Tag - Dble

Websense Inc. (Nasdaq:WBSN), Superior Uniform Group Inc. (Nasdaq:SGC) and Double Eagle Petroleum Co. (Nasdaq:DBLE) are among the biggest percentage losers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Young Innovations Inc. (Nasdaq:YDNT), GMX Resources (Nasdaq:GMXRP), Financial Institutions Inc. (Nasdaq:FISI), First Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:FFCH), InterOil Corp. (Nasdaq:IOC) and Grand Canyon Education Inc. (Nasdaq:LOPE).

Indevus Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:IDEV), Macquarie Infrastructure Co LLC (Nasdaq:MIC) and Crosstex Energy Inc (Nasdaq:XTXI) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Hiland Partners LP (Nasdaq:HLND), Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:ALDN), Crosstex Energy LP (Nasdaq:XTEX), Aercap Holdings NV (Nasdaq:AER), Taylor Capital Group Inc (Nasdaq:TAYC) and Double Eagle Petroleum Co (Nasdaq:DBLE).

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) is posting solid gains as investors react to upbeat news about personal spending and a major corporation. At 2:58 p.m. ET, the small-cap index had climbed 15.72 points, or 2.05%, to 783.26. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was up 213.14 points, or 1.61%, to 13,458.78.

The bulls are looking strong this afternoon as stocks are buoyed by news of stronger-than-expected personal spending and calming developments at a major financial player.

Personal spending climbed 1.1% in November, the U.S. Commerce Department reported before the start of trading. The increase, the biggest in over three years, calmed fears that Americans will spend less this holiday season due to falling home prices and higher energy costs.

Economists were expecting spending to increase 0.7% after a rise of 0.2% in October.

The same government report showed that personal income in November rose 0.4%, above October’s 0.2% increase. However, economists were forecasting a 0.5% climb.

The numbers tell us that consumers responded favorably to holiday discounts offered by retailers.

In corporate news, there’s speculation that Merrill Lynch (NYSE: MER) could sell a stake of itself for a $5 billion cash injection from Singapore’s state investment company.

That’s not a surprising move, since many other financial services giants have also sold stakes in order to secure much needed capital to deal with the consequences of the meltdown in the subprime mortgage sector.

Elsewhere, the price of oil has increased $2.29 to $93.35.

Energy company Double Eagle Petroleum Co. (Nasdaq: DBLE), said this morning that it named Kurtis Hooley to be its new chief financial officer.

Hooley replaces Lonnie Brock, who resigned on Dec. 5, in order to take a position with another company.

Hooley has served in different capacities for the company since 2004, including his latest position as the director of business development and financial planning and as an external consultant for the implementation of internal controls.

Prior to Double Eagle, Hooley served as president of MKH Enterprises, managing director of Hain Celestial Canada and director of finance for Celestial Seasonings.

Shares of Double Eagle Petroleum (DBLE) were halted in pre-market trading.