Tag - DROOY

Oxford Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:OXM), Zumiez Inc. (Nasdaq:ZUMZ) and China Natural Gas Inc. (Nasdaq:CHNG) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Shiloh Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:SHLO), Methode Electronics Inc. (Nasdaq:MEI), Calavo Growers Inc. (Nasdaq:CVGW), CryoLife Inc. (Nasdaq:CRY), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY) and Orion Marine Group Inc. (Nasdaq:ORN).

MDS Inc. (Nasdaq:MDZ), Medicines Co. (Nasdaq:MDCO) and Imergent Inc. (Nasdaq:IIG) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Computer Task Group Inc. (Nasdaq:CTGX), LCA Vision Inc. (Nasdaq:LCAV), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY), Gammon Gold Inc. (Nasdaq:GRS), CardioNet Inc. (Nasdaq:BEAT) and NetGear Inc. (Nasdaq:NTGR).

Huron Consulting Group Inc. (Nasdaq:HURN), Geron Corp. (Nasdaq:GERN) and Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX), UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA), Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (Nasdaq:ENER), Fuqi International Inc. (Nasdaq:FUQI), Crocs Inc. (Nasdaq:CROX) and DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY).

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), Heidrick & Struggles International Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII) and DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Computer Programs And Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:CPSI), OmniVision Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:OVTI), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ), Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:SCHN), Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (Nasdaq:ENER) and Natus Medical Inc. (Nasdaq:BABY).

DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ) and Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (Nasdaq:ENER) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Manhattan Associates, Inc. (Nasdaq:GEOI), Volcom Inc. (Nasdaq:VLCM), SVB Financial Group (Nasdaq:SIVB), Copano Energy LLC (Nasdaq:CPNO) and DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY).

Celera Corp. (Nasdaq:CRA), Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. (Nasdaq:CETV) and Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (Nasdaq:ENER) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Focus Media Holding Ltd. (Nasdaq:FMCN), Concur Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:CNQR), Sigma Designs Inc. (Nasdaq:CPHD), SunPower (Nasdaq:SPWRA) and DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY).

STEC Inc. (Nasdaq:STEC), Palm Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM) and Hibbett Sports Inc. (Nasdaq:HIBB) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA), GMX Resources Inc. (Nasdaq:GMXR), Sequenom Inc. (Nasdaq:SQNM), Harbin Electric Inc. (Nasdaq:HRBN), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT) and DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY).


Also included among the results: UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA), GMX Resources Inc. (Nasdaq:GMXR), Sequenom Inc. (Nasdaq:SQNM), Harbin Electric Inc. (Nasdaq:HRBN), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT) and DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY).

Also included among the results: Union Bankshares Inc. (Nasdaq:UNB), Alon USA Energy Inc. (Nasdaq:ALJ), DXP Enterprises Inc. (Nasdaq:DXPE), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY), Ameris Bancorp (Nasdaq:ABCB) and SVB Financial Group (Nasdaq:SIVB).

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (Nasdaq:CMTL), AeroVironment Inc. (Nasdaq:AVAV) and United States Lime & Minerals Inc. (Nasdaq:USLM) are among the biggest percentage losers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Silver Standard Resources Inc. (Nasdaq:SSRI), Minefinders Corp Ltd. (Nasdaq:MFN), Michael Baker Corp. (Nasdaq:BKR), Isramco Inc. (Nasdaq:ISRL), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY) and Axsys Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:AXYS).

Palm Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM), Rambus Inc. (Nasdaq:RMBS) and AeroVironment Inc. (Nasdaq:AVAV) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE), Zions Bancorp (Nasdaq:ZION), Take Two Interactive Software Inc.(Nasdaq:TTWO), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY), Fuel Systems Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq:FSYS) and Apogee Enterprises Inc. (Nasdaq:APOG).

Children's Place Retail Stores Inc. (Nasdaq:PLCE), Orion Marine Group Inc. (Nasdaq:OMGI) and Ciena Corp. (Nasdaq:CIEN) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: SXC Health Solutions Corp. (Nasdaq:SXCI), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY), Fred's Inc. (Nasdaq:FRED), Sterling Construction Co Inc. (Nasdaq:STRL), Seabridge Gold Inc. (Nasdaq:SA) and Genesco Inc. (Nasdaq:GCO).

