Tag - DNDN

Stocks are trading lower Tuesday afternoon following a disappointing retail sales report and anticipation of upcoming earnings reports that will help provide further insight into the economy’s health.

At 11:42 am ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) is down 8.41, or 1.8%, at 459.64, while the Dow is down 0.84% and the S&P 500 is down 0.88%.

This morning the Commerce Department reported that retail sales fell 1.1% in March — the biggest decline in three months and a much weaker showing than the 0.3% increase that analysts expected.

Small caps bucking the trend today include Dendreon Corporation (Nasdaq:DNDN), up a stunning 135% after its Provenge prostate cancer treatment met its key goal in prolonging survival in men with advanced prostate cancer. Also climbing higher is Phoenix Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq:PTEC), up 35% after Roth upgraded the small-cap software company to “buy” from “hold.”

******"Given the challenging fundamental backdrop in the global economy, we continue to be cautious about the near-term outlook for our businesses …"

That’s what Goldman Sachs CFO had to say after it posted pretty good earnings numbers on Monday. Of course, no one in the banking sector in his or her right mind is going to say things are great. But numbers are one thing, actions are another.

Goldman earned $1.66 billion in the first quarter, or $3.39 a share. Analysts were expecting earnings of $1.64 a share. Goldman essentially blew the numbers out of the water, like Wells Fargo.

But here’s the sticky point: Goldman said it will repay its $10 billion in TARP . . .

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).

Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN), DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS) and China Medical Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:CMED) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA), Apogee Enterprises Inc. (Nasdaq:APOG), Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (Nasdaq:ENER), China Sky One Medical Inc. (Nasdaq:CSKI), Alkermes Inc. (Nasdaq:ALKS) and Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (Nasdaq:SWHC).

Legacy Reserves Units (Nasdaq:LGCY), Pharmaxis Depository Receipt (Nasdaq:PXSL) and Dynamics Research Corp (Nasdaq:DRCO) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA), Amrep Corp. (Nasdaq:AXR), Forest City Enterprises (Nasdaq:FCE.A), VanceInfo Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:VIT), Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN) and MF Global Ltd. (Nasdaq:MF).

Dendreon Corp (Nasdaq:DNDN), DryShips Inc (Nasdaq:DRYS) 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: Clean Energy Fuels Corp (Nasdaq:CLNE), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY), Cepheid (Nasdaq:CPHD), Matrix Service Co (Nasdaq:MTRX), Sun Bancorp Inc (Nasdaq:SNBC) and STEC Inc (Nasdaq:STEC).

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:

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

Also included among the results: Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ), BreitBurn Energy Partners L P (Nasdaq:BBEP), Hawaiian Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:HA), Cowen Group Inc. (Nasdaq:COWN), James River Coal Co. (Nasdaq:JRCC) and Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

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

Also included among the results: Stewart Enterprises Inc. (Nasdaq:STEI), PeopleSupport Inc. (Nasdaq:PSPT), Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ), NetGear Inc. (Nasdaq:NTGR) and Hercules Offshore Inc. (Nasdaq:HERO).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Ameristar Casinos Inc. (Nasdaq:ASCA), Seanergy Maritime Units (Nasdaq:SRG.U) and PeopleSupport Inc. (Nasdaq:PSPT) are among the biggest percentage losers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Trina Solar Ltd. (Nasdaq:TSL), SL Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:SLI), SuccessFactors Inc. (Nasdaq:SFSF), UAL Corp (Nasdaq:UAUA), YRC Worldwide Inc. (Nasdaq:YRCW) and Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN).

Here are the biggest percentage losers among small caps:

Palomar Medical Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:PMTI), Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN) and UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA) 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), PeopleSupport Inc. (Nasdaq:PSPT), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ), Kohlberg Capital Corp. (Nasdaq:KCAP), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) and China Sunergy Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Small-cap stocks proved that Friday’s failure in the afterglow of the financial rescue plan was no quirk as the Russell 2000 snapped key psychological support at 600 at the same time that the Dow breached the big 10,000 benchmark. At 1:29 p.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was down 32.95, or 5.32%, at 586.45, the lowest level since May 2005.

Today’s slide has been remarkable so far not just for the severity of the decline, but also for the broad-based nature of the move. At midday, not one single broad S&P sector group was in positive territory though there were a stunning 10 groups with losses beyond 10%. While the steepest losses were tied to commodity themes, financial shares were also getting hammered with the Financial Select Sector SPDR sinking more than 5% and the PHLX KBW Banking Index down more than 7%.

The U.S. dollar was on a roll against the euro, rising to 13-month highs, but the strong dollar also makes commodities priced in dollar terms more expensive (although clearly the bigger concern was tied to demand worries amid a global downturn). The Commodity Research Bureau Index was down 3.8% at mid-session to the lowest point in more than 12 months. Corn, cotton and cattle futures all collapsed down their daily trading limits on futures markets, and the commodity most equities traders keep an eye on — crude oil — was off some $4 a barrel to some eight-month lows.

Looking at stock market sectors, oil and gas drillers were getting drilled, steel stocks were hammered, oil refinery shares were slippery, coal stocks were getting burned and even metal and mining stocks were caving in. The U.S. dollar was up more than 2% against the euro, or a stunning 289 basis points. Unfortunately, the rally in the greenback versus the euro was more a reflection of worries about the eurozone economy than strength in the U.S. market. The euro/yen currency cross was down a mind-boggling 6.2%, or some 900 bps, which borders on the absurd for . . .

Wavecom Depository Receipt (Nasdaq:WVCM), Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN) and Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Nasdaq:SLXP) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Hampton Roads Bankshares Inc. (Nasdaq:HMPR), Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp. (Nasdaq:AGM), 1st Source Corp. (Nasdaq:SRCE), Gamco Investors Inc. (Nasdaq:GBL), Navigators Group Inc. (Nasdaq:NAVG) and Lakeland Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:LKFN).

Here are the biggest percentage gainers among small caps:

Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) and Finish Line Inc. (Nasdaq:FINL) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Investors Real Estate Trust Units (Nasdaq:IRET), Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq:CLNE), China Sunergy Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:ARNA) and Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Entegris Inc. (Nasdaq:ENTG), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd (Nasdaq:SOLF) and Hoku Scientific Inc. (Nasdaq:HOKU) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN), Otter Tail Corp (Nasdaq:OTTR), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY), Nobel Learning Communities Inc. (Nasdaq:NLCI), Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq:CLNE) and ADA-ES Inc. (Nasdaq:ADES).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

GigaMedia Ltd. (Nasdaq:GIGM), China Sunergy Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN) and Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Datascope Corp. (Nasdaq:DSCP), Alvarion Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALVR), TASER International Inc. (Nasdaq:TASR), Netlogic Microsystems Inc. (Nasdaq:NETL), Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq:CLNE) and Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc. (Nasdaq:HMIN), RCN Corp. (Nasdaq:RCNI) and Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq:CLNE), Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN), Titan Machinery Inc. (Nasdaq:TITN), Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:QCOR), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ) and Corus Bankshares Inc. (Nasdaq:CORS).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Evergreen Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:ESLR), PharmaNet Development Group Inc. (Nasdaq:PDGI) and Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Diodes Inc. (Nasdaq:DIOD), Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq:CLNE), China Sunergy Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN), Lululemon Athletica Inc. (Nasdaq:LULU), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:APWR) and Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Olympic Steel Inc (Nasdaq:ZEUS), Dendreon Corp (Nasdaq:DNDN) and GFI Group Inc (Nasdaq:GFIG) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: China Sunergy Co Ltd (Nasdaq:CSUN), Arris Group Inc (Nasdaq:ARRS), National Coal Corp (Nasdaq:NCOC), China Finance Online Co Ltd (Nasdaq:JRJC), DXP Enterprises Inc (Nasdaq:DXPE) and IntegraMed America Inc (Nasdaq:INMD).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

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:

Anadigics Inc (Nasdaq:ANAD), UAL Corp (Nasdaq:UAUA) and Dendreon Corp (Nasdaq:DNDN) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Skywest Inc (Nasdaq:SKYW), TriQuint Semiconductor Inc (Nasdaq:TQNT), Canadian Solar Inc (Nasdaq:CSIQ), Aehr Test Systems (Nasdaq:AEHR), EarthLink Inc (Nasdaq:ELNK) and Metabolix Inc (Nasdaq:MBLX).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

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:

Packeteer, Inc. (Nasdaq:PKTR), Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN) and ShengdaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq:SDTH) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Zhongpin Inc. (Nasdaq:HOGS), Sigma Designs, Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM)  and SiRF Technology Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:SIRF) are also among the most actively traded small-cap companies in pre-market trading.

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

Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), Sigma Designs, Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM) and Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Sierra Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:SWIR), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ) and VCG Holding Corp. (Nasdaq:VCGH) 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:

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) managed a miniscule last-minute rise despite news of a weak government jobs report. The small-cap index climbed 0.16 points, or 0.02%, to 713.73, its fifth consecutive rise. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 16.61 points, or 0.13%, to 12,609.42.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has declined 6.83%, while the Dow is down 4.94% and the S&P 500 is off 6.67%.

Small-cap stocks began the day in the red following news before the opening that payrolls fell by a larger-than-expected 80,000 in March, according to the U.S. Labor Department. The same report also revised higher the job losses from the previous two months.

The March unemployment rate rose to 5.1%, the highest level in more than two years, from 4.8% in February.

“The job loss numbers today make it all but certain that the economy entered a recession in the first quarter,” said Arun Raha, vice president of economic research and consulting for the North American operations of reinsurance company . . .

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) futures are higher and the small-cap index will likely open with a rise despite news of a steep jobs decline.

Payrolls decreased a more-than-expected 80,000 in March, the U.S. Labor Department reported before the opening. The unemployment rate jumped to 5.1% from 4.8% in February. The data confirm fears of a slowing economy.

Today is all about the monthly Employment Report release. Interestingly, the market has had several bullish short-term employment days in recent months, but those moves lacked staying power in the overall bear market run.

Small-cap stocks on Thursday basically put in a repeat performance of the previous session, but the Russell 2000 did manage to tack on a mild gain of 1.31, or 0.18%, closing at 713.57. Key resistance Friday comes in at 724, then at 731, while support is down at 705, 700 and 685.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) opened in negative territory on news of a sharp increase in weekly jobless claims.

At 10:03 a.m. ET, the small-cap index had dropped 1.82 points, or 0.26%, to 710.45. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was off 17.09 points, or 0.14%, to 12,588.74.

Jobless claims for the week ended March 29 increased 38,000 to 407,000, the U.S. Labor Department reported before the opening. That’s the highest level in more than two years and a sign that economy growth has stalled.

Economists were expecting a smaller increase from the preceding week’s upwardly revised figure of 369,000.

Among the small-cap losers this morning is Sequenom Inc. (Nasdaq:SQNM). The San Diego, Calif.-based genetics company announced before . . .

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

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

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

Biotechnology company Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq:DNDN) said this morning said that it sold 8 million shares of its common stock and warrants for gross proceeds of approximately $47 million.

The Seattle, Wash.-based company said it intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the shares to fund commercialization and clinical activities for its active cellular immunotherapy drug Provenge and to fund other research and preclinical development activities for its active immunotherapies and small molecule products.

Shares gained 7.5%, or $0.38, to $5.46 in pre-market trading. For detailed price information and recent news stories about Dendreon, click DNDN. 

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) has recovered from its morning losses despite news of weak economic reports and more credit worries.

At 12:11 p.m. ET, the small-cap index was up 2.57 points, or 0.39%, to 669.88. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was down 42.41 points, or 0.35%, to 12,067.83.

An affiliate of private equity investment firm Carlyle Group is unable to repay more than $16 billion of debt and expects its assets to be seized by lenders, according to news reports. Additionally, the U.S.-based Carlyle Group said after the close on Wednesday that it has suffered a drop in its mortgage investments and has not been able to negotiate a refinancing deal with lenders.

The possibility that the Carlyle Group, which has more than $75 billion under management, could collapse underscores the destructive power of the credit squeeze.

In economic news, the U.S. Commerce Department reported before the start of trading that retail sales unexpectedly fell in February, fueling recession worries. Shortly before 11 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 was down more than 12 points, or close to 2%, before reversing its decline.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) reversed its earlier gains and fell into negative territory with minutes left in the session. The small-cap index declined 6.50 points, or 0.96%, to 667.31. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) let go 46.57 points, or 0.38%, to 12,110.24.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has shed 12.89%, while the Dow is down 8.70% and the S&P 500 has decreased 10.87%.

Stocks small and large stumbled with half an hour left in trading, surrendering their earlier gains. Investors were generally bullish and the major U.S. indices spent the majority of the session in the green due to the momentum following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s move on Tuesday to offer up to $200 billion in expanded loans to financial institutions in an effort to ease the credit squeeze.

In economic news, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported before the start of trading that U.S. mortgage applications fell 1.9% for the week ended March 7.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) has rebounded from its earlier losses and is posting a solid gain.

At 11:31 a.m. ET, the small-cap index had advanced 6.21 points, or 0.92%, to 680.02. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was up 120.25 points, or 0.99%, to 12,277.06.

Small-cap stocks started rising sharply after hitting a session low at about 10:10 a.m. ET. Shortly before 11 a.m. ET the index pierced the flat line and continuing gaining ground.

The bullish development comes without any evident cause.

In economic news, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported before the start of trading that U.S. mortgage applications fell for the week ended March 7. The trade association’s index of mortgage loan application volume fell 1.9% as interest rates climbed to their highest level this year and lowered demand for home loans.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) posted the steepest decline as U.S. indices fell on news that U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke called economic growth “sluggish.” The small-cap index lost 16.61 points, or 2.30%, to 705.32. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) declined 175.26 points, or 1.40%, to 12,376.98.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has let go 7.93%, while the Dow is missing 6.69% and the S&P 500 has fallen 8.14%.

“My baseline outlook involves a period of sluggish growth, followed by a somewhat stronger pace of growth starting later this year,” Bernanke told the Senate Banking Committee today. “The outlook for the economy has worsened in recent months, and the downside risks to growth have increased.”

The bears took complete control of trading as soon as the Fed chief began his congressional testimony at 10 a.m. ET and small-cap stocks began a virtually uninterrupted slide down.

Bernanke hinted that rate cuts are possible in the future and pointed out he is not predicting a recession, but investors didn’t take notice.

In economic news, the U.S. Commerce Department reported that the country’s trade deficit fell by a greater-than-expected 6.9% to $58.76 billion in December from $63.12 billion in November.

However, the U.S. Labor Department reported that for the week ended Feb. 9, the four-week moving average for new jobless claims increased 12,000 to its highest level since October 2005.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures have moved up and the small-cap index will likely open in the green.

The economy will come into focus today as policy makers head to the U.S. Congress. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is expected to tell lawmakers that the economy will slow but avoid recession.

Also appearing before a Senate committee on banking and housing at 10 a.m. ET is U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke.

In economic news, the U.S. Labor Department reported that initial jobless claims for the weak ended Feb. 9 fell 9,000 to 348,000. However, the four-week moving average rose.

Small-cap stocks staged a solid rally Wednesday, with the Russell 2000 climbing 16.45, or 2.33% to 721.93. The rise lifted the index through the recent consolidation rectangle, and the breakout carries a target move to 735. The only convincing resistance along the way is at the recent double top at 731, although we might encounter mild selling interest today in the 726 zone. Look for support at 712 and 701.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) posted a big rise following news of a surprising increase in U.S. retail sales in January. The small-cap index gained 16.45 points, or 2.33%, to 721.93, its third consecutive increase. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) advanced 178.83 points, or 1.45%, to 12,552.24.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has dropped 5.76%, while the Dow is missing 5.37% and the S&P 500 has fallen 6.89%.

Stocks small and large opened with a jump on news that retail sales rose 0.3% to $382.9 billion in January, according to the U.S. Commerce Department reported. The results beat economists’ forecast of a 0.2% decline and represent an improvement over December’s 0.4% drop.

Sales excluding autos also increased 0.3%, more than the projected 0.2%. Sales excluding gasoline rose just 0.1%.

The data put investors in a bullish mood, easing fears that a pullback in consumption that will send the economy into recession. Consumer spending is about 70% of U.S. gross domestic product.

But Arun Raha, vice president of Economic Research and Consulting for the North American operations of reinsurance company Swiss Re, cautions against reading too much into the data.

“While this was definitely better than another decline, it is not enough to ease fears that the economy remains weak, and that consumer spending is softening,” Raha said in a phone interview.

The numbers show that much of the gains were due to higher sales of cars and gasoline, while sales of many other goods declined.

A separate report by the Commerce Department showed that business inventories climbed by a greater-than-expected 0.6% in December, while business sales fell 0.5%.

That’s a sign of a weakening economy.

“The risk of recession in the 12 months remains elevated at around 55%,” Raha said.

The bulls nevertheless went on a rampage today, gaining strength as the session went on and making the Russell 2000 the biggest winner among the major U.S. indices.

Here are the day’s biggest percentage gainers and losers, along with top volume leaders, among companies with a market cap between $100 million and $750 million:

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) posted a steep decline today on news of an unexpected decline in U.S. retail sales and a scare from the financial sector. The small-cap index tumbled 15.05 points, or 2.11%, to 697.43, its lowest closing level in more than one year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) fell 277.04 points, or 2.17%, to 12,501.11.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 is down 8.96%, while the Dow has lost 5.76% and the S&P 500 has retreated 5.95%.

The odds of a U.S. economic recession increased today and Wall Street responded with a major sell-off.

The bears dominated from the start of trading following news from the U.S. Census Bureau that retail sales in December fell 0.4%, defying expectations of a rise of 0.1%. Sales for November were revised down to a gain of 1% from an initially reported 1.2%.

Purchases excluding automobiles also surprised economists, falling 0.4% instead of posting an increase of 0.1%.

A pullback in consumer spending, which comprises about 70% of U.S. gross domestic product, is a scary development for an economy already besieged by stagnating home prices, higher energy costs and a tightening of credit.

So far this year we have seen the unemployment rate climb to 5% from 4.7% as hiring slowed down significantly in December 2007. It is perhaps not surprising then that on Monday credit card issuer American Express Co. (NYSE: AXP), announced that its card members have become more frugal.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices moved up today on news of a stronger-than-expected profit at International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM). The small-cap index gained 7.83 points, or 1.11%, to 712.48. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) added 171.85 points, or 1.36%, to 12,778.15.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 is off 6.99%, while the Dow has lost 3.67% and the S&P 500 has declined 3.55%.

Stocks small and large got off to a positive start as the bulls dominated trading today on news that IBM, the largest information technology company in the world, reported better-than-expected preliminary quarterly results.

The Armonk, New York-based company expects earnings from continuing operations for the quarter ended Dec. 31 to be $2.80 per share, above analysts’ projections of $2.60 per share.

Investors clearly liked the news so much that they disregarded a forecast from Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based retailer Sears Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: SHLD), which forecasted that fourth-quarter earnings will be below analysts’ expectations due to a decline in same-store holiday sales.

That’s troubling because it points to a negative economic trend.

The announcement from Sears is the latest sign that consumer spending, which comprises about 70% of U.S. gross domestic product, has begun to slow. In the past few weeks many U.S. retailers, including those catering to the wealthy, have reported slugging sales.

Shares of Dendreon Corporation (Nasdaq: DNDN) are climbing in pre-market trading after analysts on CNBC's Fast Money show recommended the biotech company’s stock late Thursday. 

Analysts on the show said the small cap is expected to disclose preliminary data on prostate cancer drug Provenge mid-year. One analyst speculated that if the data show Provenge prolongs the lives of patients, it could receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Another analyst said an approval would be huge and that the stock could return to the $20 level if that occurs.

Shares of Dendreon (DNDN) gained $0.38, or 6.14%, to $6.57 ahead of the opening. Shares of Dendreon have been trading in the range of $3.57 to $25.25 for the past 52 weeks.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) fell today as economic worries and concerns about the U.S. housing sector took to the forefront. The small-cap index dropped 14.87 points, or 1.97%, to 739.06. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) let go 172.65 points, or 1.29%, to 13,167.20.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 is down 6.14%, while the Dow has gained 5.55% and the S&P 500 has advanced 2.07%.

The U.S. housing sector continues to agonize financial institutions with bets on securities backed by subprime mortgages and will probably continue reporting losses; the overall economic situation is not rosy.

That’s what we found out today, so it’s no doubt the bears dominated trading.

Stocks fell out of the opening on news that Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) announced has lowered its ratings on nine U.S. banks. The New York-based company, the largest U.S. bank, said that it expects those banks to see more losses stemming from the purchase of securities backed by subprime mortgage loans.

Home prices began to stagnate in the second half of 2006, leading to a wave of foreclosures and delinquencies as cash-strapped borrowers were unable to pay their mortgages. The squeeze was hardest on those with poor credit histories who took advantage of lax lending standards and secured loans that quickly overwhelmed their ability to make payments.

The housing situation is not getting any better.

The National Association of Homebuilders reported that builder confidence in the market for new single-family homes remained at a record low for a third consecutive month in December. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index stayed at 19 this month, its lowest level since the measure was introduced in 1985.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures down and the small-cap index will open lower despite news of a larger-than-expected narrowing of the U.S. current account deficit.

The U.S. third-quarter current account deficit fell to $178.5 billion from a downwardly revised $188.9 billion in the second quarter, according to the Commerce Department. Economists were expecting to the deficit to shrink to $184 billion.

The current account is the sum of the balance of trade, net factor incomes and net transfer payments. The balance of trade is by far the most important component. Both government and private payments are included in the calculation.

Investors will also be paying attention to the National Association of Home Builders’ housing market index.

