Tag - Blkb

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

Also included among the results: A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ), James River Coal Co. (Nasdaq:JRCC), Blackbaud Inc. (Nasdaq:BLKB), OmniVision Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:OVTI) and Gibraltar Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:ROCK).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Small-cap stocks pushed higher in early trading, bolstered by sinking crude oil and other commodities, which helped ease inflation jitters. At 10:02 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was up 10.39, or 1.48% at 714.53, gaining back a sizable chunk of Monday’s losses, but holding within the recent trading ranges.

The ISM non-manufacturing survey came in at 49.5%, which was above the forecast of 48.5%, but still slightly below the 50.0% level, which denotes expansion vs. contraction in the services sector. The market remained on firm footing through the ISM data.

Now that ISM is out of the way, many investors will wait for this afternoon’s FOMC announcement. Although the Fed is not expected to shift short-term rates on Fed funds, the language in the statement could spark some movement in equities, interest rates and foreign exchange. There is some thought that the recent decline in crude oil prices will provide the Fed a little breathing room on the inflation fighting front, and lessen the need to act prematurely to stave off rising prices via tighter monetary policy...

Blackbaud Inc. (Nasdaq:BLKB) was upgraded at Jeffries & Co. to “buy” from “hold” ahead of the opening The upgrade comes on the heels of the Charleston, S.C.-based company reporting a rise in its second quarter earnings. For the second quarter, net earnings were $9 million, or $0.21 per share, up from $8.2 million, or $0.19 a share, for the same period a year earlier. The company provides software and services designed for non-profit organizations. Blackbaud said it was lifted by boost in its maintenance revenue.

The company is up 6% during the last five trading days. In today’s trading, shares are at $18.72, up $0.61 at 9:52 a.m. ET. During the past year, shares have ranged from $17.05 to $30.23.