Rambus Inc. (Nasdaq:RMBS), Zhongpin Inc. (Nasdaq:HOGS) and Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. (Nasdaq:CBRL) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. (Nasdaq:CETV), MAP Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:MAPP), Geron Corp. (Nasdaq:GERN), Bucyrus International Inc. (Nasdaq:BUCY), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY) and Huron Consulting Group Inc. (Nasdaq:HURN).

Palm Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM), UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA) and DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Geron Corp. (Nasdaq:GERN), CV Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:CVTX), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT), InfoSpace Inc. (Nasdaq:INSP), Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq:CLNE) and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. (Nasdaq:RRGB).

Stocks started off this four-day trading week in grim fashion, as sour U.S. manufacturing data did little to ease investor fears that the recession will let up anytime soon. Add to that today’s news that the SEC charged Houston-based Stanford Financial Group with massive alleged fraud involving a multibillion-dollar investment scheme, and today’s potent cocktail sent small caps tumbling 17.05, or 3.80%, to 431.31. The Dow fell 3.25%, while the S&P 500 careened 4.08%. The major indices closed at or near the day’s lows.

For the year, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) is down 14.13%, while the Dow is down 13.95% and the S&P 500 is down 12.63%.

Manufacturing in New York contracted in February at the fastest pace on record, falling to minus 34.65. Economists expected a reading of minus 24.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Chrysler were in a race to finish restructuring plans to present to the federal government today but seemed unlikely to complete deals with debtholders and union workers by the government-imposed deadline. The companies planned to submit the details to the Obama administration to illustrate that the two battered automakers can return to profitability. At the close, shares of GM were down a dizzying 13.6% to $2.16. The proposal is still being hammered out.

Today gold reigned supreme, hitting a seven-month high on economic concerns fueled by the weak manufacturing data. Gold rose to $966 per ounce, and briefly touched $971 per ounce during afternoon trading. Small-cap gold companies . . .

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

Also included among the results: Palm Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM), Scansource Inc (Nasdaq:SCSC), Hiveld Steel Depository Receipt (Nasdaq:HSVLY), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc (Nasdaq:EGLE), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY) and Central European Media Enterprises Ltd (Nasdaq:CETV).

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

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

DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY) and Gibraltar Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:ROCK) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ), Tessera Technologies (Nasdaq:TSRA), Ciena Corp. (Nasdaq:CIEN), Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. (Nasdaq:CETV), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE) and Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. (Nasdaq:CBRL).

DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS), Titan Machinery Inc. (Nasdaq:TITN) and Ciena Corp. (Nasdaq:CIEN) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Monolithic Power Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:MPWR), TBS International Ltd. (Nasdaq:TBSI), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE), Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (Nasdaq:ENER) and DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY).

DryShips Inc (Nasdaq:DRYS), FiberNet Telecom Group Inc (Nasdaq:FTGX) and Canadian Solar Inc (Nasdaq:CSIQ) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation (Nasdaq:ATPG), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc (Nasdaq:EGLE), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY), Force Protection Inc (Nasdaq:FRPT), TBS International Ltd (Nasdaq:TBSI) and James River Coal Co (Nasdaq:JRCC)

In a fitting finish to an exasperating day, small-cap stocks collapsed in the final half-hour of trading as worries about a recession and tight credit lines clouded exuberance tied to a dramatic coordinated global rate cut ahead of this morning’s stock market open. The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) closed down 12.39, or 2.22%, at 546.57, the lowest daily close since August 2004.

It was a turbulent session that saw the market sharply higher ahead of the open, sharply lower shortly after the open, solidly higher in mid-morning, sharply lower at midday, solidly higher with an hour to go, but then finally sinking back into a red sea by the close. For the year, the Russell is now down 28.6%, while the Dow is off 30.2% and the S&P 500 is down 32.9%. At the lows today, the Russell was down 37.1% from the all-time highs.

At approximately 7:00 a.m. ET this morning, the Federal Reserve slashed the target rate for fed funds to 1.5% from 2.0%, which marked the lowest level for fed funds since August 2004. At the same time, central bankers in England, Switzerland, Sweden and China also announced rate cuts, resulting in the first concerted international action on weak economic conditions since the 9/11 attacks seven years ago.

The market appeared to struggle mightily early today with whether or not the surprise global rate cut move was really enough to unclog credit lines and jolt the economy out of the grip of recession. For most of the day, the answer to those questions appeared to be “no.” However, tech stocks led the way back out of the midday slump, apparently driven by bargain hunting and by ideas that access to cheaper money would help investment in technology companies. The tech-laden Nasdaq 100 gave back a 4% afternoon rally by the close, but still managed to finish flat on the day, bouncing off five-year lows in the process. At the trough today, the Nasdaq 100 was down 42% from record highs, near levels consistent with previous recession . . .

Evergreen Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:ESLR), Cache Inc. (Nasdaq:CACH) and Ciena Corp. (Nasdaq:CIEN) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF), A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY), BioMimetic Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:BMTI), FGX International Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq:FGXI) 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:

China Sunergy Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN), National Coal Corp. (Nasdaq:NCOC) and DrdGold (Nasdaq:DROOY) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Ceragon Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq:CRNT), Royale Energy Inc. (Nasdaq:ROYL), Hurco Cos Inc. (Nasdaq:HURC), Hoku Scientific Inc. (Nasdaq:HOKU), Almost Family Inc. (Nasdaq:AFAM) and TeleCommunication Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:TSYS).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

China Sunergy Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN), DrdGold (Nasdaq:DROOY) and Ascent Solar Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:ASTI) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion. 

Also included among the results: Zumiez Inc. (Nasdaq:ZUMZ), Novatel Wireless Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), Micromet Inc. (Nasdaq:MITI), Royale Energy Inc. (Nasdaq:ROYL), TBS International Ltd. (Nasdaq:TBSI) and Fuel Tech Inc. (Nasdaq:FTEK).           

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:   

China Sunergy Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN), TurboChef Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:OVEN) and Royale Energy Inc. (Nasdaq:ROYL) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.           

Also included among the results: National Coal Corp. (Nasdaq:NCOC), Ascent Solar Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:ASTI), DrdGold (Nasdaq:DROOY), Shamir Optical Industry Ltd. (Nasdaq:SHMR), Novatel Wireless Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL) and China Direct Inc. (Nasdaq:CDS).      

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:       

DrdGold (Nasdaq:DROOY), Accuray Inc (Nasdaq:ARAY) and 012 Smile Communications Ltd (Nasdaq:SMLC) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.       

Also included among the results: Insulet (Nasdaq:PODD), SORL Auto Parts Inc. (Nasdaq:SORL), Fundtech Ltd. (Nasdaq:FNDT), Quest Energy Partners L P (Nasdaq:QELP), China Sunergy Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN) and Comverge Inc. (Nasdaq:COMV).           

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:   

DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY), CommVault Systems Inc (Nasdaq:CVLT) and CastlePoint Holdings (Nasdaq:CPHL) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Hawaiian Holdings Inc (Nasdaq:HA), Cutera Inc (Nasdaq:CUTR), ATP Oil & Gas Corporation (Nasdaq:ATPG), Sykes Enterprises Inc (Nasdaq:SYKE), IPG Photonics Corp (Nasdaq:IPGP) and Iconix Brand Group Inc (Nasdaq:ICON).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Quest Energy Partners L P (Nasdaq:QELP), Crucell NV ADR (Nasdaq:CRXL) and USA Truck Inc (Nasdaq:USAK) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: TASER International Inc (Nasdaq:TASR), USANA Health Sciences Inc (Nasdaq:USNA), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY), ARGON ST Inc (Nasdaq:STST), Cepheid (Nasdaq:CPHD) and Clean Energy Fuels Corp (Nasdaq:CLNE).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Diamond Management & Technology Consultants Inc (Nasdaq:DTPI), Sucampo Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:SCMP) and Momenta Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:MNTA) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Pacific Booker Minerals Inc (Nasdaq:PBM), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY), TiVo Inc (Nasdaq:TIVO), Park View Federal Savings Bank (Nasdaq:PVFC), Colony Bankcorp Inc (Nasdaq:CBAN) and Syniverse Hldg Inc (Nasdaq:SVR).

Here are the biggest percentage gainers among small caps:

GFI Group Inc (Nasdaq:GFIG), Cal-Maine Foods Inc (Nasdaq:CALM) 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: Canadian Solar Inc (Nasdaq:CSIQ), FCStone Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCSX), National Coal Corp (Nasdaq:NCOC), Quest Energy Partners L P (Nasdaq:QELP), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY) and Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd (Nasdaq:GILT).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Crocs Inc. (Nasdaq:CROX), DRDGold, Ltd. (Nasdaq:DROOY) 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: Radyne Corp. (Nasdaq:RADN), East West Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq:EWBC), The Medicines Company (Nasdaq:MDCO), ParkerVision, Inc. (Nasdaq:PRKR), Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ABAT), Pool Corporation (Nasdaq:POOL) and Syms Corp. (Nasdaq:SYMS).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Home Inns & Hotel Management Inc. (Nasdaq:HMIN), (Royale Energy Inc (Nasdaq:ROYL) and DRDGold, Ltd. (Nasdaq:DROOY) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ABAT), The Andersons, Inc. (Nasdaq:ANDE), Rex Energy Corp. (Nasdaq:REXX), The Finish Line, Inc. (Nasdaq:FINL) and Altra Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:AIMC).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

CompuCredit Corp (Nasdaq:CCRT), CMGI Inc (Nasdaq:CMGI) and Wireless Ronin Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:RNIN) are among the biggest percentage losers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Synchronoss Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:SNCR), China Security & Surveillance Technology Inc (Nasdaq:CSR), Intervest Bancshares Corp (Nasdaq:IBCA), Palm Inc (Nasdaq:PALM), DrdGold Ltd(Nasdaq:DROOY) and SunLink Health Systems Inc (Nasdaq:SSY).

Here are the biggest percentage losers among small caps:

China Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology Ltd (Nasdaq:CNTF), Yucheng Technologies (Nasdaq:YTEC) and Paragon Shipping (Nasdaq:PRGN) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Optium Corp (Nasdaq:OPTM), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY) and Trico Marine Services Inc (Nasdaq:TRMA) are also among the most actively traded companies.

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Synchronoss Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:SNCR), DrdGold ADR (Nasdaq:DROOY) and Ricks Cabaret International Inc (Nasdaq:RICK) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

True Religion Apparel Inc (Nasdaq:TRLG), China Technology Development Group Corp (Nasdaq:CTDC) and EMCORE Corp (Nasdaq:EMKR) are also among the most actively traded companies.

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Pomeroy IT Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq:PMRY), Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq:SEED) and Repligen Corp. (Nasdaq:RGEN) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Hoku Scientific, Inc. (Nasdaq:HOKU), China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN) and DRDGOLD Ltd. (Nasdaq:DROOY) are also among the most actively traded small-cap companies in pre-market trading.

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

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) has added to its impressive gains on news of better-than-expected economic data and hopes the credit crunch is ending.

At 12:09 p.m. ET, the small-cap index had added 15.07 points, or 2.19%, to 703.04. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 284.08 points, or 2.32%, to 12,546.97.

Stocks small and large opened strong and have been rising on news that UBS AG (NYSE:UBS) and Deutsche Bank AG have suffered a combined total of nearly $23 billion in writedowns in the most recent quarter.

However, investors are taking that as a bullish sign because UBS will receive help from four other banks. That suggests the Swiss giant will get through the current rough patch, fueling speculation that the credit crunch is easing.

Meanwhile, the Institute for Supply Management reported after the opening that its manufacturing index increased to a reading of 48.6 in March from 48.3 in February. The numbers indicate a second consecutive monthly decline but came as a surprise to economists expecting the measure to drop further.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) raced ahead on news that a manufacturing index declined less than expected. The small-cap index advanced 17.29 points, or 2.60%, to 681.42. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) climbed 261.66 points, or 2.16%, to 12,361.32.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has shed 11.05%, while the Dow is down 6.81% and the S&P 500 has retreated 9.46%.

Small-cap stocks opened with a modest rise but picked up steam after 10 a.m. ET, when the Philadelphia Federal Reserve reported that its index of regional manufacturing activity showed a reading of -17 in March, while economists had forecasted -20. The reading for February was -24.

The report is the most-watched regional manufacturing index, considered to be a barometer of manufacturing nationwide. Investors disregarded the fact that the data represent the longest period of contraction in five years and pushed stocks higher.

In other bullish news, an analyst said that mortgage purchases by Fannie Mae (NYSE:FNM) and Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) will help right the mortgage market. Today the federal government adopted changes that allow the two companies to invest more in mortgages and related securities.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures are lower and the small-cap index will open with a decline.

Small-cap stocks are set for a bearish opening following news that insurance giant American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) suffered the biggest quarterly loss in its history. The New York-based company had to write down over $11 billion in losses related to subprime mortgages, contributing to a net loss of $5.29 billion, or $2.08 per share.

Elsewhere, the U.S. Commerce Department reported this morning that spending increased 0.4% in January, while personal income added 0.3%. Economists were expecting smaller increases.

The same report showed that a measure of inflation is just above the U.S. Federal Reserve’s preferred year-over-year range.

In what has become a familiar refrain, small cap stocks retreated in the shadow of a double top formation on daily charts Thursday – the third time this has happened during the month of February, which is quite unusual. The Russell 2000 closed down 10.72, or 1.50% at 705.72.

The market faces some mild economic data risk this morning. The Chicago Purchasing Manager’s information is out at 9:45 a.m. ET and Michigan sentiment figures at 10:00 a.m. ET. The market needs to stabilize above 700 ahead of the weekend, with initial support just below at 702, then at 694 and 688. Meanwhile, resistance is at 712, but the big test is up at 723.50.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) shed its earlier gains despite news of possible future rate cuts and housing relief. At 1:55 p.m. ET, the small-cap index was down 1.53 points, or 0.21%, to 715.79. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) had advanced 14.66 points, or 0.12%, to 12,699.58.

Stocks small and large were posting modest gains on news that government regulators from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight will remove the investment caps of mortgage lenders Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM) and Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE).

The move will allow the two companies to invest billions in the housing market by purchasing mortgage-related securities.

The Russell 2000 climbed into the green at about 10:30 a.m. ET, and stayed in positive territory until about 1.30 p.m. ET.

Also contributing to the bullish mood was speculation of more interest rate cuts when the U.S. Federal Reserve meets on March 18. Fed chairman Ben Bernanke spoke on Capitol Hill earlier today and told lawmakers that the central bank “will act in a timely manner” to keep the economy growing.

DRDGold Ltd. (Nasdaq: DROOY) investors are cashing in their gains after the South Africa-based gold mining company shot to a 52-week high in Thursday’s trading. DRDGold shares are declining moderately in heavier-than-normal trading.

DRDGold and other emerging market miners rose in Thursday’s trading as the price of gold rose past $900 as investors speculated that the Federal Reserve will further cut interest rates. In morning trading, gold prices are continuing to rise and may approach a year-high of $921.

In morning trading, DROOY shares are down 4.76%, or $0.54, at $10.81. Over the last 52 weeks, shares have ranged from $4.73 to $11.55.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures have risen sharply and the small-cap index will likely open higher.

With no major economic releases scheduled for today, investors are focused on news from the corporate sector.

Bullish news came out of IT giant International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM), which reported better-than-expected preliminary quarterly results this morning. The Armonk, New York-based company said that it expects earnings from continuing operations for the quarter ended Dec. 31 to be $2.80 per share, above Wall Street’s consensus estimate of $2.60 per share.

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:

• A.S.V., Inc. (ASVI), up 44% on news it is being purchased by Terex Corp. (TEX) for about $488 million.
• DRDGOLD Ltd. (DROOY), up 14%.
• Titan Machinery Inc. (TITN), up 10%.

Biggest percentage losers:

• AspenBio Pharma, Inc. (APPY), down 5%.
• Netscout Systems, Inc. (NTCT), down 3%.
• Steven Madden, Ltd. (SHOO), down 1%.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures are down on news of unexpectedly high inflation and the small-cap index will open in the red.

Consumer prices increased 0.8% in November, according to the U.S. Labor Department. Economists were expecting to see a rise of 0.6% following October’s increase of 0.3%.

That’s the biggest jump in over two years. Pulling inflation higher were energy and transportation costs, which increased 5.7% and 2.9% respectively.

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

The rise in inflation makes it less likely that the U.S. Federal Reserve will move to lower its target interest rate. The Fed has said more than once that fighting inflation is its primary task.

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:

• BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc. (BMTI), up 15% on news of a successful trial of a bone graft.
• China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (CSUN), up 11% on news of an agreement to supply solar cells.
• Basin Water, Inc. (BWTR), up 9%.

Biggest percentage losers:

• QC Holdings, Inc. (QCCO), down 11%.
• CDC Corp. (CHINA) down 9% on news it swung to a third-quarter loss.
• DRD Gold Ltd. (DROOY) down 6%.

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:

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures are pointing down and the small-cap index will open in negative territory on news of a loss at General Motors.

Automaker General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) announced this morning that its third-quarter net loss was a stunning $39 billion, or $68.85 per share, compared with a loss of $147 million, or $0.26 per share a year earlier. The Detroit-based company explained that its huge loss was due to a one-time charge against deferred tax assets. GM has now lost all the deferred tax credits it accrued over the previous three years.

In economic news, the U.S. Labor Department reported that third-quarter productivity increased more than expected. Preliminary numbers show a rise of 4.9%, while economists were expecting an increase of 2.5%. That’s the fastest pace of growth in the last four years.

Productivity increased a downwardly revised 2.2% in the second quarter.

Interestingly, unit labor costs—a key measure of inflation—declined 0.2% in the second quarter. That also defied economists, who were forecasting a rise of 0.8%.

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:

• PeopleSupport Inc. (PSPT), up 15% on news of a larger third-quarter profit.
• DRD Gold Ltd. (DROOY), up 14%.
• CRM Holdings Ltd. (CRMH), up 10% on news of a rise in third-quarter profit.

Biggest percentage losers:

• Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. (NSTK), down 28% on news it has reacquired teriparatide nasal spray for treatment of osteoporosis from its collaboration partner, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals Inc. (PG).
• Sierra Wireless Inc. (SWIR) down 10% on news of a product launch in Japan.
• Lakes Entertainment Inc. (LACO) down 8% on news of a third-quarter net loss.

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: BCRX), Immersion Corp. (Nasdaq: IMMR) and DayStar Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: DSTI) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $500 million:

Cardica, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRDC) , Hoku Scientific, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOKU) and Accredited Home Lenders Holding Co. (Nasdaq: LEND) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $500 million:

Cardica, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRDC), China Technology Development Group Corp. (Nasdaq: CTDC) and Chelsea Therapeutics International Ltd. (Nasdaq: CHTP) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $500 million:

The mining sector in general entails significant risk. Needless to say, low-priced, small-cap mining firms should be viewed as highly speculative. For those comfortable with these risks, a trio of advisors sees upside potential in three mining firms – two focused on gold, and one on copper.

“Caveat emptor,” emphasizes Ivan Martchev in discussing DRDGold Ltd. (Nasdaq: DROOY). In his Vital Resource Investor, he explains, “DRDGold, previously called Durban Rooodeport Deep, is a very high risk special situation. DRD may be South Africa’s fourth-largest gold miner, but the share price hit $0.54 March 14, a level it last saw in late 2000 when the precious metals boom started.”

He notes that the company is a “serial diluter,” pointing out that the company had 105.4 million shares back in 2000 and currently has 370.3 million shares outstanding. As a result, he cautions, “Its results are not an apples-to-oranges comparison.”

“Can DRD make it?” he asks. Says Martchev, “My answer has been yes, even though the brilliant managerial talent DRD possesses is starting to wear me out. Indeed, management needs to come to its senses, which is still a work in progress.”

Martchev emphasizes that this is a highly speculative idea, particular because the stock “doesn’t have an obvious catalyst, other than the fact that a sharp rally in gold can make miracles happen.”

Looking ahead, Martchev states, “If the gold price heads toward $800, the fire under DRD’s shares will be difficult to put out given the high-cost nature of production. Because I’m bullish on the gold price and precious metals in general, I think that this remains a great speculation.”