Tag - CPSL

China Precision Steel Inc. (Nasdaq:CPSL), Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq:GILT) and China Sunergy Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.           

Also included among the results: Frontier Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:FTBK), Hoku Scientific Inc. (Nasdaq:HOKU), Given Imaging Ltd. (Nasdaq:GIVN), AgFeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED), Fundtech Ltd. (Nasdaq:FNDT) and Digi International Inc. (Nasdaq:DGII).   

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:           
        

Small-cap stocks started out the week with a thud, sinking hard and fast amid concerns about the relentless credit crisis and a potential slowdown in global growth. The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) tumbled 17.06, or 2.31%, to 720.54, generating the largest one-day decline in about four weeks. The Russell is now down 5.93% for the year, while the Dow is down 14.1% after slipping 2.08% Monday. The S&P 500 lost 1.96% today and is off 13.7% for the year.

Financial stocks were once again bloodied, as investors are not confident in bank, brokerage or insurance shares amid slumping economic conditions and uncertainty about the extent of debt write-downs emanating from the mortgage and housing swoon. American International Group (NYSE:AIG) tumbled to 13-year lows today, sinking 5.7% on analyst downgrades, and other financial stocks were also pummeled. The up-and-down (mostly down) world at Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (NYSE:LEH) took a turn for the worse today as concerns were voiced about the proposed Korean buyer that emerged late last week. LEH slumped 11.2% on the talk. The Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund shed 3.3% and the PHLX KBW Banking Index was off 3.2%. Nearly every large name bank was in the red today, and that selling momentum spread easily into small-cap financial stocks as well.

Fresh data on the housing arena failed to instill confidence in the bulls that things were ready to improve. Even though the headline figure on existing home sales came in above the forecast (plus 3.1% versus plus 0.9%), there were still troubling elements in the report, included a record high supply of homes on the market and steep price declines from last year. The market will get more data on the housing picture with Tuesday morning’s Case-Shiller Home Price Index, and then later in the morning from the New Home Sales report.

Financials and the never-ending credit crisis weren’t the only worries facing investors today. Talk that the International Monetary Fund was lowering global growth projections was troubling for technology, small-cap and industrial names, and today’s index losses were paced by the tech-laden Nasdaq 100 and the Russell 2000. Within the tech sector, big firms like Apple Inc. (Nasdaq:AAPL) and Research in Motion Ltd. (Nasdaq:RIMM) lost 2.3% and 3.1%, respectively. On the industrial front, Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) and 3M Company (NYSE:MMM) were . . .

To keep up with its impressive growth story, China is devouring more raw materials than any other nation. Its use of commodities is remarkable: China consumes nearly 30% of the global aluminum and zinc supply, a quarter of its copper and it produces and consumes one-third of the world's steel.

Steel is as valuable as gold to the Chinese, who require huge amounts of the material to feed booming demand from its unprecedented infrastructure build-out and manufacturing, automotive and shipbuilding sectors. Steelmakers and steel product producers in China have aggressively expanded their operations and stepped up production in recent years to meet these needs.

One company cashing in on this ever-growing demand is China Precision Steel, Inc. (Nasdaq:CPSL), formerly OraLabs Holding Corp, a value-added steel processing company that manufactures and sells high-precision, cold-rolled steel products. Its roughly 40 specialty products are mainly used in the manufacture of automobile parts and components, appliances, kitchen tools, microelectronics, saw blades, textile needles, and food packing and containers. It also provides the heat treatment and cutting of medium- and high-carbon hot-rolled steel strips. Though the company primarily does business in mainland China through its wholly owned subsidiary, Shanghai Chengtong Precision Strip Co., Ltd., last year CPSL began exporting products to Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Nigeria.

The company had a solid third quarter for the period ended March 31. Revenue grew 61% year over year to $18.7 million. Net income came in at $4.6 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, a 231% increase over the year-ago quarter. Gross profit rose 58% to $5.3 million. Exports accounted for 19% of revenue a 2.3% increase from the previous year. In a move to secure a stable supply of raw material, the company advanced suppliers $26.8 million during the quarter, reducing its amount of cash on hand to $14.3 million. With investment and new construction expenditures expected to reach $20 million, CPSL may need to access capital markets (the company plans to invest in a new production line for high-quality stainless steel and a new cold roll . . .