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:

• KongZhong Corp. (KONG), up 15% on news of improved fourth-quarter revenue guidance.
• China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (CSUN), up 10% on news it has received strong initial results during commercial production of its selective emitter cells.
• Abington Bancorp, Inc. (ABBC), up 9%.

Biggest percentage losers:

• Retalix Ltd. (RTLX), down 6%.
• Dendreon Corp. (DNDN) down 5%.
• Vital Signs, Inc. (VITL) down 4%.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) fell today on news that U.S. inflation increased more than expected in November. The small-cap index dropped 15.53 points, or 2.02%, to 753.93. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) lost 178.11 points, or 1.32%, to 13,339.85.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 is down 4.25%, while the Dow has gained 6.94% and the S&P 500 has advanced 3.62%.

The consumer price index increased 0.8% in November, according to the U.S. Labor Department. That’s the biggest climb in more than two years and above economists’ projected rise of 0.6%.

Prices were up in every single category, with energy and transportation costs leading the way, posting increases of 5.7% and 2.9%, respectively.

Consumer prices moved up 0.3% in October.

During the first eleven months of 2007, the consumer price index rose at an annual rate of 4.2%, compared with an increase of 2.5% for all of 2006.

The core consumer price index, which factors out the cost of food and energy, gained 0.3% in November. The forecast called for an increase of 0.2%.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) fell today on news that high energy costs led to a jump in U.S. producer prices. The small-cap index dropped 2.25 points, or 0.29%, to 769.46. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) gained 44.06 points, or 0.33%, to 13,517.96.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 is down 2%, while the Dow has moved up 8.36% and the S&P 500 has added 5.07%.

Producer prices, the prices received by domestic producers for their output, jumped 3.2% in November, according to the U.S. Labor Department. The increase, the biggest in 34 years, was led by a 14.1% surge in the price of energy goods.

Economists were expecting to see an increase of 1.5% following October’s rise of 0.1%.

The core producer price index, which excludes food and energy, added 0.4%, also more than projected.

The statistics raised fears of an uptick in inflation, which would make it less likely that the U.S. Federal Reserve will move to lower its target interest rate in the near future.

Small and large-cap stocks opened in negative territory and stayed there throughout the morning. A cautious rally took hold in the final two hours of trading, but the Russell 2000 was incapable of clearing the flat line the way the Dow did.

Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq: DNDN) shares began soaring shortly before 1 p.m. after CNBC reported that three members of Congress want a probe into the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s rejection of Dendreon’s prostate cancer drug Provenge. A congressional investigation will try to find out whether a conflict of interest influenced the FDA’s handling of Provenge.

Three representatives — Rep. Dan Burton, R-Ind., Rep. Mike Michaud, R-Maine, and Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio — are requesting an investigation of ethical violations and conflicts of interest by two members of the FDA. The FDA said it needed more clinical data from Dendreon regarding Provenge in May.

The spike in Dendreon’s stock price is temporary, said Reni Benjamin, a senior biotechnology analyst with Rodman & Renshaw.

“This is a lot of investor speculation. This is all excitement,” Benjamin said.

He said he isn’t aware of any time an FDA decision was reversed.

In afternoon trading, DNDN shares are up 21.46%, or $1.21, at $6.85. Over the last 52 weeks, shares have ranged from $3.57 to $25.25.

Ceragon Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: CRNT), Incyte Corp. (Nasdaq: INCY) and Online Resources Corp. (Nasdaq: ORCC) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million:

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:

China Techfaith Wireless Comm. Tech. Ltd. (Nasdaq: CNTF), City Telecom (H.K.)Ltd (Nasdaq: CTEL) and Yucheng Technologies Ltd (Nasdaq: YTEC) are the most actively traded companies in Wednesday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million:

City Telecom (H.K.) Ltd. (Nasdaq: CTEL), Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq: SEED) and Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCE) are the most actively traded companies in Friday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million:

Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq: SEED), NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: NPSP) and ShengdaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: SDTH) are the most actively traded companies in Thursday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million:

Shares of Dendreon Corp. (Nasdaq: DNDN) are trading higher ahead of the opening bell this morning, after the biotechnology company said it published promising phase I clinical data for its oncology drug Neuvenge.

Neuvenge has been proposed as a treatment for a type of breast cancer known as HER2/neu.

Dendreon is expected to publish its data in the Aug. 20 edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Shares of Dendreon are up 9.97%, or $0.73, to $8.05 in pre-market trading.