Tag - Frpt

Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:RIGL), Sequenom Inc. (Nasdaq:SQNM) and Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (Nasdaq:ENER) 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), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT), Changyou.com Ltd. (Nasdaq:CYOU), Biocryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:BCRX), Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX) and SonicWALL Inc. (Nasdaq:SNWL).

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:SPPI), Geron Corp (Nasdaq:GERN) and Force Protection Inc (Nasdaq:FRPT) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Matrixx Initiatives (Nasdaq:MTXX), Century Aluminum Co (Nasdaq:CENX), ATP Oil & Gas Corporation (Nasdaq:ATPG), CardioNet Inc (Nasdaq:BEAT), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd (Nasdaq:SOLF) and Fuqi International Inc (Nasdaq:FUQI).

ADC Telecommunications Inc. (Nasdaq:ADCT), Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (Nasdaq:ENER) and Acorda Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:ACOR) are among the most actively traded companies in Thurday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: CardioNet Inc. (Nasdaq:BEAT), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT), Wind River Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:WIND), Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:SPPI), Acura Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:ACUR) and Fuqi International Inc. (Nasdaq:FUQI).

CardioNet Inc. (Nasdaq:BEAT), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT) and Spartan Motors Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR) are among the biggest percentage losers in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Skystar Bio Pharmaceutical Co. (Nasdaq:SKBI), Zion Oil and Gas Inc. (Nasdaq:ZN), Pacific Continental Corp. (Nasdaq:PCBK), Acorda Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:ACOR), Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:SPPI) and MutualFirst Financial Inc. (Nasdaq:MFSF).

CardioNet Inc. (Nasdaq:BEAT), United Online Inc. (Nasdaq:UNTD) and Prospect Capital Corp. (Nasdaq:PSEC) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT), EV Energy Partners L P (Nasdaq:EVEP), Global Sources Ltd. (Nasdaq:GSOL), Ezcorp Inc. (Nasdaq:EZPW), AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAG) and Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:SPPI).

Acme Packet Inc. (Nasdaq:APKT), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ) and ClickSoftware Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq:CKSW) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Trailer Bridge Inc. (Nasdaq:TRBR), Digimarc Corp. (Nasdaq:DMRC), Mexco Energy Corp. (Nasdaq:MXC), Diedrich Coffee Inc. (Nasdaq:DDRX), Savannah Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq:SAVB) and Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT).

A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:APWR), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT) and BioDelivery Sciences International Inc. (Nasdaq:BDSI) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:JASO), Spectrum Pharmaceuticals In.c (Nasdaq:SPPI), AgFeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) and Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX).

Oil-Dri Corp of America (Nasdaq:ODC), Columbia Banking System Inc. (Nasdaq:COLB) and Mid Penn Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq:MPB) are among the biggest percentage losers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: AgFeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED), Chindex International Inc. (Nasdaq:CHDX), BTU International Inc. (Nasdaq:BTUI), Broadwind Energy Inc. (Nasdaq:BWEN), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT) and Cogo Group Inc. (Nasdaq:COGO).

Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT), Kirklands Inc. (Nasdaq:KIRK) and Cott Corp. (Nasdaq:COT) are among the new 52-week highs in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Calavo Growers Inc. (Nasdaq:CVGW), Fuqi International Inc. (Nasdaq:FUQI), SIGA Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGA), Carmike Cinemas Inc. (Nasdaq:CKEC), Gander Mountain Co. (Nasdaq:GMTN) and Orion Marine Group Inc. (Nasdaq:ORN).

ChinaCast Education Corp. (Nasdaq:CAST), Caribou Coffee Co Inc. (Nasdaq:CBOU) and Carmike Cinemas Inc. (Nasdaq:CKEC) are among the new 52-week highs in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: AboveNet Inc. (Nasdaq:ABVT), RADVision Ltd. (Nasdaq:RVSN), Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:VNDA), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT), SIGA Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGA) and Capitol Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq:CLA).

Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX), Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (Nasdaq:ENER) and Fuel Systems Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq:FSYS) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Imperial Sugar Co. (Nasdaq:IPSU), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT), Geron Corp. (Nasdaq:GERN), UAL Corp. (Nasdaq:UAUA), PetMed Express Inc. (Nasdaq:PETS) and Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:VNDA).

DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE) and Sierra Wireless Inc. (Nasdaq:SWIR) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAG), James River Coal Co. (Nasdaq:JRCC), Applied Micro Circuits Corp. (Nasdaq:AMCC), Acme Packet Inc. (Nasdaq:APKT), S1 Corp. (Nasdaq:SONE) and Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT).

Plexus Corp. (Nasdaq:PLXS), United America Indemnity Ltd. (Nasdaq:INDM) and Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Elbit Imaging Ltd. (Nasdaq:EMITF), Superior Well Services Inc. (Nasdaq:SWSI), Chindex International Inc. (Nasdaq:CHDX), Darling International Inc. (Nasdaq:DAR), Tetra Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:TTI) and Asbury Automotive Group Inc. (Nasdaq:ABG).

Sourcefire Inc. (Nasdaq:FIRE), KongZhong Corp. (Nasdaq:KONG) and Kirklands Inc. (Nasdaq:KIRK) are among the new 52-week highs in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Quigley Corp. (Nasdaq:QGLY), Hot Topic Inc. (Nasdaq:HOTT), Louisiana Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq:LABC), SIGA Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGA), Computer Programs And Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:CPSI) and Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT).

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).

Polypore International Inc. (Nasdaq:PPO), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT) and USANA Health Sciences Inc. (Nasdaq:USNA) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: GrafTech International Ltd. (Nasdaq:GTI), Atlas America Inc. (Nasdaq:ATLS), Bronco Drilling Co Inc. (Nasdaq:BRNC), 3D Systems Corp. (Nasdaq:TDSC), Unifirst Corp. (Nasdaq:UNF) and TNS Inc. (Nasdaq:TNS).

Fundtech Ltd. (Nasdaq:FNDT), SunPower (Nasdaq:SPWRA) and Neutral Tandem Inc. (Nasdaq:TNDM) 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), Palm Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM), Cheesecake Factory Inc. (Nasdaq:CAKE), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT), East West Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq:EWBC) and Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq:CLNE).

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).

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).

Cypress Bioscience Inc. (Nasdaq:CYPB), DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS) and Rambus Inc. (Nasdaq:RMBS) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Palm Inc (Nasdaq:PALM), American Science & Engineering Inc (Nasdaq:ASEI), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT), Arthrocare Corp. (Nasdaq:ARTC), AeroVironment Inc. (Nasdaq:AVAV) and Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:ALDN).

Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT) and Lennet Inc. (Nasdaq:LCI) are the new 52-week highs on Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Developers Diversified Realty REIT (Nasdaq:DDR), Union Drilling Inc. (Nasdaq:UDRL) and TF Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:THRD) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: InterOil Corp. (Nasdaq:IOC), BigBand Networks Inc. (Nasdaq:BBND), MedAssets Inc. (Nasdaq:MDAS), Force Protection Inc (Nasdaq:FRPT), Och Ziff Capital Management Group (Nasdaq:OZM) and Macquarie Infrastructure Co. LLC (Nasdaq:MIC).

Emergent Group Inc. (Nasdaq:LZR), Answers Corp. (Nasdaq:ANSW) and VSE Corp. (Nasdaq:VSEC) are among the new 52-week highs in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: American Science & Engineering Inc. (Nasdaq:ASEI), Applied Signal Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:APSG), Repros Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:RPRX), NCI Inc. (Nasdaq:NCIT), Force Protection Inc. (Nasdaq:FRPT) and Ocwen Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:OCN).

Zion Oil and Gas Inc (Nasdaq:ZN), Repros Therapeutics Inc (Nasdaq:RPRX) and Force Protection Inc (Nasdaq:FRPT) are among the new 52-week highs in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Small-cap stocks pushed higher Tuesday, recapturing all of Monday’s decline as the market continues to gyrate in a sideways consolidation range on light holiday volume. The market started out on a firm note tied to an extension of the Treasury’s automaker bailout, and never looked back. Today's small-cap percentage gainers are: Grand Canyon Education (Nasdaq:LOPE), CH Energy Group (NYSE:CHG), and Force Protection (Nasdaq:FRPT).

Other Market Watch highlights included:

• For now, volume is thinned out by the holiday, and it is best not to make too much of the tame price action.  
• However, if the market starts to trade sideways for too long without managing a push through upside resistance, then it will simply look like a new lower ceiling.  
• For the most part, the sideways action is consistent with a bottoming process off the massive bear market collapse.  
• The chart picture remains stuck in a sideways consolidation pattern.  
• The market started out on a firm note tied to an extension of the Treasury’s automaker bailout, and never looked back

Small Cap Gainers:

• Among today's small-cap 52-wk highs: Grand Canyon Education, CH Energy Group, Force Protection, Rochester Medical and South Jersey Industries. See (Nasdaq:LOPE, NYSE:CHG, Nasdaq:FRPT, Nasdaq:ROCM, NYSE:SJI ) 
• Franklin Street Properties Corp is up 9.2% after news late Monday it will be added to the S&P SmallCap 600 after Wednesday's close. See (NYSE:FSP)  
• Beauty products company Elizabeth Arden Inc. is up 9.1% to $11.71 after Wedbush Morgan upgrade to "Buy" from "Hold," with a $15 price target. See (Nasdaq:RDEN)  

Small Cap Losers:

• Among today's small-cap 52-wk lows: Skilled Healthcare Group, Blue Square Israel Ltd, and Take-Two Interactive Software. (See NYSE:SKH, NYSE:BSI, Nasdaq:TTWO) 
• Biopharma company Maxygen, Inc., which focuses on developing improved versions of protein drugs, is down 10.4% to $8.11. See (Nasdaq:MAXY)  
• Boutique investment banking firm Evercore Partners is down 8.7% to $12.05 after Keefe Bruyette downgrade to "Market Perform" from "Outperform." See (NYSE:EVR) 

Optimer Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:OPTR), Ocwen Financial Corp (Nasdaq:OCN) and Force Protection Inc (Nasdaq:FRPT) are among the new 52-week highs in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: CH Energy Group Inc (Nasdaq:CHG), Benjamin Franklin Bancorp Inc (Nasdaq:BFBC), Rochester Medical Corp (Nasdaq:ROCM), SXC Health Solutions Corp (Nasdaq:SXCI), Grand Canyon Education Inc (Nasdaq:LOPE) and Shenandoah Telecommunications Co (Nasdaq:SHEN).

Small-cap stocks pushed higher into mid-session, lifted by gains in technology stocks, retailers, homebuilders and insurers, which more than countered weakness in commodity names. Today's small-cap percentage gainers are : Grand Canyon Education (Nasdaq:LOPE), CH Energy Group (NYSE:CHG), and Force Protection (Nasdaq:FRPT).

Other Market Watch highlights included:

• Retailer shares were on the rise today, with the S&P Retail Index up 2.0%.  
• Homebuilders were once again attracting buyers after several days of setbacks. The ISE Homebuilder Index was up 3.7%, handily outpacing the overall market advance.
• The best performers: commercial printers, auto parts suppliers, chemical companies, office electronics firms, wireless telecoms, motorcycle manufacturers, life health insurers and tire companies.  
• A better-than-expected showing on Midwest manufacturing kept all the fresh economic news from being awful, and even that number was still historically low. 
• The market was able to weather another batch of troubling data on the economy, with home prices generating the largest decline on record and consumer confidence sinking to a record low.

Small Cap Gainers:

• Among today's small-cap 52-wk highs: Grand Canyon Education, CH Energy Group, Force Protection, Rochester Medical and South Jersey Industries. See (Nasdaq:LOPE, NYSE:CHG, Nasdaq:FRPT, Nasdaq:ROCM, NYSE:SJI ) 
• Franklin Street Properties Corp is up 9.2% after news late Monday it will be added to the S&P SmallCap 600 after Wednesday's close. See (NYSE:FSP)  
• Beauty products company Elizabeth Arden Inc. is up 9.1% to $11.71 after Wedbush Morgan upgrade to "Buy" from "Hold," with a $15 price target. See (Nasdaq:RDEN)  

Small Cap Losers:

• Among today's small-cap 52-wk lows: Skilled Healthcare Group, Blue Square Israel Ltd, and Take-Two Interactive Software. (See NYSE:SKH, NYSE:BSI, Nasdaq:TTWO) 
• Biopharma company Maxygen, Inc., which focuses on developing improved versions of protein drugs, is down 10.4% to $8.11. See (Nasdaq:MAXY)  
• Boutique investment banking firm Evercore Partners is down 8.7% to $12.05 after Keefe Bruyette downgrade to "Market Perform" from "Outperform." See (NYSE:EVR) 

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)

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) is in negative territory, down more than any of the other major U.S. indices.

At 10:06 a.m. ET, the small-cap index was off 7.24 points, or 1.04%, to 689.04. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) had let go 29.06 points, or 0.24%, to 12,255.24.

With no major economic news scheduled for today, investors are focusing on company news. The Russell 2000 opened in the green but quickly turned south.

Leading the downward movement is Cbeyond, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBEY), a provider of Internet protocol-based (IP) communications services. The Atlanta, Ga.-based company reported that its fourth-quarter profit nearly tripled, but released 2008 revenue guidance below expectations.

Also falling is McGrath RentCorp (Nasdaq: MGRC). The seller of portable classrooms and office space posted fourth-quarter net income of $12.1 million, or $0.48 per share, beating projections. However, revenue was $70.7 million, below the expected $78.9 million.

On the flip side, armored vehicles maker Force Protection, Inc. (Nasdaq: FRPT) is seeing its shares rise on news that it has received a $115 million order from the U.K. Ministry of Defense.

Financial technology services provider Online Resources Corp. (Nasdaq: ORCC) is also enjoying a bump in its stock price following news that fourth-quarter revenues rose 29.6% to $38.1 million, above Wall Street’s forecast of $37.9 million.

Shares of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (Nasdaq: RRGB) are in the green on news that the Greenwood Village, Colo.-based casual dining chain increased its fourth-quarter profit 14%.

Ballistics armored vehicles maker Force Protection, Inc. (Nasdaq: FRPT) said this morning that it received a $74.13 million contract for integrated logistics support on its Cougar MRAP Category I and Category II vehicles through its subsidiary, Force Protection Industries.

Force Protection Industries’ integrated logistics support division focuses on the maintenance and replacement parts support of the company’s Cougar and Buffalo armored vehicles deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Shares of Force Protection (FRPT) jumped 10.34%, or $0.37, to $3.95 ahead of the opening. Shares of Force Protection have been trading in the range of $3.55 to $31.16 for the past 52 weeks.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) lost ground today following news of an unexpected downsizing in U.S. manufacturing in November. The small-cap index fell 12.48 points, or 1.63%, to 753.55. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) dropped 220.86 points, or 1.67%, to 13,043.96.

The first session of 2008 belonged to the bears following news that U.S. manufacturing unexpectedly shrank in December.

The Institute for Supply Management reported after that its manufacturing index fell to 47.7 in December, down from 50.8 in November and well below economists’ projections for a reading of 50.5. A level above 50 indicates an expansion.

The decline, which comes after 10 months of expansion, is due to a fall in new orders, production and exports. The data tell us that tighter lending conditions and the ongoing problems in the U.S. housing sector have taken their toll.

The numbers also renew fears that the slowing U.S. economy could tip into recession. Manufacturing comprises about 14% of gross domestic product.

Small-cap stocks started just above the flat line but dropped immediately after the report’s release at 10 a.m. ET.

Equities experience a short-lived bounce in the afternoon when the U.S. Federal Reserve released its minutes from the meeting on Dec. 11, when it decided to lower the target interest rate 0.25% to 4.25%.

Force Protection, Inc. (Nasdaq: FRPT) shares are rising after the maker of armored vehicles announced that its joint venture with General Dynamics Land Systems (NYSE: GD) broke monthly vehicle production records in December.

"The strength of the Force Dynamics enterprise was again evident in December, which was a shortened production month due to the holidays," COO Raymond Pollard said in a statement.

The two companies’ joint venture, Force Dynamics LLC, produced 343 mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles during December. To date, the venture has produced more than 1,360 Cougar MRAP vehicles.

Josephine Millward, an analyst for the investment banking firm Stanford Financial, is not swayed by Force Protection’s latest news and is maintaining a “sell” rating. However, Millward said she is reviewing her 12-month price target on the company since Force Protection shares already surpassed $5.

“They’ve had this joint venture forever. The problem with Force Protection is their overly optimistic expectations for next year,” Millward said. “They’re highly exposed to the MRAP program and demand is expected to decrease in 2008. Their problem is lack of a sustainable long-term business model.”

In afternoon trading, FRPT shares are up 10.26%, or $0.48, at $5.16. Over the last 52 weeks, shares have ranged from $3.89 to $31.16.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) is in the red as investors respond to news of an unexpected contraction in the U.S. manufacturing sector. At 1:31 p.m. ET, the small-cap index had lost 13.87 points, or 1.81%, to 752.20. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was down 242.40 points, or 1.83%, to 13,022.42.

The bears are dominating trading today on news that U.S. factory production unexpectedly shrank in December.

The Institute for Supply Management reported after the start of trading that its manufacturing index fell to 47.7 in December. Economists were expecting to see a reading of 50.5, down from 50.8 in November. A level above 50 indicates an expansion.

The decline tells us that tighter lending conditions and the ongoing problems in the U.S. housing sector have taken their toll. The data also renewed fears that the slowing U.S. economy could tip into recession.

Manufacturing comprises about 14% of gross domestic product.

Meanwhile, construction spending in November surprisingly increased 0.1% from the level in October, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Economists were expecting to see a decline of 0.4%.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices are falling on unexpected news that the manufacturing sector is contracting.
 
At 10:47 a.m. ET, the small-cap index had lost 8 points, or 1.04%, to 758.03. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was off 98.28 points, or 0.74%, to 13,166.54.

Stocks opened with small gains but quickly sunk after 10 a.m. ET on news that the U.S. manufacturing sector is contracting.

The Institute for Supply Management reported that its manufacturing index fell to 47.7 in December from 50.8 in November. Economists were expecting to see a level of 50.5, which would have been the 11th consecutive month of growth. A reading above 50 indicates an expansion.

New orders, production and exports declined considerably, while imports posted a modest gain.

The numbers tell us that the slump in the U.S. housing sector has spread to other sectors of the economy.

With the bears running the show and economic fears coming to the forefront, investors are largely disregarding upbeat construction news.

Shares of Force Protection, Inc. (Nasdaq: FRPT) are getting pummeled in pre-market trading despite the manufacturer of ballistic and blast protected vehicles’ positive announcement that it received a $379 million order for an additional 358 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Category I and Category II vehicles from the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command, which is acting as the lead contracting agency for the Department of Defense. 

In related activities, the small cap reported that foreign military sales have also been approved to the United Kingdom and Italy for approximately 300 Cougar and Buffalo vehicles. These contracts have a combined estimated value of $150 million, and include spare parts and sustainment items.

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) and the other major U.S. indices are falling on news that U.S. home builder confidence remains low. At 2:58 p.m. ET, the small-cap index was down 10.06 points, or 1.33%, to 743.87. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) had retreated 159.08 points, or 1.19%, to 13,180.77.

The bears have been running the show today, ever since Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) announced before the start of trading that it 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.

The financial sector has been bleeding in the wake of the meltdown in the subprime sector, which started this summer. 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.

Speaking of the housing sector, the picture remains dire.

Builder confidence in the market for new single-family homes remained at a record low for a third consecutive month in December, according to the National Association of Homebuilders after the start of trading.

The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index stayed at 19 this month, its lowest level since the measure was introduced in 1985. Readings below 50 indicate that more builders view market conditions as poor rather than favorable.

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%.

In a message posted to Force Protection, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: FRPT) website that was intended to “dispel unfounded rumors,” CEO Gordon Mcgilton said the maker of armored vehicles current cash position is “strong with over $60 million in liquid assets, virtually no debt and a significant capacity to access debt capital as necessary.”

Stanford Group on Wednesday initiated coverage on the Ladson, S.C.-based company with a “sell” rating. The investment bank said the demand for bombproof vehicles could be much smaller than expected.

“We have multiple customers with demand for both our vehicles and our services to support and sustain the vehicles after delivery,” Mcgilton said. “Requirements will rise and fall by theater, month-to-month, but until MRAP vehicles are integrated into all service units in significant numbers, the attacks will persist. We have just begun to make an impact, not completed the task.”

The chief executive said the company is “optimistic” about future sales.

Investors are reacting positively to Mcgilton’s announcement as FRPT shares are soaring 38.78%, or $2.04, at $7.30. Over the last 52 weeks, shares have ranged from $4.52 to $31.16.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) is posting losses on news that U.S. consumer prices rose more than expected in November.
 
At 10:47 a.m. ET, the small-cap index had dropped 4.08 points, or 0.53%, to 765.38. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was off 50.56 points, or 0.37%, to 13,467.40.

High energy costs led to a jump in inflation in November, according to a report by the U.S. Labor Department before the start of trading.

The consumer price index increased 0.8% in November, above economists’ projected rise of 0.6%. That’s the biggest increase in over two years. Prices increased across the board, with energy leading the way with a 5.7% climb.

Consumer prices added 0.3% in October. Prices are up 4.3% from November 2006.

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%.

Core prices are up 2.3% from November 2006, while the U.S. Federal Reserve has said that it prefers core inflation to stay in the 1% to 2% range.

Force Protection, Inc. (Nasdaq: FRPT) shares are plummeting after investment bank Stanford Group initiated coverage on the maker of armored vehicles with a “sell” rating and a $5 target.

In a note to investors, Stanford said Force Protection will struggle growing after 2008 after concentrating highly in Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. Stanford said MRAP demand is likely lower than anticipated and will peak in 2008.

Millward said in an interview that the longevity and the pipeline length of the MRAP program after 2008 are problems for the company.

The Army is also possibly cutting its MRAP program, she said. On Monday, the Army said it might not need all the armored vehicles it requested. The Marines already cut its MRAP program in late November.

Milward expects that Force Protection will be “unlikely” to meet consensus earnings and revenue estimates for 2008 due to “overly optimistic” guidance. Analysts, on average, expect 2008 earnings of $1.45 per share on $1.36 billion revenue.

In afternoon trading, FRPT shares are down 26.54%, or $1.81, at $5.01. Over the last 52 weeks, shares have ranged from $4.92 to $31.16.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) is posting solid gains on news that central banks around the world are pumping cash into money markets. At 2:33 p.m. ET, the small-cap index was up 7.04 points, or 0.92%, to 773.31. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) had added 67.14 points, or 0.50%, to 13,499.91.

Small-cap stocks are going strong following news before the start of trading that the U.S. Federal Reserve and four other major central banks are joining hands to inject billions into global money markets to boost liquidity and spur lending.

The U.S. central bank will create a Term Auction Facility program to auction term funds to depository institutions against collateral that can be used to secure loans, according to its statement.

The program will provide banks in good financial condition with billions in short-term funds. The loans will be at rates below the rate charged on direct loans from the Fed to banks but will still be backed by the same type of collateral obligations.

A number of major banks have reduced the flow of credit to businesses and consumers following the meltdown in the subprime mortgage market, which left many financial institutions with billions in losses as foreclosures and loan delinquencies made securities backed by subprime mortgages essentially worthless.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) posted solid gains today as investors looked ahead to Tuesday’s Fed meeting and welcomed news of a cash injection into a major bank. The small-cap index advanced 5.68 points, or 0.72%, to 791.20. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) moved up 101.45 points, or 0.74%, to 13,727.03.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 is up 0.48%, while the Dow has added 10.04% and the S&P 500 has climbed 7.01%.

Only the bears showed up today as investors focused their attention on the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Tuesday policy meeting. The Fed is widely expected to lower the federal funds rate, the rate at which commercial banks make overnight loans to each other, to give the economy a boost and ease financial strains.

On Oct. 31, the central bank lowered its target interest rate to 4.5% from 4.75%. During the preceding meeting on Sept. 18, the Fed voted to lower the rate to 4.75% from 5.25%.

The upbeat mood was also due to news that UBS AG (NYSE: UBS) has received a cash injection of about $11.5 billion dollars after the Swiss financial services giant became the latest casualty of the subprime mess.

The bank announced today that it has suffered $10 billion in write-downs due to bets placed on securities backed by subprime mortgages. Consequently, the Zurich-based company expects to report a loss for the fourth quarter and possibly the entire 2008 year.

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

Investors are waiting to see what kind of relief President Bush will offer to borrowers at risk of losing their home. The plan will most likely feature a temporary hold on low mortgage rates that would otherwise increase sharply with time.

In economic news, the number of unemployment claims for the week ended Dec. 1 was 338,000, a decrease of 15,000 from the previous week’s upwardly revised figure of 353,000, according to the U.S. Labor Department. Economists were expecting to see a slightly larger decline.

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:

• Hoku Scientific, Inc. (HOKU), up 33% on news it will borrow up to $185 million for the construction of a polysilicon production plant.
• Pain Therapeutics, Inc. (PTIE), up 14% on news a drug trial met its endpoint.
• DURECT Corp. (DRRX), up 14% on news of a successful drug trial.

Biggest percentage losers:

• BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BCRX), down 10% on news it has decided to discontinue a drug trial.
• Advanta Corp. (ADVNB) down 4%.
• Force Protection, Inc. (FRPT) down 3% on news of an unfavorable article published about the company.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) fell today on news that reminded investors of the fallout from the subprime mortgage mess. The small-cap index retreated 7.91 points, or 1.04%, to 752.06. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was off 65.84 points, or 0.49%, to 13,248.73.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has dropped 4.49%, while the Dow has advanced 6.21% and the S&P 500 has gained 3.26%.

Only the bears showed up today following news that financial services giant JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) downgraded fellow industry players Bear Stearns (NYSE: BSC), Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) and Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LEH) to “sell” from “market perform.”

The news spooked investors who worried that a stagnating U.S. housing market could continue to plague banks and financial institutions and cause more economic malaise, possibly even triggering a recession.

All three New York-based financial services companies had invested in securities backed by subprime mortgages and took a hit during the third-quarter, declaring billions in write-downs on mortgage and other credit assets.

Economists worry that the ongoing slump in the U.S. housing sector and a credit squeeze will combine to significantly drag down U.S. economic growth in the fourth quarter of 2007 and into 2008.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) fell today following news of a decline in U.S. manufacturing in November. The small-cap index lost 7.80 points, or 1.02%, to 759.97. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) stumbled 57.15 points, or 0.43%, to 13,314.57.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 is off 3.49%, while the Dow has added 6.73% and the S&P 500 is up 3.94%.

The futures were pointing north and the major U.S. indices opened in the green but immediately fell as investors anticipated a decline in November manufacturing activity.

The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index, released at 10 a.m. ET, showed a reading of 50.8, below October’s level of 50.9 but above economists’ projections of 50.5. A reading above 50 is an expansion.

“While other segments of the economy are struggling, manufacturing continues to grow due to continuing strength in new orders and a recovery in production from last month,” said Norbert Ore, chair of the ISM’s Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, in a statement.

Exports, production and new orders increased, while employment declined 4.2% compared with the level in October.

Small-cap stocks fell despite news of the smaller-than-expected decline.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) managed just a modest win today despite a strong start on speculation of an imminent interest rate cut. The small-cap index added 1.71 points, or 0.22%, to 767.77. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) moved up 59.99 points, or 0.45%, to 13,371.72.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has lost 2.50%, while the Dow has advanced 7.19% and the S&P 500 is up 4.56%.

The day’s economic news was decidedly negative, with reports showing that Americans’ income and consumption growth slowed while spending on construction declined more than expected.

The U.S. Commerce Department reported that consumption increased 0.2% in October, below the projected 0.3%. Consumption increased 0.3% in September. That could be a sign that American consumers have decided to curtail spending due to higher energy prices, tighter credit and the ongoing slump in the housing sector.

October personal income added 0.2%, below economists’ expectations and half the 0.4% rise it booked in September.

The housing sector also contributed bleak news. The U.S. Census Bureau announced that construction spending for October fell a greater-than-expected 0.8%. Predictably, residential construction led the way down, dropping 2% from the level in September and 15.8% from the level a year ago.

On a year-to-date basis, construction spending has amounted to $977 billion, 2.8% below the $1,005.3 billion recorded during the first ten months of 2006.

Nevertheless, stocks opened in positive territory as investors speculated that U.S. Federal Reserve will cut its target interest rate when it meets on Dec. 11.

The Russell 2000 index is the strongest performer among the major indices, after news of corporate deal-making and slow U.S. GDP growth.  At 11:24 a.m. ET the Russell 2000 had added 2.06 points, or 0.24%, to 845.41.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 7.97 points, or 0.06%, to 13,641.05.

Shares of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTWW) are rising on news the maker of packaged fuel systems has received a contract by Force Protection, Inc. (Nasdaq: FRPT) to provide engineering design and production support for its Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) military vehicles.