Third Wave Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:TWTI), Luminex Corp (Nasdaq:LMNX) and Royale Energy Inc (Nasdaq:ROYL) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: HireRight Inc (Nasdaq:HIRE), Apogee Enterprises Inc (Nasdaq:APOG), Sonic Corp (Nasdaq:SONC), UAL Corp (Nasdaq:UAUA), China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL) and comScore Inc (Nasdaq:SCOR).

Here are the most actively traded companies 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:

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

Also included among the results: Gaiam Inc (Nasdaq:GAIA), ShengdaTech Inc (Nasdaq:SDTH), Third Wave Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:TWTI), Ricks Cabaret International Inc (Nasdaq:RICK), Allos Therapeutics Inc (Nasdaq:ALTH) and Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:VNDA).

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:

Royale Energy Inc (Nasdaq:ROYL), Chemgenex Pharm (Nasdaq:CXSP) and National Coal Corp (Nasdaq:NCOC) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: IMAX CORPORATION (Nasdaq:IMAX), OMNI Energy Services Corp (Nasdaq:OMNI), USANA Health Sciences Inc (Nasdaq:USNA), UAL Corp (Nasdaq:UAUA), China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL) and Crocs Inc (Nasdaq:CROX).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

YRC Worldwide Inc (Nasdaq:YRCW), Kosan Biosciences Inc (Nasdaq:KOSN) and China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: New Oriental Energy & Chemical Corp (Nasdaq:NOEC), NGAS Resources Inc (Nasdaq:NGAS), TASER International Inc (Nasdaq:TASR), Origin Agritech Ltd (Nasdaq:SEED), Mellanox Technologies Ltd (Nasdaq:MLNX) and China Sunergy Co Ltd (Nasdaq:CSUN).

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:

Axcelis Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:ACLS), PrivateBancorp Inc (Nasdaq:PVTB) and Environmental Power Corp (Nasdaq:EPG) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:APWR), Royale Energy Inc (Nasdaq:ROYL) 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:

BGC Partners Inc (Nasdaq:BGCP), Innophos Holdings Inc (Nasdaq:IPHS) and INVESTools Inc (Nasdaq:SWIM) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Fuelcell Energy Inc (Nasdaq:FCEL), Royale Energy Inc (Nasdaq:ROYL) 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:

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:

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), Packeteer Inc (Nasdaq:PKTR) and China Sunergy Co Ltd (Nasdaq:CSUN) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

NGAS Resources Inc (Nasdaq:NGAS), AmCOMP Inc (Nasdaq:AMCP) and Ascent Solar Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:ASTI) 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:

Selling enthusiasm swamped small-cap shares when the afternoon release of FOMC minutes suggested a lower growth forecast, inflation jitters and an April rate cut that was a close call. The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) lost 8.54, or 1.16%, to 727.11. It was the fourth consecutive session in which small caps closed below the opening, something that hasn’t happened since January.

Small caps spent much of the day trying to hold onto tepid gains in the face of red ink in large-cap index products and yet another spike in crude oil prices. However, the selling dam burst after the release of the FOMC minutes. In addition to suggesting that the economy was on a slower recovery path, the Federal Reserve’s policy-making board basically did everything but say outright that rate cuts were on hold right now because of inflation issues.

It wasn’t hard to look for signs of fresh price inflation today. Within the energy arena, crude oil prices jumped to more than $133 dollars a barrel when a weekly inventory report showed a surprising dip in crude oil stockpiles versus expectations for an increase in supplies. With pump prices starting to move north of $4 dollars a gallon in some metropolitan areas, consumer’s discretionary spending money is getting even more pinched, which could stall any burgeoning economic recovery.

The sting of higher crude oil prices wasn’t just felt in consumer pocketbooks today. Airline stocks were shot down in stunning fashion, with the Amex Airline Index sinking more than 12% to fresh 52-week lows. At this time last summer, the Airline Index was trading in the $50 range … today, the price is below $19. Among airline stocks, small-capper US Airways Group (NYSE:LCC) fell 17% to new 52-week lows . . .

Adolor Corp (Nasdaq:ADLR), China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL) and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc (Nasdaq:RRGB) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Dendreon Corp (Nasdaq:DNDN), Pacific Ethanol Inc (Nasdaq:PEIX) and China Sunergy Co Ltd (Nasdaq:CSUN) 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 Pacific Ethanol Inc (Nasdaq:PEIX) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Star Bulk Carriers Corp (Nasdaq:SBLK), Paragon Shipping Inc (Nasdaq:PRGN) and Smith & Wesson Holding Corp (Nasdaq:SWHC) are also among the most actively traded companies.

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Small-cap stocks edged lower Monday, unable to sustain an intraday run to fresh five-month highs as longs took profits, record crude oil prices deterred new buyers and tech stocks reversed course. In the end, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) dipped 2.72, or 0.37%, to 738.45.

Small-caps trailed buying enthusiasm in large caps much of the day, which was a caution sign that the intraday push was on tenuous footing. When tech stocks started to reverse course, recoiling from new highs, it put a chill on buyers in most of the major index products. Within large-cap tech stocks, the spotlight was on SanDisk Corp. (Nasdaq:SNDK), which tumbled about 7.6% amid concerns about the consumer spending outlook.

Crude oil prices continue to be a focal point for stock market traders as the economy teeters on a tightrope of recovery, balancing higher energy and food costs versus the spending habits of strapped consumers. Crude oil prices jumped to a fresh record high this morning and closed at a new all-time peak above $127 dollars a barrel. Gasoline pump prices around the nation have been spiking higher in recent days, and prices in the Chicago metropolitan area moved past $4 dollars a gallon this weekend, an ominous sign heading toward the peak summer driving and vacation season.

This morning’s leading indicators report may have brought a few stray buyers out of the woods, but that release seldom has a dynamic impact on immediate trading decisions as most of the data is considered dated. For instance, today’s leading indicators report was for the April time frame, and although the headline figure . . .

China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL), City Telecom Ltd (Nasdaq:CTEL) and Pyramid Oil Co (Nasdaq:PDO) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Royale Energy Inc (Nasdaq:ROYL), China Technology Development Group Corp (Nasdaq:CTDC) and Cheniere Energy Inc (Nasdaq:LNG) are also among the biggest percentage gainers.

Here are the biggest percentage gainers 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.

After a brief rise after the opening, small-cap stocks headed lower after a gloomy consumer sentiment encouraged sellers. The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) shed 2.21, or 0.3%, at 741.17 during Friday’s session.

At 10 a.m. ET, the University of Michigan said its consumer sentiment survey came in at 59.5, which was below the projection of 62. The figure was the lowest May reading since 1980, and underscores consumer fears about surging gas and food prices.

April housing starts came in at an annualized rate of 1.032 million units, which was well above the forecast of 940,000. In addition, permits were up 4.9%. These numbers, however, are still weak numbers since the number was fueled by multi-family units — not single-family homes.

Oil prices touched new highs, propelled by an increase in Goldman Sachs’ oil price estimate to $141 a barrel in late 2008. In midday Friday action, crude . . .

After a brief rise after the opening, small-cap stocks headed lower after a gloomy consumer sentiment encouraged sellers.  At 12:25 p.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was down 7.12, or 0.96%, at 736.26.

The University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey came in at 59.5, which was below the projection of 62. The figure was the lowest May reading in 28 years, and underscores consumer trepidation about lofty gas and food prices.

April housing starts came in at an annualized rate of 1.032 million units, which was well above the forecast of 940,000. In addition, permits were up 4.9%. These numbers, however, are still weak numbers since the number was fueled by multi-family units — not single-family homes.

Oil prices touched new highs, propelled by an increase in Goldman Sachs’ oil price estimate to $141 a barrel in late 2008. In midday Friday action, crude futures were up $2.63 to $126.75 a barrel in New York.

