators of market stress would have to show a significant improvement before it can be declared that the coast is clear,” she said.

In addition to credit market jitters, the market will likely continue to focus on various key headline earnings results the next couple of days, as the economic calendar is tame this week. In fact, there are no economic reports on tap until Wednesday’s existing home sales release, and although the housing market is in . . .

Small caps are continuing to bleed red in Monday’s trading. At 1:46 p.m., the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) is down 0.82%, or 5.9, at 715.17. After Friday’s big rally, the index slipped in early trading today, broached the 718 mark briefly, and then continued to slide.

The market is digesting results from drug makers Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) and Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK), and from the second largest American bank, Bank of America (NYSE:BAC). Bank of America shares were lower after the regular opening, down about 2.5% as investors appear less willing to extend an olive branch to sluggish results, especially compared to the reaction last week that was seen on Citigroup’s (NYSE:C) earnings.

As for the drug makers, the news was mixed, with Eli Lilly tumbling about 4.5% on sloppy results, while Merck slipped about 0.1% despite beating the estimate.

Among small caps, Packeteer Inc. (Nasdaq:PKTR) is rising more than 12% on news that the company was set for acquisition, and North American Galvanizing & Co. (Nasdaq:NGA) was up about 7% into the opening as the company topped earnings forecasts.

On the downside, Aladdin Knowledge Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:ALDN) tumbled about 27% after missing the earnings forecast. MedCath Corp. (Nasdaq:MDTH) is down about 17% after the Charlotte, N.C.-based health-care provider estimated its second-quarter and fiscal 2008 earnings far below Wall Street expectations.

Small-cap stocks began Monday in the red: at 9:54 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was down 2.67, or 0.37% at 718.40. The index’s early low was at 716.72, slipping through the first line of defense from Friday’s big rally at 718, and now faces short-term chart support at 714, then down at 709.

The focal point early this week will likely be on earnings news and the credit crunch. Overseas, the Bank of England announced the opening of a credit window that would allow banks to swap out risky mortgage debt for U.K. government bonds, a similar function to what the Federal Reserve did several weeks ago to help bail out limping financial firms. The immediate response from European equities was lukewarm, however, so it may take more time to play out. The uncertain response to the Bank of England’s move means that the credit issue will likely remain on trader radar screens early this week.

The U.S. dollar was lower overnight, and crude oil shot to yet another record high price, which clearly puts a little bit of a damper on bullish psychology from last week’s big surge in small caps. The Lundberg survey of some 7,000 gas stations reported a new high pump price of $3.47 per gallon, up $0.04 from two weeks ago. Combine record oil prices with soaring food prices, sluggish home values and . . .

Shares of Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALDN) are treading lower ahead of the opening bell after the provider of information security services and products this morning reported first-quarter earnings a penny shy of the consensus on Wall Street on account of a negative impact from currency exchange rates, as a strong Israeli shekel raised operating expenses. The company also lowered its fiscal 2008 earnings estimate below analysts’ projections.

Shares slid 12%, or $2.74, to $19.01 ahead of the opening bell. For detailed price information and recent news stories about Aladdin Knowledge Systems, click ALDN.