Tag - Txi

ARCA biopharma Inc. (Nasdaq:ABIO), Hot Topic Inc. (Nasdaq:HOTT) and Drew Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:DW) are among the biggest percentage losers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Patriot Coal Corp. (Nasdaq:PCX), Providence Service Corp. (Nasdaq:PRSC), Texas Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:TXI), AnnTaylor Stores Corp. (Nasdaq:ANN), Heritage Commerce Corp. (Nasdaq:HTBK) and BPZ Resources Inc. (Nasdaq:BPZ).

Trina Solar Ltd. (Nasdaq:TSL), LDK Solar Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:LDK) and Citi Trends Inc. (Nasdaq:CTRN) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ), Texas Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:TXI), Scholastic Corp. (Nasdaq:SCHL), Gibraltar Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:ROCK), GT Solar International Inc. (Nasdaq:SOLR) and Woodward Governor Co. (Nasdaq:WGOV).

Small-cap stocks edged higher as earnings were a little better than feared (though still weak overall) and as investors are hoping for quick action from the Treasury Department now that the confirmation of Obama’s new Treasury leader has been wrapped up. However, soft readings on consumer confidence appeared to stall buying interest. At 10:05 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was up 2.34, or 0.52%, at 452.40.

The consumer confidence report came in at 37.7, below the forecast of 39, and which pulled equity markets slightly off the early highs. Earlier today, the Case-Shiller Home Price Index fell 2.2% in November from the previous month and was down 18.2% from year-ago levels, which marks a record decline in home values. The month-over-month decline was slightly worse than forecast, but the stock index futures seemed to weather the data well ahead of the opening. Although this data series looks gloomy, Monday’s existing home sales report came in above expectations and helped fuel a rise in equities. On Thursday, new home sales data will help provide further information about the housing market.

Some of the early rise in equities was tied to optimism that the Treasury Department will now act quickly to bolster bank balance sheets and fuel lending now that Timothy Geithner has been confirmed to the top post at the Treasury.

Earnings news this morning was mixed, with Texas Instruments Inc. (NYSE:TXI) missing the forecast, but the stock was holding steady shortly after the opening. Du Pont and Co. (NYSE:DD) lowered the 2009 outlook and was off about 1% this morning, while Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) basically met the forecast, but was down 5%. On the upside, United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) released strong results and rose 7%.

Crude oil futures fell about $2 a barrel shortly after the opening, pulled down by worries about growing inventories ahead of the weekly stockpile tally from the American Petroleum Institute this afternoon and the Energy Information Association on Wednesday. Oil stocks were a strong performer Monday despite sloppy . . .

U.S. stocks are expected to open modestly higher, with support tied to the confirmation of Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary while weak profits hamper buying interest. Stocks in Europe and Asia were mixed overnight, with Europe down on weak metals and chemical firms, while Asia was up on takeover optimism. The Dow was expected to open 40 points higher, while the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was seen up 0.5% near 452.00.

On the earnings front, Texas Instruments Inc. (NYSE:TXI) missed the estimate after the closing bell Monday afternoon and DuPont and Co. (NYSE:DD) reported a loss and trimmed the 2009 forecast, which continues a gloomy earnings season.

Crude oil prices were off about $1 a barrel ahead of the stock market open, which could weigh on energy shares after that group was a major upside influence on Monday’s rally. Copper prices tumbled 5% in overseas trading last night amid ample supplies, which is a worrisome note for the global economy as copper is a key ingredient for building materials. The U.S. dollar was basically flat against both the euro and the yen this morning, while Treasury markets were modestly higher.

The chart picture for small caps shows that the market is trapped in a mini-range loosely defined by the inauguration day collapse. A decisive breach in either direction of that range (defined by 466.45 on the upside; 433.65 on the downside) . . .

CTS Corp. (Nasdaq:CTS), Theravance Inc. (Nasdaq:THRX) and Texas Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:TXI) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Commonwealth Bankshares Inc. (Nasdaq:CWBS), ATA Inc. (Nasdaq:ATAI), China East Air Depository Receipt (Nasdaq:CEA), Blyth Inc. (Nasdaq:BTH), Mentor Corp. (Nasdaq:MNT) and PHH Corp. (Nasdaq:PHH).