China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL), Gentium SpA (Nasdaq:GENT) and China Finance Online Co Ltd (Nasdaq:JRJC) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Meta Financial Group Inc (Nasdaq:CASH), Noah Education Holdings Ltd (Nasdaq:NED) and Sutor Technology Group Ltd (Nasdaq:SUTR) are also among the biggest percentage gainers.

Here are the biggest percentage gainers among small caps:

Small-cap stocks edged lower, unable to sustain a pre-opening upside pop tied to housing starts data. In addition, the latest consumer sentiment survey from the University of Michigan was below expectations, which tugged down stock prices. At 10:07 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was down 5.80, or 0.78%, at 737.58.

The University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey came in at 59.5, which was below the projection of 62. The figure was the lowest May reading in 28 years, and underscores consumer trepidation about lofty gas and food prices.

April housing starts came in at an annualized rate of 1.032 million units, which was well above the forecast of 940,000. In addition, permits were up 4.9%. It should be noted that these are still weak numbers, especially since the number was fueled by multi-family units — not single-family homes.

Today serves up a double witching expiration for stocks, with equity and cash index options for May on the expiration block. With the SPX climbing well past the concentrated strike at 1,400, it might have taken some of the punch out of expirations, but there could be added volatility in play from the expiry.

Action in crude oil futures will likely be on the radar screen for stock market traders today following another jump in crude values overnight back above $127 dollars a barrel. Although energy stocks might get a lift from higher crude, the . . .

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) has added to its earlier losses after news of a rise in U.S. wholesale inventories in January.

At 12:06 p.m. ET, the small-cap index was down 9.09 points, or 1.38%, to 651.02. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was missing 97.12 points, or 0.82%, to 11,796.57.

The stock of unsold goods held by wholesalers increased 0.8% in January, the U.S. Census Bureau reported after the start of trading. Economists were expecting wholesale inventories to rise 0.4% following a 1.1% jump in December.

However, wholesale sales increased 2.7%, the largest rise since March 2003. Sales fell 0.5% in December.

Wholesalers act as intermediaries between manufacturers or importers, and retailers, and a rise in inventories indicates that unsold goods are piling up.

Shares of steel companies are leading the list of sector losers. Among the decliners is small-cap steel maker Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAP). Also trading in the red is China Precision Steel, Inc. (Nasdaq: CPSL).

Shares of Somanetics Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTS) are also in bearish territory on news before the opening that the Troy, Mich.-based maker of a noninvasive patient monitoring system was downgraded by an analyst.

Bucking the trend is Tongjitang Chinese Medicines Co. (NYSE: TCM). The China-based specialty pharmaceutical company has received a buyout offer from its chairman.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures are down and the small-cap index will open with a drop on news of a tech sector downgrade.

Stocks small and large are pointing to a lower opening on news that Banc of America Securities has downgraded Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq: YHOO) to “neutral” from “buy,” saying that the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based search engine is struggling to revive its online advertising business and compete with rival Google Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG).

Additionally, Banc of America Securities thinks that the proposed $45 billion dollar buyout acquisition of Yahoo! by Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) could face regulatory hurdles, particularly in the 27-member European Union.

Investors will be looking ahead to the Institute for Supply Management’s report on the service sector in January, due at 10 a.m. ET. Economists are expecting to see a small decrease.

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


• China Precision Steel, Inc. (CPSL), up 28%.
• China Natural Resources Inc. (CHNR), up 19%
• The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (GBX), up 20% on news that the maker of railroad freight car equipment might merge with American Railcar Industries Inc. (ARII).


• Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. (DTG), down 36% on news of a lowered 2007 earnings guidance.
• Coldwater Creek Inc. (CWTR), down 17% on news of an analyst downgrade.
• BankUnited Financial Corp. (BKUNA), down 18%.

quotesThe Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) posted the largest percentage gain as the major U.S. rallied on news of a plan to ease the pain on subprime borrowers. The small-cap index added 21.31 points, or 2.78%, to 786.95. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) moved up 174.93 points, or 1.30%, to 13,619.89.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 is off 0.06%, while the Dow has climbed 9.18% and the S&P 500 has advanced 6.41%.

