Markets Mixed Over Economic Data

The markets traded mixed during the midday as a sharper than expected drop in factory orders tempered news of a surge in consumer sentiment. The Dow slipped 5 points to 8162 while Nasdaq added a point to 1718.

On the upside

James River Coal (Nasdaq: JRCC) reversed year ago losses to post a profit as the average price of Central Appalachian coal climbed.

Private label soft drink maker Cott (NYSE: COT) swung to a profit due to cost cutting measures.

DryShips (NYSE: DRYS) reported a first quarter loss but the results beat expectations.

On the downside

Evergreen Solar (Nasdaq: ESLR) blamed a significant charge for widening first quarter losses.

Reliant Energy (NYSE: RRI) completed the sale of its Texas retail business to NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG) and announced the retirement of board chairman Joel Staff on June 18.

Although first quarter earnings rose for Aon (NYSE: AOC) due to cost cutting measures, the results fell short of estimates.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 4 to 3 on the NYSE and by 1nearly 10 to 9 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap added a point to 488.