Optimism that weaker than expected retail sales will delay tapering of the Federal Reserve's bond buying program lifted the markets during the midday with the Dow rising 24 points to 15,488. Nasdaq gained 7 points to 3607.
On the upside
Shares of LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK), Suntech Power (NYSE: STP), Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL) and Yingli Green Energy (NYSE: YGE) all soared on China's plan to quadruple its solar power generating capacity to more than 35 gigawatt by 2015.
Inteliquent (Nasdaq: IQNT) increased its 2013 revenue guidance.
Duff Brothers Capital will pay approximately $38.2 million in cash to acquire Frozen Food Express (Nasdaq: FFEX).
On the downside
Ingredion (NYSE: INGR) blamed challenges in Argentina for lowering its second quarter earnings outlook as well as its full year guidance.
Rising mortgage rates weighed down shares of DR Horton (NYSE: DHI).
BB&T Capital Markets downgraded ExOne (Nasdaq: XONE) from a Buy rating to a Hold rating.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 2 to 1 on the NYSE and by 5 to 3 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 index added 2 points to 1682.