The bulls completely dominated today on news that the U.S. government is introducing measures to prevent struggling borrowers with subprime adjustable-rate mortgages from entering foreclosure.

The plan, unveiled by the Bush Administration after the start of trading, will freeze the rates on some subprime mortgages with adjustable rate loans that are set to shift to higher rates, forcing many homeowners into foreclosure. The interest rates on more than one million mortgages will reset higher in 2008, potentially overwhelming borrowers who are currently struggling to make their monthly payments.

Stocks opened strong as investors anticipated news of the relief plan, which has yet to be voted on by the U.S. Congress, with the rally gaining speed after President Bush’s press conference.

As if on cue, the statistics reported by the Mortgage Bankers Association today showed the dire state of the U.S. housing market.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the Dow snapped a two-day losing streak to post solid gains on news of positive economic reports. The small-cap index added 13.58 points, or 1.81%, to 765.64. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) climbed 196.23 points, or 1.48%, to 13,444.96.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has lost 2.77%, while the Dow has gained 7.78% and the S&P 500 has advanced 4.83%.

The bulls owned the session today following news of a greater-than-expected rise in third-quarter U.S. productivity.

The Labor Department reported that non-farm U.S. productivity increased at an annualized rate of 6.3% during the third quarter, which is above the initially reported increase of 4.9% and the largest productivity gain in four years. Economists were expecting to see a narrower increase. Productivity rose 2.2% during the second quarter.

The same report also showed that unit labor costs, the cost of worker compensation and benefits per unit of manufactured output, declined 2%.

Unit labor costs are a key measure of inflation because if a rise in labor costs is not matched by a rise in productivity, the company must either absorb the increased costs or pass them along to the consumer in the form of higher prices.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) continues to post strong gains, buoyed by news of upbeat economic data. At 2:09 p.m. ET, the small-cap index had climbed 12.38 points, or 1.65%, to 764.44. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) had advanced 188.75 points, or 1.42%, to 13,437.48.

Non-farm U.S. productivity increased at an annualized rate of 6.3% during the third quarter, according to revised numbers released by the Labor Department before the start of trading.

That’s above the initially reported increase of 4.9% and the largest productivity gain since the third quarter of 2003.

Meanwhile, the same report showed that unit labor costs, a measure of inflation, fell 2%, as productivity increased and hourly compensation was revised downward.

That means that the U.S. economy can grow without a rise in inflation.

Numbers released after the start of trading by the Institute for Supply Management showed that non-manufacturing sector business activity fell to 54.1 from 55.8 in November.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures are higher and the small-cap index will open with a rise as investors focus on the U.S. retail sector.

With little business news and no major economic releases due to the Thanksgiving Day holiday, the retail sector will be grabbing headlines.  Today is the so-called “Black Friday”, the day when millions of Americans do their holiday shopping and when retailers become profitable for the year.

Black Friday is traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the year and typically marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.

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


• China Precision Steel, Inc. (CPSL), up 9%.
• China Fire & Security Group, Inc. (CFSG), up 6%.
• Qiao Xing Universal Telephone, Inc. (XING), up 5%.


• City Telecom (H.K.) Ltd. (CTEL), down 16% following the release of its quarterly and annual financial results.
• Sify Technologies Ltd. (LYTS) down 4%.
• Hibbett Sports Inc. (HIBB) down 1%.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) fell today as fears of a U.S. economic slowdown gripped Wall Street. The small-cap index lost 9.03 points, or 1.21%, to 740.30, its sixth consecutive decline. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) let go 211.10 points, or 1.62%, to 12,799.04.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has shed 5.98%, while the Dow has added 2.60% and the S&P 500 has gained 0.01%.

Stocks fell out of the gate and never managed to rise above the flat line as investors digested news of reports forecasting that U.S. economic growth will slow in 2008.

On Tuesday the U.S. Federal Reserve forecasted that growth will slow in 2008 and the unemployment rate will move up from its current level of 4.7%. The Fed sees inflation as remaining moderate.

A second blow came after the start of trading, when the Conference Board announced that its index of leading economic indicators fell more than expected in October. The index slid 0.5%, more than the projected 0.4%, following a downwardly revised gain of 0.1% in September.

