The markets advanced during the midday with the Dow gaining 57 points to 14,859 as jobless claims tumbled more than expected. Nasdaq held steady at 3297.
On the upside
Shares of Chimerix (Nasdaq: CMRX) soared in its market debut.
Ross Stores (Nasdaq: ROST) reported an unexpected 2% gain in March same store sales.
March same store sales climbed 2.1% for Zumiez (Nasdaq: ZUMZ).
On the downside
Synergy Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: SGYP) priced its public offering of 16.375 million common shares at the discounted price of $5.50 per share.
Rumors circulated that Chicago Bridge & Iron (NYSE: CBI) client Woodside Petroleum may change its plans for a $45 billion Browse liquefied natural gas project.
A Seeking Alpha contributor suggested that OCZ Technology (Nasdaq: OCZ) may file for bankruptcy protection within six months.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 5 to 3 on the NYSE and by more than 10 to 9 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 index added 5 points to 1593.
