Upbeat earnings from major retailers Wal-Mart and Home Depot boosted the markets to a higher close with the Dow soaring 118 points to 20,743. Nasdaq climbed 27 points to 5,865.
On the upside
Tronox (NYSE: TROX) reversed year ago losses to post a profit for the fourth quarter and announced plans to acquire the TiO(2) business of Cristal.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Nasdaq: PLKI) will be acquired by Burger King owner Restaurant Brands International for approximately $1.8 billion in cash.
Exact Sciences (Nasdaq: EXAS) narrowed fourth quarter losses more than expected as revenue more than doubled.
On the downside
Rentech (Nasdaq: RTK) idled its Wawa facility and announced plans to explore strategic alternatives.
Global Eagle Entertainment (Nasdaq: ENT) appointed Jeff Leddy to the position of chief executive officer to replace Dave Davis who resigned.
The Food and Drug Administration issued a Complete Response Letter to Amphastar Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: AMPH) for its New Drug Application for Naloxone Hydrochloride Nasal Spray for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose.
The broader S&P 500 index climbed 14 points to 2,365. Bitcoin soared $46 to $1,097.