The business organization’s report seemingly confirms fears that businesses and consumers will cut back on spending in the face of stagnating house prices and higher energy costs.

Precision steel processing company China Precision Steel (Nasdaq: CPSL) this morning reported surging revenues, but unchanged net income for its first quarter of 2008.

For the three months ended Sept. 30, the Hong Kong-based firm recorded revenue of $25.3 million, up 141% from $10.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007. Revenue climbed on account of increased sales of high carbon and low carbon cold rolled steel from the company's increased capacity and the continued development of its brand in China.

Net income was $2.9 million, or $0.08 per share, compared with net income of $2.9 million, or $0.12 per share, in the third quarter of 2006. No analyst estimates were available.

The firm also updated its outlook, stating that its new cold-rolled mill with 150,000 metric tons of design capacity is expected to reach 50% utilization by the end of calendar year 2007. China Precision also said it has plans to commence the construction of a third mill with 150,000 metric tons of capacity in the first quarter of 2008.

Additionally, China Precision said it will begin construction on a third mill in the beginning of 2008, using $44 million in funds raised through a registered direct financing.

The company noted that it has also spearheaded several new R&D projects, including cold rolled steel used in drawer guidance rails and in double layer welded pipes for various industrial applications.

Shares of China Precision Steel (CPSL) edged up $0.10, or 2.33%, to $4.40 ahead of the opening. Shares of China Precision Steel have been trading in the range of $2.58 to $16.58 for the past 52 weeks.

Jones Soda Co. (Nasdaq: JSDA), Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq: SEED) and Sify Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: SIFY) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million:

DivX, Inc. (Nasdaq: DIVX), Chesapeake Corp. (NYSE: CSK) and Valassis Communications, Inc. (NYSE: VCI) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $500 million.

Here are today's biggest percentage gainers:

Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MNTA), Jones Soda Co. (Nasdaq: JSDA) and Xinhua Finance Media Ltd. (Nasdaq: XFML) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million:

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices fell today as credit worries resurfaced following news of losses at Citigroup. The small-cap index fell 7.34 points, or 0.92%, to 790.44. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) lost 51.70 points, or 0.38%, to 13,543.40.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has increased 0.38%, while the Dow has added 8.57% and the S&P 500 has gained 6.04%.

The bears dominated trading today following news that Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C), the largest U.S. bank, expects to incur additional losses of up to $11 billion after already suffering $6.5 billion in credit-related losses in the third quarter.

Analysts forecast that the credit problems will negatively affect Citibank in the fourth-quarter and lead to a net loss.

That was enough to scare investors, who had been hoping that this summer’s credit problems were in the past. Wall Street will now keep a watchful eye on other banks and brokerages for signs of additional losses stemming from the recession in the U.S. housing sector.

Many financial institutions bought securities backed by subprime mortgages that have become worthless in the wake of falling home prices and a wave of foreclosures by cash-strapped homeowners. No one knows for certain the extent to which the subprime debacle will damage the financial sector.

Gevity HR, Inc. (Nasdaq: GVHR), Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: SOMX) and Glu Mobile Inc. (Nasdaq: GLUU) are among the biggest percentage losers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $500 million.

Here are today's biggest percentage losers:

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: VNDA), Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRMP) and Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: SWHC) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million:

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other U.S. indices are falling hard on news of poor corporate earnings and mixed economic reports.

At 10:29 a.m. ET, the small-cap index had lost 20.94 points, or 2.53%, to 807.08. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was down 224.36 points, or 1.61%, to 13,705.65.

Stocks suffered a steep drop out of the gate following news that Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) reported a bigger-than-expected drop in third-quarter profit and missed Wall Street’s expectations.

The world’s largest publicly traded oil company announced a net income of $1.70 per share, down from $1.77 per share a year earlier and below analysts’ projected earnings of $1.75 per share.

Contributing to the overwhelmingly bearish sentiment was news that Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) was downgraded to “sector underperform” from “sector perform” by investment bank CIBC World Markets. CIBC said that Citigroup might have to cut its dividend or sell assets in order to raise more than $30 billion to shore up its capital.

