Tag - CRRB

Carrollton Bancorp (Nasdaq:CRRB), Faro Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:FARO), G Willi Food International Ltd (Nasdaq:WILC) and Shiloh Industries Inc (Nasdaq:SHLO) are among the biggest percentage Gainers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) is gaining ground on the second-to-last trading day of the year amid news of possible asset sales by big banks. However, gains are being tempered by news of new home sales in the U.S., which fell more than expected during November. After trading above 782, the Russell dipped to 776 almost immediately after the housing data was released.

The Commerce Department reported that sales of new U.S. homes fell by 9% in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 647,000. Economists were expecting that new home sales would fall to 715,000 from 728,000 in October.

At 11:27 a.m. ET, the small-cap index was up 4.92 points, or 0.64%, to 778.43. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was up 26.98 points, or 0.2%, to 13,386.59.

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) and HSBC Holdings are among U.S. and European banks that are considering major asset sales, The Wall Street Journal is reporting this morning. Citigroup could sell an 80%-held student loan, its North American auto-lending unit, its 24% stake in Brazil credit-card operation Redecard and the bank's Japanese consumer finance business. HSBC might liquidate its auto-finance business.

In other economic news, the Chicago arm of the National Association of Purchasing Managers reported that business activity in the Chicago area expanded in December, which topped expectations

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) are continuing to careen for the first session in four trading days after news of weaker-than-expected holiday retail sales and a bleak report on housing prices.

At 1:10 p.m. ET, the small-cap index had shed 0.36 points, or 0.05%, to 794.03. The Dow was down 17.07 points, or 0.13%, to 13,532.23.

As the holiday shopping season draws to a close, the latest retail sales suggest the housing debacle and continued high oil prices are claiming the consumer and roiling retailers. News out from Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) and MasterCard Incorporated (NYSE: MA) in particular are weighing on the indices today.

Discount retailer Target warned on Tuesday that its sales may have declined in the month of December since the Thanksgiving holiday and lowered its same-store sales outlook for the month to a 1% decrease from a 1% increase. This compares with the retailers previous forecast of a gain of 3% to 5%.

MasterCard added to the glum retail report after it reported that holiday spending, which includes credit, cash and checks, only rose 2.4% due to softer sales of women's apparel.

The International Council of Shopping Centers-UBS added a broader gauge when it reported its Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose by 2.8% for the week of Dec. 22 from the previous week. The ICSC, however, warned that retail industry sales might not meet its original guidance. Actual December sales figures will not be disclosed until mid-January.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) are backpedaling after a poor report on housing prices and weaker-than-expected retail sales. Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) warned after Monday’s close that December sales may decline and are running below expectations.

At 10:46 a.m. ET, the small-cap index was down 5.2 points, or 0.65%, to 789.19. The Dow was down 41.78 points, or 0.31%, to 13,507.55.

Holiday spending increased 3.6% compared with a year earlier, according to MasterCard Advisors LLC. The increase was less than economists expected. Because gas prices increased during the period, actual sales were less than the reported total.

In economic news, home prices in 20 large U.S. cities dropped 6.1% compared with a year ago, according to a report by Stand & Poor/Case-Shiller. The report said only three areas — Charlotte, N.C., Portland, Ore. and Seattle, Wash.  — showed positive annual growth in home prices.

Separately, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., billionaire investor Warren Buffett's holding company, said it will acquire a $4.5 billion stake, or 60%, of industrial company Marmon Holdings Inc. Berkshire is said to purchase the remainder of the company in stages by 2014.

The price of crude oil rose on worries that shipments from Iraq could be disrupted after the Turkish military attacked bases of Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq.

Biggest percentage gainers:

• Ohio Legacy Corp. (Nasdaq: OLCB), up 23.5% to $6.20
• Shiloh Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: SHLO), up 20.9% to $10.49.
• China Technology Development Group Corp. (Nasdaq: CTDC), up 20.5% to $6.99.

Biggest percentage losers:

• Immtech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX: IMM), down 12.8% to $5.10.
• Carrollton Bancorp (Nasdaq: CRRB), down 11.5% to $11.50.
• Prospect Capital Corp. (Nasdaq: PSEC), down 9.1% to $13.76.

Accredited Home Lenders Holding Co. (Nasdaq: LEND), National Security Group (Nasdaq: NSEC) and Servotronics, Inc. (AMEX: SVT) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $500 million.

Here are today's biggest percentage gainers: