Tag - SIGM

Sigma Designs Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM), i2 Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:ITWO) and A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR) are among the biggest percentage losers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: CardioNet Inc. (Nasdaq:BEAT), i2 Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:ITWO), OSI Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OSIS), Conn's Inc. (Nasdaq:CONN), Tree.com Inc. (Nasdaq:TREE) and Nobility Homes (Nasdaq:NOBH).

Netezza Corp. (Nasdaq:NZ), Delta Apparel Inc. (Nasdaq:DLA) and Penson Worldwide Inc. (Nasdaq:PNSN) are among the biggest percentage losers in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Blue Coat Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:BCSI), Sigma Designs Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM), Ryland Group Inc. (Nasdaq:RYL), Quanex Building Products Corp. (Nasdaq:NX), Northeast Community Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq:NECB) and Take Two Interactive Software Inc. (Nasdaq:TTWO).

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).

Schawk Inc. (Nasdaq:SGK), Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp. (Nasdaq:MRX) and Cardiovascular Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:CSII) are among the biggest percentage losers in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Michael Baker Corp. (Nasdaq:BKR), Renaissance Learning Inc. (Nasdaq:RLRN), First United Corp Maryland (Nasdaq:FUNC), Norwood Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:NWFL), Gencor Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:GENC) and Sigma Designs Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM).

Gymboree Corp. (Nasdaq:GYMB), Palm Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM) and Ciena Corp. (Nasdaq:CIEN) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Sigma Designs Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM), Deckers Outdoor Corp. (Nasdaq:DECK), Rambus Inc. (Nasdaq:RMBS), Vocus Inc. (Nasdaq:VOCS), Bucyrus International Inc. (Nasdaq:BUCY) and Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (Nasdaq:ENER).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• Stock index futures were in the midst of a hard bounce off the lows ahead of PPI, and pulled back slightly after the inflation headlines.
• The PPI report headline figure came in at minus 2.8%, which was a much bigger decline than the forecast of 1.8%.  
• Bank stocks, mining companies and oil services shares were soft overseas, flashing a show of weakness ahead of inflation data in the U.S. 
• Small caps to open solidly lower, pressured by slumping equity markets around the world overnight.

Small Cap Gainers:

• IDM Pharma receives recommendation for approval of Mifamurtide in Europe; shares pop 80% in pre-market. See (Nasdaq:IDMI).
• Diamond Foods, Inc. is up 3.23% in after hours after it was announced late Monday that the company would replace Flowers Foods in the S&P SmallCap 600. See (Nasdaq:DMND).  

Small Cap Losers:

• DivX sues Yahoo for ad deal pull out. Shares of DivX are down nearly 20% in pre-market. See (Nasdaq:DIVX).  
• Central European Media Enterprises down another 18.6% in pre-market after closing at a multi-year low on Monday. See (Nasdaq:CETV).  
• ReneSola reaffirms below estimates, shares dive over 17% in pre-market. See (NYSE:SOL).  
• Sigma Designs is down 8% in pre-market after revising its Q3 revenue outlook lower. See (Nasdaq:SIGM).  
• GM slipped 1% in pre-market after the White House opposed a plan pushed by Senate Dems for a $25B bailout of the nation’s auto industry. See (NYSE:GM).  

CastlePoint Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq:CPHL), DivX Inc. (Nasdaq:DIVX) and DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Given Imaging Ltd. (Nasdaq:GIVN), Sigma Designs Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM), Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. (Nasdaq:CETV), TBS International Ltd. (Nasdaq:TBSI), Transmeta Corp (Nasdaq:TMTA) and Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ).

Small-cap stocks edged lower on the opening, pulled down by a big rally in crude oil futures and a mixed bag on this morning’s batch of economic data. At 9:59 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was down 3.91, or 0.52%, at 743.88.

The Michigan sentiment survey came in at 63.0, which was just a tad above the forecast of 62. There was very little stock market response to the Michigan number. The Chicago Purchasing Manager’s Survey topped the forecast in a big way, coming in at 57.9, compared with the projection of 50.0. The stock market rallied off early lows after the stronger-than-expected number, but the bounce off those lows had very little staying power.

Earlier, the personal income report came in below expectations, with the headline figure down 0.7%, compared with expectations for a flat reading. Spending patterns also tailed off as the impact of government stimulus checks faded and the inflation component of the report (the year-over-year PCE price index) was at the highest point in 17 years.

Crude oil prices shot higher into the stock market opening, climbing some $3 a barrel back above $118 as the market braced for Gustav to slam into the Louisiana coast sometime within the next four days. The killer storm ripped through Caribbean, taking nearly 70 lives in the process, and has already prompted a shutdown of energy platforms in the Gulf ahead of the holiday weekend.

Speaking of the holiday, cash trading on stocks will hold normal hours today ahead of Monday’s holiday, but foreign exchange and interest rate futures will close early today at 1:00 p.m. ET, which could start to further taper off volume this afternoon.

The U.S. dollar was weak this morning, down about 0.8% against the yen and about 0.2% versus the euro, which will act as a positive for commodity markets and a negative for equities.

Tech stocks were struggling this morning, with the second-largest PC . . .

CKX Inc. (Nasdaq:CKXE), Iconix Brand Group Inc. (Nasdaq:ICON) and China Finance Online Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:JRJC) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Sigma Designs Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM), Magma Design Automation Inc. (Nasdaq:LAVA), Charlotte Russe Holding Inc. (Nasdaq:CHIC), Greenfield Online Inc. (Nasdaq:SRVY), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) and Lululemon Athletica Inc. (Nasdaq:LULU).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

China Sunergy Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN), Rediff.com India Ltd. (Nasdaq:REDF) and American Capital Agency Corp. (Nasdaq:AGNC) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Sigma Designs Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM), Micromet Inc. (Nasdaq:MITI), Royale Energy Inc. (Nasdaq:ROYL), Quest Energy Partners L P (Nasdaq:QELP), Ascent Solar Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:ASTI) and NGAS Resources Inc. (Nasdaq:NGAS).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

AgFeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED), Zoran Corp. (Nasdaq:ZRAN) and Bronco Drilling Co Inc. (Nasdaq:BRNC) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.   

Also included among the results: i2 Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:ITWO), Zhongpin Inc. (Nasdaq:HOGS), Sigma Designs Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM), Advanced Battery Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:ABAT), China Finance Online Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:JRJC) and BancTrust Financial Group Inc. (Nasdaq:BTFG).   

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:           

Medical Action Industries Inc (Nasdaq:MDCI), Sigma Designs Inc (Nasdaq:SIGM) and WGNB Corp (Nasdaq:WGNB) are among the biggest percentage losers in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

New Oriental Energy & Chemical Corp (Nasdaq:NOEC), Resource America Inc (Nasdaq:REXI) and Landmark Bancorp Inc (Nasdaq:LARK) are also among the biggest percentage losers.

Here are the biggest percentage losers among small caps:

Small-cap stocks are up slightly in Friday afternoon action, after dipping in the morning and then treading higher in midday trading. At 1:42 p.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was up 0.71, or 0.1%, at 746.26.

The Chicago Purchasing Manager’s Survey came in at 49.1, which was above the forecast at 48.5. Although the reading was slightly above expectations, it had only a muted impact on stock prices as the number was still below 50 for the fourth consecutive month.

Also, the Michigan sentiment survey came in at 59.8, just slightly above the forecast of 59.5, but still at 28-year lows.

Market sectors showing strength include metal mining, coal energy, iron and steel, gold and silver, and oil and gas operations. Sectors attracting sellers include school services, forestry and wood products, computer accessories, non-cyclical crops and tobacco.

Individual small caps on the move include RXi Pharmaceuticals Corp. (Nasdaq:RXII), which is up some 18% despite no fresh news. ChemGenex Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Nasdaq:CXSP) is similarly up 16%, also without any significant announcements. Sourcefire, Inc. (Nasdaq:FIRE) is getting a 15% boost after rejecting a buyout bid.

On the downside, Medical Action Industries (Nasdaq:MDCI) is diving 21% on earnings-related news. Sigma Designs Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM) is tumbling about 18% after missing the sales forecast. WGNB Corp. (Nasdaq:WGNB) is falling 11% . . .

Small-cap stocks edged slightly lower shortly after a brief opening bid, pulled down by profit-taking from short-term traders who caught this week’s surge to the highest prices since January. Still, the market managed to dodge several data landmines this morning, as a batch of economic figures were basically in line with expectations. At 10:03 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was down 2, or 0.27%, at 743.55.

The Chicago Purchasing Manager’s Survey came in at 49.1, which was above the forecast at 48.5. Although the reading was slightly above expectations, it had only a muted impact on stock prices as the number was still below 50 for the fourth consecutive month.

Also, the Michigan sentiment survey came in at 59.8, just slightly above the forecast of 59.5, but still at 28-year lows.

Before the opening, the personal income headline figure and the core PCE deflator both were in line with analyst projections, which supported both stocks and bonds in pre-opening activity. The core PCE is considered to be the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, and the moderation in the number should allay some inflation fears that have stoked up lately.

Tech stocks were expected to get a lift today from positive earnings news from Dell Inc. (Nasdaq:DELL) and Marvell Technology Group (Nasdaq:MRVL), both of which were seeing impressive  percentage gains this morning after topping earnings estimates overnight. In the financial sector, American Insurance Group (NYSE:AIG) was up 3.3% early after Morgan Stanley upgraded the insurer. Although good news dominated the market so far today, there were some sour notes to be found for large caps, including J. Crew Group (NYSE:JCG), which was off about 20% after reducing guidance and being downgraded by Citigroup.

Month-end window dressing could be a factor in the markets again today, and there could also be a push from some fund managers who are under invested . . .

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:

Small-cap stocks are expected to open higher Friday, extending Thursday’s rise to the highest point since January after personal income and inflation data this morning were in line with expectations and in the wake of positive earnings news overnight from a couple of key tech stocks. The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was expected to open about 0.4% higher, which would translate to an opening near 748.

The personal income headline figure hit the forecast at a rise of 0.2% and the core PCE price index, which is said to be the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, also nailed the forecast with a rise of 0.1%. The immediate reaction in stocks was about a three-handle rise in S&P 500 futures.

Dell Inc. (Nasdaq:DELL) topped the earnings forecast after the close Thursday and shares for the pc maker jumped about 10% overnight, setting the tone for a solid start to the day in the tech sector.

Crude oil was up and down overnight after Thursday’s slide back below $127 dollars a barrel. There is a sense among some traders that news of a sweeping CFTC investigation into energy market trading could help spur an exit of long energy . . .

Small-cap stocks opened lower, pulled down when a fresh batch of economic reports failed to generate any upside surprises. The decline was short-lived, though, as prices pushed slightly into the green within 15 minutes of the opening. A small tug of war between those disappointed by the morning reports and those upbeat by an overnight drop in crude oil and rising retailer shares seemed to be underway. At 10:01 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was up 0.67, or 0.09%, at 739.12.

Economic data on weekly claims and GDP came out before the opening today and while neither report was strikingly bad, they also didn’t carry any bullish news to sustain a mild overnight rise in stocks. The weekly claims report attracted the most attention because the number came in above the forecast at 372,000 versus 370,000 claims, and last week’s figure was revised upward by 3,000 to 368,000. The GDP report hit the median forecast for a rise to 0.9%, but didn’t carry the same kind of power it did last month when a mild rise in GDP was cause for celebration for stocks.