In economic news, the U.S. Commerce Department reported that personal income increased at a seasonally adjusted rate of 0.4% in September, compared with a rise of 0.3% in August. That’s in line with economists’ expectations.

However, personal consumption in September increased 0.3%, below the projected rise of 0.4%. In August, personal consumption added a downwardly revised 0.5%.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures are lower and the small-cap index will open with a drop on news of a disappointing profit at Exxon Mobil.

The bears are dominant in pre-market trading following news that Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) reported a bigger-than-expected drop in third-quarter profit and missed Wall Street’s expectations.

Irving, Texas-based Exxon Mobil, the world’s largest publicly traded oil company, booked a net income of $1.70 per share, down from $1.77 per share a year earlier and below analysts’ projected earnings of $1.75 per share.

In economic news, the U.S. Commerce Department reported that personal income increased at a seasonally adjusted rate of 0.4% in September, compared with a rise of 0.3% in August. That’s in line with economists’ expectations.

However, personal consumption in September increased 0.3%, below the projected rise of 0.4%. In August, personal consumption added a downwardly revised 0.5%.

Meanwhile, initial jobless claims for the week ended Oct. 27 fell 6,000 to 327,000 on a seasonally-adjusted basis. That’s a larger drop than the one expected by economists. But on the other hand, the four-week average—which is a more stable measure—increased 1,750 last week to 327,000.

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:

• Dynavax Technologies Corp. (DVAX), up 22% on news of a partnership with pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. (MRK).
• Spreadtrum Communications Inc. (SPRD), up 15% on news of higher third-quarter earnings.
• i2 Technologies Inc. (ITWO), up 14% on news of a higher third-quarter profit.

Biggest percentage losers:

• Smith Micro Software Inc. (SMSI), down 22% on news of a decline in third-quarter profit.
• Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VNDA), down 17% on news it plans to offer $100 million of convertible senior notes due 2014.
• China Precision Steel Inc. (CPSL) down 11% on news it has agreed to issue and sell an aggregate of 7,100,000 shares of its common stock.

China Precision Steel (Nasdaq: CPSL), a niche precision steel processing company, said today that it will issue an aggregate of 7.1 million shares at $6.75 per share and an aggregate of 1.42 warrants to purchase its common stock, for gross proceeds of roughly $47.93 million.

China Precision said approximately $18 million of the net proceeds, after payment of fees and expenses related to the offering, will be used to purchase a new hydrogen annealing furnace and a new 1700 mm cold roll mill. Approximately $22 million will be used to repay certain existing bank debt, with the balance available for general corporate purposes.

Shares of China Precision (CPSL) slid 6.51%, or $0.55, to $7.90 in pre-market trading. Shares of China Precision have been trading in the range of $2.58 to $16.58 for the past 52 weeks.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures are higher and the small-cap index will open in positive territory on news of good earnings from major players.

Wall Street is in a bullish mood this morning, following news after the close on Monday that Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) saw a sharp increase in third-quarter revenue, easily beating analysts’ projections.

Also contributing is credit card issuer American Express Co. (NYSE: AXP), which reported this morning that third-quarter profit rose 10% while revenue added 11%.

Among small-cap companies, Cambridge, Mass.-based Art Technology Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARTG) announced quarterly revenue results just a hair above Wall Street’s forecast.

With little on the economic front, earnings news is set to dominate the headlines this morning.

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:

• China GrenTech Corporation Ltd. (GRRF), up 16% on news of a new order.
• Phoenix Technologies Ltd. (PTEC), up 12% on news of a solid fourth quarter.
• China Precision Steel Inc. (CPSL), up 3%.

Biggest percentage losers:

• Ultra Clean Holdings Inc. (UCTT), down 8% on news third-quarter profit missed expectations.
• LSI Industries Inc. (LYTS), down 7%.
• Volterra Semiconductor Corp. (VLTR) down 9% on news of a decline in third-quarter earnings.

Rackable Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: RACK), China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: CSUN) and China BAK Battery Inc. (Nasdaq: CBAK) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million: