Greek talks continue, markets close higher

The markets closed modestly higher with the Dow rising 26 points to 18,298 as talks continued between Greece and its creditors. Nasdaq climbed 30 points to 5,078.

On the upside

PlasmaTech Biopharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: PTBI) closed its acquisition of Abeona Therapeutics. Also, H.C. Wainwright initiated coverage of PlasmaTech Biopharmaceuticals with a Buy rating

Shares of Resolute Energy (NYSE: REN) continued rising.

Jefferies upgraded Seventy Seven Energy (NYSE: SSE) from a Hold rating to a Buy rating.

On the downside

Yingli Green Energy (NYSE: YGE) said that it may not be able to meet its payment obligations.

Shares of ITT Educational Services (NYSE: ESI) fell again.

Goldman Sachs downgraded Petrobras (NYSE: PBR) from a Neutral rating to a Sell rating.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of 5 to 4 on the NYSE and by more than 5 to 3 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 added 6 points 2129. Bitcoin eased $1 to $234.