“The bottom line is that economic growth remained very weak at the beginning of the year. These data are ancient history, as Q2 is nearly two-thirds over. Data released so far for April and May suggest that Q2 growth will also be very soft and perhaps even negative. There is still a definite risk for an outright contraction in Q2,” Steven Wood, chief economist with Insight Economics, said in an email.

As for the weekly claims report, Wood said that the four-week moving average is settling in near 370,000, up about 45,000 than the average last year. He said that continuing claims, which are inversely related to job creation, jumped this week and have been rising steadily for almost two years, which suggests that hiring has weakened. The claims data take on a little extra punch this week because next Friday serves up the monthly employment report, and today’s data indicates another . . .

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:

TomoTherapy Inc. (Nasdaq:TOMO), SiRF Technology Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:SIRF) and Overstock.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:OSTK) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Sigma Designs, Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM), China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN) and Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:AKNS) are also among the most actively traded small-cap companies in pre-market trading.

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

Sigma Designs (Nasdaq:SIGM), which designs digital media processing system-on-chips for consumer electronics, said this morning that it debuted its new SMP8654 media processor system-on-chip at this week’s NAB show that showed the device’s ability to run the Microsoft Mediaroom client.

Shares gained 5.6%, or $0.88, to $16.55 in pre-market trading. For detailed price information and recent news stories about Sigma Designs, click SIGM.

Pozen Inc. (Nasdaq:POZN), Sigma Designs, Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM) and AgFeed Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Akeena Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:AKNS), Geron Corp. (Nasdaq:GERN) and CV Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CVTX) 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) moved up on news of a higher-than-expected rise in producer prices and solid earnings from major players. The small-cap index added 5.99 points, or 0.87%, to 692.06. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 60.41 points, or 0.49%, to 12,362.47.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has declined 9.66%, while the Dow is off 6.80% and the S&P 500 is missing 9.12%.

Small-cap stocks began the day in the green and spent the majority of the session above the flat line on news before the opening that producer prices rose a greater-than-expected 1.1% in March following a rise of 0.3% in February.

The numbers also show a jump in energy and food costs, indicating that inflation pressures remain. However, core producer prices, which exclude the costs of food and energy, rose a modest 0.2%.

“The good news is that core PPI remains tame, but how long can that last for?” global foreign exchange strategist Andrew Busch with financial services firm BMO Capital Markets wrote in a note today. “At some point, U.S. businesses . . .

Sigma Designs, Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM), Koss Corp. (Nasdaq:KOSS) and Cheniere Energy, Inc. (AMEX:LNG) were among the new 52-week lows established during Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations or values under $750 million.

CoBiz Financial Inc. (Nasdaq:COBZ), Silver State Bancorp (Nasdaq:SSBX) and Obagi Medical Products, Inc. (Nasdaq:OMPI) were also among the 52-week small-cap lows.

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

Shares of Sigma Designs, Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM), which provides video-oriented product solutions, have dropped to a new 52-week low despite news after the close on Monday of collaboration with Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:MSFT). The software giant’s multimedia platform will operate on the latest technology provided by Las Vegas-based Sigma Designs.

At 3:19 p.m. ET, the stock had shrugged off $4.78, or 23%, to $16.25. The previous 52-week low of $20.04 was established on March 17.

Affymetrix, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFFX), Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL) and Sigma Designs, Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM) are among the biggest percentage losers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

HFF, Inc. (NYSE:HF), Community Shores Bank Corp. (Nasdaq:CSHB) and Cheniere Energy, Inc. (AMEX:LNG) are also among the top small-cap percentage losers.

Here are Tuesday's biggest percentage losers among small caps:

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:

NutriSystem Inc. (Nasdaq:NTRI), Phazar Corp. (Nasdaq:ANTP) and Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN), Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ACLS) and Sigma Designs, Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGM) 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:

Shares of Sigma Designs, Inc. (Nasdaq: SIGM) are hovering above the flat line on news before the start of trading that the provider of video-oriented product solutions has increased its stock repurchase program. The Milpitas, Calif.-based company now plans on buying 5 million shares, up from the original sum of 2 million.

At 10:58 a.m. ET, the stock had advanced $0.83, or 4%, to $21.25.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) reversed earlier losses and posted a solid gain as investors embraced news of a report that the end of writedowns is near. The small-cap index climbed 12.43 points, or 1.86%, to 679.74. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) advanced 35.50 points, or 0.29%, to 12,145.74.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has shed 11.26%, while the Dow is down 8.44% and the S&P 500 has decreased 10.41%.

Stocks small and large opened with steep declines but managed to recover midway through the session on news of a report by rating agency Standard & Poor that said the end is in sight for writedowns stemming from the mess in the subprime mortgage sector.

Also helping the bulls establish their dominance was news of a bill proposed by House Financial Services Committee chairman Barney Frank that would allow the U.S. Federal Housing Administration to refinance mortgages that have been written down by lenders.

Small-caps confidently moved into the green at about 12 p.m. ET and never looked back.

The bearish mood in the morning was partially due to news from the U.S. Commerce Department before the opening that retail sales dropped 0.6% in February, defying economists’ forecasts for an increase of 0.2%.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) is in positive territory following news of a report that mortgage-related writedowns may come to an end. At 3:26 p.m. ET, the small-cap index had added 11.63 points, or 1.74%, to 678.94. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was up 78.73 points, or 0.65%, to 12,188.97.

Writedowns stemming from the mess in the subprime mortgage sector could reach $285 billion, rating agency Standard & Poor’s said in a report after the start of trading. The same report claims that the end of writedowns is in sight for large financial institutions.

Also helping the bulls gain control of the session is news of a bill proposed by House Financial Services Committee chairman Barney Frank that would allow the U.S. Federal Housing Administration to insure and guarantee mortgages that have been written down by lenders. The legislation, which has not yet been voted on, seeks to lower the number of foreclosures.

The Russell 2000 opened with a big decline but confidently moved into the green at about 12 p.m. ET.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures have declined and the small-cap index will open in negative territory.

Small-cap stocks are poised for a bearish opening on news that U.S. retail sales unexpectedly fell in February. The U.S. Commerce Department reported this morning that sales dropped 0.6%, defying economists’ forecasts for a small increase.

The Russell 2000 was unable to extend Tuesday’s big rally, and tumbled 6.50, or 0.97% to 667.31 on Wednesday. After the dramatic rise the previous day, a little bit of a “breather” session was not a surprise, but the market still needs to hold above 660 to help validate Tuesday’s huge rise. Look for chart resistance Thursday at 677.50, 683 and 688. Meanwhile, initial support should be seen at 660, then critical support comes in approaching 650.

The Business Inventories report at 10:00 a.m. will get a little more attention from traders. Still, the next big data risk comes with Friday’s CPI release.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices are posting strong gains on news the U.S. Federal Reserve will act to boost liquidity.

At 1:12 p.m. ET, the small-cap index had soared 13.00 points, or 2.02%, to 656.97. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was up 204.26 points, or 1.74%, to 11,944.41.

Small-cap stocks are rising on news before the start of trading that the U.S. Federal Reserve and four other central banks will make expanded loans of cash and securities to financial institutions in an effort to ease the credit squeeze.

The Fed said it will lend up to $200 billion of Treasury securities to primary dealers for a term of 28 days. The U.S. central bank usually makes such loans overnight.

Shares of catalog and mail-order retailers are currently the top sector performers in today’s rally.

Small-cap direct marketer of brand name and private-label products Systemax Inc. (NYSE: SYX) is seeing its stock jump more than 25% on news after the close on Monday that the Port Washington, N.J.-based company has tripled its fourth-quarter profit.

Shares of PC Mall Inc. (Nasdaq: MALL), which markets computer hardware and software, and Zones Inc. (Nasdaq: ZONS), which resells IT products, are also in the green.

Also posting a modest gain is video-oriented product solutions provider Sigma Designs, Inc. (Nasdaq: SIGM).

The Russell 2000 index and the Dow are trending in negative territory this afternoon, while the price of oil has risen. At 2:57 ET the Russell 2000 had lost 1.91 points, or 0.23%, to 846.28. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 10.24 points, or 0.08%, to 13,629.24.

Shares of Ceragon Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: CRNT) are trading higher following news that an analyst has raised the target price of the Israeli developer of point-to-point wireless backhaul solutions. Investment bank C.E. Unterberg, Towbin has reiterated its “Buy” rating and set the stock’s target price at $14, according to news reports before the start of trading. “We believe our estimate for 19% growth in 2008 will prove very conservative and believe the company can continue to outperform street expectations,” the financial services firm wrote in its review.

Sigma Designs, Inc. (Nasdaq: SIGM) raised its net income for the quarter ended May 5 to $8.5 million, or $0.32 per share, compared with a net income of $0.09 million, or $0.00 per share, during the same three months of 2006, the Milpitas, Calif.-based designer of video-oriented product solutions said after Monday’s close. That beat analysts’ projected earnings of $0.27 per share. The stock is up $0.45, or 2%, to $29.08.

Shares of Feldman Mall Properties, Inc. (NYSE: FMP) are flat following news this morning that the Great Neck, N.Y.-based renovator of regional shopping malls is considering strategic alternatives, which may include selling the company. The stock is at $11.38.

The following small-cap companies are making news in after-hours trading:

Mitcham Industries Inc. (Nasdaq: MIND) said it earned $3.9 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, compared with net income of $3.4 million, or $0.33 per diluted share in the year-ago period; the earnings beat analysts' expectations for $0.30. Total revenues were $23.0 million, up from $14.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007; there were no analyst estimates for revenues. The Houston, Tex.-based geophysical equipment supplier said it generated record revenues in its core business of equipment leasing; it also saw strong demand for equipment manufacturing and sales. Equipment leasing revenue, excluding equipment sales, rose 44% to a record $10.1 million, up from $7.0 million in the same period last year, driven in part by increased demand for seismic equipment. Shares of Mitcham Industries were up 3.2%% at $18.64 in after-hours trading, surpassing the 52-week high. The 52-week low, set last fall, is $9.58.

North American Scientific, Inc. (Nasdaq: NASI) said its revenues were $6.2 million in the second quarter ended April 30, down from revenues of $8.1 million in the second quarter of 2006. The Chatsworth, Calif.-based company, which makes cancer radiation therapy products, said it lost $0.11 per share, compared with a net loss in the year-ago period of $0.22 per share. There are no analyst estimates available for the company. Shares were down $0.15, or 10%, to $1.35 in after-hours trading.

GSI Group Inc., (Nasdaq: GSIG), said it received an order for multiple M550 infrared laser based wafer repair systems from a new customer, Rexchip Electronics Corporation. GSI Group is a Bellerica, Mass.-based supplier of precision technology and semiconductors, and Rexchip is a joint venture between Elpida Memory and Powerchip Inc.; Rexchip is based in Taiwan. Shares of GSI Group were slightly higher in after-hours trading, trading at $10.51, up $0.03.

The Russell 2000 is below the flat line in midday trading, while the Dow is on track for a new record close.  Among small caps, shares of Sigma Designs, Inc. (Nasdaq: SIGM) are sagging on news of an analyst downgrade, while positive analyst coverage has boosted Bankrate, Inc. (Nasdaq: RATE).

At 2:32 p.m. ET the Russell 2000 had lost 5.82 points, or 0.70 percent, to 823.88.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 16.01 points, or 0.12 percent, to 13,136.95.