Despite concerns about capital reserves of Spanish banks, the markets closed modestly higher with the Dow rising 12 points to 13,494 as the nation's private employers added more jobs than expected in September. Nasdaq gained 15 points to 3135.
On the upside
Human Resource Executive magazine named Monster Worldwide's (NYSE: MWW) SeeMore recruiting platform one of the top products of 2012.
Alere (NYSE: ALR) and the Food and Drug Administration agreed on product specifications for the company's Triage diagnostic products.
MSCI (NYSE: MSCI) engaged in advanced discussions for a possible acquisition of IPD Group.
On the downside
Xyratex (Nasdaq: XRTX) disappointed with lower third quarter earnings the fell short of analyst expectations and the company warned of losses for the current quarter.
Superior Energy Services (NYSE: SPN) warned of lower third quarter earnings in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac.
Stifel Nicolaus downgraded Heartland Payment Systems (NYSE: HPY) to a Sell rating.
In the broad market, advancing issues were on par with decliners on the NYSE while decliners edged out advancers by more than 10 to 9 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks eased a point to 838.
Modestly Higher Close On Upbeat Jobs Data
October 03, 2012 at 18:57 PM EDT
