Tag - Seed

 US Airways (Nasdaq:LLC), Origin Agritech (Nasdaq:SEED), Trinquint Semiconductor (Nasdaq:TQNT) and Asia Special Situation Acquisition Corp (Nasdaq:CIO) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results:Orient-Express Hotels Ltd  (Nasdaq:OEH), AirTran Holdings Inc (Nasdaq:AAI), Gencorp Inc (Nasdaq:GY), Affymetrix Inc (Nasdaq:AFFX) and Solarfun Power Holdings Co (Nasdaq:SOLF).

Origin Agritech (Nasdaq:SEED), US Airways Group (Nasdaq:LCC), Mannkind Corp (Nasdaq:MNKD) and Vivus Inc (Nasdaq:VVUS) 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), SolarFun Power Holding Co (Nasdaq:SOLF), Beazer Homes USA (Nasdaq:BZH), Renesola Ltd (Nasdaq:SOL) and STEC Inc (Nasdaq:STEC).

US Airways Group (Nasdaq:LCC), Origin Agritech LTD (Nasdaq:SEED), Solarfun Power Holdings (Nasdaq:SOLF) and Taser International Inc (Nasdaq:TASR)are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results:STEC Inc (Nasdaq:STEC), Netlist Inc (Nasdaq:NLST), Mannkind Corp (Nasdaq:MNKD), Sonic Corp (Nasdaq:SONC) and Reneasola (Nasdaq:SOL).

Origin Agritech (Nasdaq:SEED), BioForm Medical Inc (Nasdaq:BFRM), STEC Inc (Nasdaq:STEC) and Geron Corp (Nasdaq:GERN)are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: JA Solar Holdings (Nasdaq:JASO), Western Refining (Nasdaq:WNR), BPZ Resources Inc (Nasdaq:BPZ), ICX Technologies (Nasdaq:ICXT) and Radian Group (Nasdaq:RDN).

ICX Technologies (Nasdaq:ICXT), Origin Agritech (Nasdaq:SEED), Entorian Technologies (Nasdaq:ENTN) and American Apectrum Realty Inc (Nasdaq:AQQ) are among the biggest percentage Gainers in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Jacksonville Bancorp (Nasdaq:JXSB), Income Opportunity Realty (Nasdaq:IOT), KongZong (Nasdaq:KONG), ZST Digital Networks (Nasdaq:ZSTN) and Hong Kong Highpower Technologies (Nasdaq:HPJ).

Origin Agritech (Nasdaq:SEED), Osi Systems (Nasdaq:OSIS), JA Solar Holdings (Nasdaq:JASO) and STEC Holdings (Nasdaq:STEC)are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: ICX Technologies (Nasdaq:ICXT), Agfeed Industries (Nasdaq:FEED), Liz Claibourne (Nasdaq:LIZ), Imax Corp (Nasdaq:IMAX) and UQM Technologies (Nasdaq:UQM).

Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq:SEED), Saks Inc. (Nasdaq:SKS), Radian Group Inc. (Nasdaq:RDN) and International Coal Group Inc. (Nasdaq:ICOC) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Intergrated Device Technology (Nasdaq:IDTI) and Geron Corp. (Nasdaq:GERN), Vivus Inc. (Nasdaq:VVUS) Conseco Inc. (Nasdaq:CNO) and STEC Inc. (Nasdaq:STEC).

Recent growth figures for China’s economy support further investment in the country.  Sure, it’s not an entirely “free” country and the blend of communism and capitalism is a far cry from our democratic and capitalist system here in the U.S.  But the numbers speak for themselves and China’s economy has been growing at an impressive 10% annually for the last three decades. And the government seems intent on continuing the rapid pace of economic growth, with the goal of improving the standard of living for its people.

The World Bank recently reported that China will surpass 8% growth in 2009, and will likely grow even more in 2010.  Bloomberg has said that the country’s manufacturing sector is growing at the fastest rate in five years, and industrial output will expand by 10.5% this year. This is all bullish news for China, and continued economic and population growth is certain to bode well for agriculture in the world most populous country.

You see, the Chinese government is concerned that climate change could spark a future food crisis and that the people could be at risk of famines similar to those that devastated the country in the early 1960’s.  So there is a big push to increase income for rural farmers and incentivize them to keep crop yields high...

Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq:SEED),Radian Group Inc. (Nasdaq:RDN) and Conseco Inc. (Nasdaq:CNO) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq:SEED),PDL Biopharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:PDLI) and Incyte Corp. (Nasdaq:INCY) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq:SEED), Netlist Inc. (Nasdaq:NLST) and Agfeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Origin Agritch Limited (Nasdaq:SEED), Financial Feed Corp (Nasdaq:FIF)  and Diedrich Coffee Inc (Nasdaq:DDRX) Lead Small-Cap Percentage Gainers are among the biggest percentage gainers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Loral and Space Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:LORL), 51Jobs Inc (Nasdaq:JOBS), Caribou Coffee Inc. (Nasdaq:CBOU), Steel Case Inc. (Nasdaq:SCS), SureWest Communications (Nasdaq:SURW) and Landrys Resturants Inc. (Nasdaq:LNY).

Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq:SEED), Bob Evans Farms Inc. (Nasdaq:BOBE) and Applied Signal Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:APSG) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Hub Group Inc. (Nasdaq:HUBG), Life Partners Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:LPHI), Utah Medical Products Inc. (Nasdaq:UTMD), Atlas Pipeline Partners LP (Nasdaq:APL), Technitrol Inc. (Nasdaq:TNL) and Rubicon Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:RBCN).

MAP Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:MAPP), Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq:SEED) and AgFeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (Nasdaq:SBLK), Take Two Interactive Software Inc. (Nasdaq:TTWO), Tessera Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:TSRA), Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ) and Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:VNDA).

MAP Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:MAPP), Syms Corp. (Nasdaq:SYMS) and AgFeed Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FEED) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Oxford Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:OXM), Tween Brands Inc. (Nasdaq:TWB), iPCS Inc. (Nasdaq:IPCS), Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq:SEED), Cedar Income Fund REIT (Nasdaq:CDR) and Monotype Imaging Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:TYPE).

FirstFed Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:FED), Zale Corp. (Nasdaq:ZLC) and Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq:SEED) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Targanta Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq:TARG), Alexza Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:ALXA), US Airways Group Inc. (Nasdaq:LCC), Isramco Inc. (Nasdaq:ISRL), Midwest Banc Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:MBHI) and MGIC Investment Corp. (Nasdaq:MTG).

Here are the biggest percentage gainers among small caps:

Small-cap stocks pushed higher in morning action, underpinned by a stronger-than-expected GDP report, which continued a string of recent bullish data surprises. However, gains were limited by a soft tone in the U.S. dollar and by climbing crude oil prices. At 9:52 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was up 1.74, or 0.24%, at 734.69.

The headline figure on GDP was at 3.3%, quite a bit better than the projection for a rise 2.7%, boosted by a 13.2% rise in export activity and by a bump in consumer spending from the release of tax stimulus checks. The latter is a temporary lift and it should be noted that this GDP report is for the second quarter, and we’re nearly two-thirds of the way through the third quarter now. Economic activity has slowed again … if the market wants to rally in the shadow of this GDP report, then there are probably other stories driving the push. The most likely story is that hedge funds are booking profits on shorts for month-end purposes, and that short-covering push is taking place at a time when volume is very thin ahead of the last summer holiday weekend in the United States.

In addition to the GDP report, weekly unemployment claims out this morning, and hit the forecast on the noggin at 425,000. While the headline number was in line with expectations, the continuing claims figure was at 3.42 million, which marks the highest point since November 2003. The number might not have been a surprise, but it also wasn’t anything for the bulls to get excited about either.

It is worth noting that economic data has been the story of late, starting with an upside surprise on consumer confidence Tuesday, continuing with durable goods orders Wednesday and then hitting another high note on GDP numbers this morning.

The morning focus on economic releases did manage to shuffle crude oil to the background, if only for a moment. That said, crude oil prices remain in rally mode, churning toward $120 dollars a barrel into the stock market open. Crude prices continue to climb as traders fret about the need for a risk premium as Tropical Storm Gustav is on a path that could threaten energy production in the Gulf of Mexico. As Gustav treks into the Gulf, it is expected to regain hurricane status; . . .

Shares of Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq:SEED) are gaining ground after the Chinese supplier of engineered seeds late Wednesday posted robust third-quarter results.

Revenues grew 7.73% in the quarter, while net income surged 63%, as the average selling price of Origin’s seeds increased and as volumes also edged up.

Shares gained 13%, or $0.63, to $5.37 out of the gate. For detailed price information and news stories on Origin Agritech, click SEED.  

YRC Worldwide Inc (Nasdaq:YRCW), Kosan Biosciences Inc (Nasdaq:KOSN) and China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: New Oriental Energy & Chemical Corp (Nasdaq:NOEC), NGAS Resources Inc (Nasdaq:NGAS), TASER International Inc (Nasdaq:TASR), Origin Agritech Ltd (Nasdaq:SEED), Mellanox Technologies Ltd (Nasdaq:MLNX) and China Sunergy Co Ltd (Nasdaq:CSUN).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Monotype Imaging Holdings Inc (Nasdaq:TYPE), United Natural Foods Inc (Nasdaq:UNFI) and Tessera Technologies (Nasdaq:TSRA) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: American Commercial Lines Inc (Nasdaq:ACLI), Macrovision Corp (Nasdaq:MVSN), SiRF Technology Hldgs Inc (Nasdaq:SIRF), UAL Corp (Nasdaq:UAUA), Middleby Corp (Nasdaq:MIDD) and Origin Agritech Ltd (Nasdaq:SEED).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Akeena Solar Inc (Nasdaq:AKNS), China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL) and Packeteer Inc (Nasdaq:PKTR) are among the most actively traded companies in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Origin Agritech Ltd (Nasdaq:SEED), Progenics Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:PGNX) and TASER International Inc (Nasdaq:TASR) are also among the most actively traded companies.

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

China Precision Steel Inc (Nasdaq:CPSL), China Sunergy Co Ltd (Nasdaq:CSUN) and Akeena Solar Inc (Nasdaq:AKNS) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Ascent Solar Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:ASTI), Origin Agritech Ltd (Nasdaq:SEED) and China Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology Ltd (Nasdaq:CNTF) are also among the most actively traded companies.

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Chinese agri-biotech researcher and supplier of crop seeds Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq: SEED) said this morning that its production and distribution facility in Chengdu and other provinces and cities experienced no serious damage from the recent earthquake in China’s Sichuan province and that there were no personnel casualties.

Despite the reassuring announcement, shares toppled 9%, or $0.60, to $6.04 in pre-market trading. For detailed price information and recent news stories about Origin Agritech, click SEED. 

Intevac, Inc. (Nasdaq:IVAC), Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. (Nasdaq:JOSB) and LCA-Vision Inc. (Nasdaq:LCAV) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Titan Machinery Inc. (Nasdaq:TITN), Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq:SEED) and eFuture Information Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:EFUT) 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:

Small-cap stocks pushed higher Monday, climbing to the highest point since early February as news of a large-cap candy merger stoked investor hope that the worst of the credit crunch has been endured. Despite the optimism spurred by renewed merger and acquisition activity, the advance Monday was relatively tame, with the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) gaining 3.49, or 0.48%, to 725.37. In addition, a late profit-taking spree Monday pressed the Russell off intraday highs and pulled the Dow and S&P 500 just slightly in the red.

A bullish tone for Monday’s action was set in motion overnight when Mars Inc. announced plans to acquire Wrigley (NYSE:WWY) for $23 billion, including a $6.5-billion stake financed by Warren Buffet. If the legendary “Oracle of Omaha” was ready to acquire companies in this sluggish economic environment, then it spurred investor hope that the overall stock market might be undervalued. However, in an interview with CNBC, Buffet cautioned that he thought the economic recovery in the United States could be more prolonged than many anticipate.

Perhaps some of the bullish gusto over the rise to three-month highs was tamed by surging commodity prices, which could not only raise input costs for many manufacturing companies, but also could crimp consumer spending habits and prolong the sluggish economy. On the commodities front, crude oil prices notched a fresh record high overnight just shy of $120 dollars a barrel, but the big . . .

Mercury Computer Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:MRCY), Houston American Energy Corp. (Nasdaq:HUSA) and Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq:SEED) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Community Bank Shares of Indiana, Inc. (Nasdaq:CBIN), STEC, Inc. (Nasdaq:STEC) and New Oriental Energy & Chemical Corp. (Nasdaq:NOEC) are also among the top small-cap percentage gainers.

Here are Monday's biggest percentage gainers among small caps:

Here are Monday’s biggest percentage gainers and losers in midday trading, along with top volume leaders, among companies with a market cap between $50 million and $750 million:

Biggest percentage gainers:

• Mercury Computer Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:MRCY), up 22.8% to $8.89 after the Chelmsford, Mass.-based maker of high-performance computers and software reported third-quarter net income of $1 million, or $0.04 per share. Wall Street analysts expected a loss of $0.01 per share.
• Houston American Energy Corp. (Nasdaq:HUSA), up 15.9% to $5.64 after the oil and gas exploration and production company despite no significant news from the Houston-based firm.
• Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq:SEED), up 15.7% to $7.50 despite no significant news from the China-based supplier of crop seeds. Investors on Internet message boards speculate a world food shortage might be pushing the price up.

Biggest percentage losers:

• Radware Ltd. (Nasdaq:RDWR), down 14% to $9.15, after reporting a wider-than-expected first-quarter loss and lower revenues.
• Image Sensing Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:ISNS), down 11% to $12.45 despite no significant news from the Saint Paul, Minn.-based maker of video processing products.
• Monarch Financial Holding, Inc. (Nasdaq:MNRK), down 10.6% to $10.05 despite no significant news from the Chesapeake, Va.-based bank holding company.

After opening lower, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) climbed into positive to flat territory midday, ahead of the Federal Reserve’s FOMC meeting Tuesday and Wednesday and the preliminary reading of first-quarter GDP.

At 11:52 a.m. ET, the Russell was up 1.76, or 0.24%, at 723.6, while the Dow gained 6.68, or 0.05%, to 12,898.54.

The Fed is expected to shave another 25 basis points off the federal-funds rate Wednesday, however Wall Street will watch to see if the central bank will pause its loosening monetary policy campaign after this week, as the economy confronts inflation.
 
Also this week, Wednesday serves up first quarter preliminary GDP, in which investors will be watching to see if the economy slipped into negative growth.

On the opening, the market found support on news that Mars Inc. and Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK) were acquiring Wrigley (NYSE:WWY) for a reported $22 billion to $23 billion. Buffet said his stake was $6.5 billion and that he was acting as a financing agent for the deal. From a broad market standpoint, . . .

TASER International, Inc. (Nasdaq:TASR), China Finance Online Co. (Nasdaq:JRJC) and Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq:SEED) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Sutor Technology Group Ltd. (Nasdaq:SUTR), E-Com Ventures, Inc. (Nasdaq:ECMV) and Radware Ltd. (Nasdaq:RDWR) 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:

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) opened in the red on news that U.S. orders of durable goods unexpectedly declined in February.

At 10:00 a.m. ET, the small-cap index had declined 5.56 points, or 0.79%, to 699.71. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was off 89.79 points, or 0.72%, to 12,442.81.

New orders for manufactured durable goods decreased $3.6 billion, or 1.7%, to $210.6 billion in February, the U.S. Census Bureau announced before the opening. Economists were expecting durable goods, which are goods expected to last at least three years, to increase 0.8% after falling a downwardly revised 4.7% in January.

Shipments declined while inventories and unfulfilled . . .

Technology-focused supplier of crop seeds in China Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq: SEED) reported after Tuesday’s close that it narrowed its fiscal first-quarter net loss from a year ago, while revenues jumped 37% mainly due to sales of canola seeds. Shares slid 5%, or $0.33, to $6.21 in pre-market trading.

For detailed price information and recent news stories about Origin Agritech, click SEED.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures are lower and the small-cap index will open in the red on news that U.S. durable goods orders unexpectedly declined in February.

Orders for durable goods fell 1.7% in February, the U.S. Census Bureau reported before the start of trading. Economists were expecting durable goods, which are goods expected to last at least three years, to increase 0.8% after falling a downwardly revised 4.7% in January.

Elsewhere in the same report, orders for nondefense capital goods excluding aircraft, an important measure of business spending, also declined.

The Russell 2000 had a relatively quiet session Tuesday, rising 3.99, or 0.57%, to 705.27. Look for resistance Wednesday at 712 and 724, while support comes in at 700, 694 and 686.

There could be mild volatility today. New Home Sales are released at 10:00 a.m. ET and could spark a little move outside of the norm.

 

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) closed in positive territory today as investors disregarded bearish economic news. The small-cap index rose 3.99 points, or 0.57%, to 705.27. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) fell 16.04 points, or 0.13%, to 12,532.60.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has declined 7.93%, while the Dow is down 5.52% and the S&P 500 has shed 7.86%.

Despite a rocky start, small-cap stocks rose for the third consecutive session as the momentum from Monday’s rally empowered the bulls despite generally bearish economic news.

The Conference Board reported before the opening that its index of consumer confidence fell to a five-year low of 64.5 in March from an upwardly . . .

Origin Agritech Ltd. (Nasdaq: SEED) reported this morning that the Ministry of Agriculture in China has approved two new corn hybrid varieties of its product line for nationwide distribution during the next sales season.

The Beijing-based small cap said the approval, which includes two new corn seed products known as Lin Ao 9 and Ao Yu 28, will extend its geographic reach throughout China. Since both products were given nationwide approval, they may be sold into any regions of China, according to Origin.

“We did have the reach before, excluding Taiwan and Hong Kong, but this helps us gain more seed coverage,” said Irving Kau, vice president of Finance at Origin.

Origin currently has 4.8% of the corn seed market, according to Kau, which is estimated to be a $1 billion market. According to Eddie Cheung, head of investor relations for Origin, the company sells in 30 of the 32 provinces in China.

With today’s approval, the company now has over 55 total corn hybrids approved for sale into the marketplace next year.

Revenues from corn products comprised roughly 75% of total revenues in 2007, and are expected to continue to be the main revenue driver going forward, according to the company.

“Their geographic reach is pretty expansive within the country,” said Cheung. “In terms of market share, the corn seed market in China is really fragmented, so there’s really not a dominant player with a majority market share. [But] I think having a broader portfolio product mix should help capture market share for the company.” 

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

Stocks are set for a modest rebound following a decline on Friday due to news of a disappointing February jobs report. With no major news on the economic calendar today, investors will be focusing their attention elsewhere.

The Russell 2000 was able to fight off the sloppy employment report and held just above the previous January lows on Friday, closing down 2.66, or 0.40% at 660.11. Still, it marked the lowest close on weekly charts since October 2005, and sets up that 650 area as vital support into this week’s action.

The Wholesale Trade data this morning at 10:00 a.m. ET is usually a yawner for traders, and shouldn’t be of much concern for stocks. In fact, the outside risk from economic reports won’t really kick into high gear until we get to Thursday’s Retail Sales release. Look for resistance on a bounce this morning at 666, 674 and 680. Meanwhile, support is at 654 and then at 650. A breach of the latter opens the door to a support vacuum as the market would be at long-term lows.

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

Stocks small and large are set for a bearish opening following news after the close on Monday that chip maker Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC) lowered its first-quarter gross margin forecast to 54% from 56% earlier. The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company blamed lower than expected prices for some flash memory chips.

The Russell 2000 closed down 1.96, or 0.29% at 684.22. Although the price action was primarily bearish in nature, the market generated a nice afternoon recovery off important chart support and has the potential to kick-start higher Tuesday if immediate support holds up along the 680-683 area. Below there, small caps need to hold 675 or risk a sudden freefall back down to the 650 low. On the upside, resistance comes in Tuesday at 694, 701 and 712.

There are no economic reports to whipsaw the market Tuesday, but there are several Federal Reserve speakers on tap, including Chairman Bernanke. It’s always wise to be cautious whenever the chairman speaks, but his topic is expected to be about foreclosures, so it might not be all that market-moving in nature. In addition, traders might be preoccupied watching coverage of the voting in the Ohio and Texas primaries.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) lost ground and fell more than the other major U.S. indices as economic concerns brought out the bears. The small-cap index declined 10.72 points, or 1.50%, to 705.72. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) shed 112.10 points, or 0.88%, to 12,582.18.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has retreated 7.87%, while the Dow is down 5.15% and the S&P 500 has let go 6.86%.

Fourth-quarter economic growth was as slow as initially projected, an inflation gauge moved up, and some small banks might not survive the subprime meltdown, according to today’s economic news.

Small-cap stocks fell out of the gate on news that the U.S. Commerce Department reaffirmed its initial estimate for fourth-quarter economic growth of 0.6% at an annual rate, disappointing economists expecting an upward revision to 0.8%.

The same report showed that an index measuring the prices paid by U.S. residents increased 3.9%, above the initial estimate of 3.8%.

Separately, the U.S. Labor Department said that jobless claims for the week ended Feb. 23 were 373,000, a larger-than-expected increase from the preceding week’s upwardly revised level of 354,000.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures are lower and the small-cap index will open with a drop on weak economic news.

The U.S. Commerce Department did not change its initial estimate for fourth-quarter economic growth, reaffirming its preliminary projection for a 0.6% annual rate. The economy grew 4.9% during the third quarter.

More worrying than the preliminary GDP number, today’s estimate revised upward inflation gauges.

Separately, the U.S. Labor Department said that jobless claims for the week ended Feb. 23 increased.

The Russell 2000 was basically flat at the close Wednesday, after stalling near Tuesday’s highs, leaving yet another double-top formation on daily studies. The index finished at 716.44, down 0.88 point, or 0.12%, and traded in a relatively tame range given the potential volatility that could have flared up around Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s testimony.

Bernanke's back on the docket today at 10:00 a.m. ET, testifying on the economy before the Senate Banking Committee. Although much of the tilt may be a repeat of Wednesday’s Congressional presentation, there could be fresh bits that filter through and have an impact on stocks. Look for resistance Thursday at 723.50 and 731, while support looms down at 712, 704 and 694.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices moved up today on news of a stronger-than-expected profit at International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM). The small-cap index gained 7.83 points, or 1.11%, to 712.48. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) added 171.85 points, or 1.36%, to 12,778.15.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 is off 6.99%, while the Dow has lost 3.67% and the S&P 500 has declined 3.55%.

Stocks small and large got off to a positive start as the bulls dominated trading today on news that IBM, the largest information technology company in the world, reported better-than-expected preliminary quarterly results.

The Armonk, New York-based company expects earnings from continuing operations for the quarter ended Dec. 31 to be $2.80 per share, above analysts’ projections of $2.60 per share.

Investors clearly liked the news so much that they disregarded a forecast from Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based retailer Sears Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: SHLD), which forecasted that fourth-quarter earnings will be below analysts’ expectations due to a decline in same-store holiday sales.

That’s troubling because it points to a negative economic trend.

The announcement from Sears is the latest sign that consumer spending, which comprises about 70% of U.S. gross domestic product, has begun to slow. In the past few weeks many U.S. retailers, including those catering to the wealthy, have reported slugging sales.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices fell today on more financial problems and fears of a consumer slowdown. The small-cap index dropped 15.56 points, or 2.16%, to 704.65. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) retreated 246.79 points, or 1.92%, to 12,606.30.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has lost 8.01%, while the Dow is off 4.96% and the S&P 500 has shed 4.59%.

The bears were in the driver’s seat today as news of more pain at major financial firms sparked worries that the subprime mortgage mess could take its toll on the American consumer.

Small-cap stocks opened with a drop and never looked up on news that Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MER), the world’s largest brokerage house, may incur $15 billion in losses from investments in securities backed by mortgage loans.

Mortgage lenders nationwide frequently packaged loans and sold them as securities to financial companies, and as a result both parties have suffered billions in losses as U.S. home prices started to stagnate in the second half of 2006 and many borrowers defaulted on their loans and went into foreclosure.

Adding to the gloom was New York-based credit card issuer American Express Co. (NYSE: AXP), which announced that it will absorb a fourth-quarter pretax charge of about $440 million due to slower spending by card members and an increase in delinquencies.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices posted losses today following mixed housing news and more mortgage concerns. The small-cap index fell 19.09 points, or 2.64%, to 704.86. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) lost 238.42 points, or 1.86%, to 12,589.07.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has declined 7.99%, while the Dow is down 5.09% and the S&P 500 has shrunk 5.32%.

Small-cap stocks opened in positive territory and then gained more following news of an announcement at 10 a.m. ET that pending U.S. home sales fell 2.6% in November to a reading of 87.6.

The decline is more than what economists were expecting, but investors apparently liked the fact that the figures for October and September were revised higher.

Additionally, the National Association of Realtors reported that it expects existing-home sales to hold steady during the following months before rising later in the year and improving in 2009.

“On the one hand, we have a pent-up demand from the four million jobs added to our economy over the past two years of sales decline,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, in a statement. “On the other, consumers continue to wait for additional signs of market stabilization.”

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) posted a gain for the first time in 2008 as most of the major U.S. indices ended a turbulent session in positive territory. The small-cap index climbed 2.35 points, or 0.33%, to 723.95. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) advanced 27.31 points, or 0.21%, to 12,827.49.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has lost 5.49%, while the Dow is down 3.30% and the S&P 500 has retreated 3.55%.

Small-cap stocks went on a rollercoaster ride that ended with a late-session rally that pushed the index into the green. Equities started the day higher, then fell abruptly after about 30 minutes and bounced around for the remainder of trading.

With no major news releases scheduled for today, investors turned their attention to future policy actions aimed at improving the U.S. economy and preventing a recession.

“The housing downturn and credit disruption will weigh on our economy and impose a penalty on our economic growth,” Treasury secretary Henry Paulson said in a speech to the New York Society of Securities Analysts this afternoon. “We will likely have further indications of slower growth in the weeks and months ahead.”

However, Paulson did not mention any new measures the Bush administration is planning to keep the economy moving forward and reiterated his belief that there will be no recession.

“While growth looks to have slowed considerably in the last part of 2007, our economy remains resilient and I expect it to continue to grow,” he said.

Also addressing the economy was President Bush, who called on the U.S. Congress to make some of his income tax cuts permanent and urged the passing of a number of housing-related proposals.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures are higher and the small-cap index will likely open in positive territory.

There is little in the way of economic or corporate releases today, but investors are stepping up to buy shares after a sharp decline on Friday following news of a worse-than-expected December jobs report.

Helping fuel the bullish mood on pre-market trading today is speculation that the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut interest rates to prevent the economy from slipping into recession. The Fed is scheduled to kick-off a two-day meeting on Jan. 29. At its previous meeting on Dec. 11, it lowered the federal funds rate to 4.25% from 4.50%.

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:

• Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (FOLD), up 14% on news of positive results from a clinical trial of a drug candidate.
• Maxwell Technologies, Inc. (MXWL), up 10% on news an automotive electronics maker selected its products.
• Origin Agritech Ltd. (SEED), up 9%.

Biggest percentage losers:

• American Railcar Industries, Inc. (ARII), down 8%.
• TiVo Inc. (TIVO) down 5%.
• ShoreTel Inc. (SHOR) down 4% on news it projects fiscal second-quarter revenue will be below the previously announced range.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices tumbled as news of a poor jobs report raised fears about the health of the U.S. economy. The small-cap index fell 23.44 points, or 3.15%, to 721.57, its sixth consecutive decline. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) dropped 256.54 points, or 1.96%, to 12,800.18.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 is down 5.80%, while the Dow has lost 3.50% and the S&P 500 has dropped 3.86%.

Stocks fell hard and the bears dominated the session today on news before the start of trading that nonfarm payroll employment rose a paltry 18,000 in December, according to the U.S. Labor Department. Economists were projecting job growth of 70,000 following an upwardly revised figure of 115,000 in November.

“Service sector job gains were offset by sharp job losses in construction and manufacturing,” said Arun Raha, vice president of Economic Research and Consulting for the North American operations of reinsurance company Swiss Re, in an email. “Within services, a cautious retail sector hired less than usual this holiday season.”

The unemployment rate jumped to 5% from 4.7%. That translates to a total of 7.7 million unemployed people, an increase of 474,000 from the level in November. Economists were forecasting the jobless rate to rise to 4.8%.

“This slowdown in employment growth, in an environment of high oil prices, soft manufacturing and weak confidence, will soften consumer spending,” Raha continued. Consumption comprises about 70% of U.S. gross domestic product.

Does that mean a recession is all but inevitable? Not necessarily.

“The latest data imply at least a 50/50 chance of recession,” said Raha. “Unemployment insurance claims are still below the typical rate preceding a recession, so a recession may not happen.”