An unexpected drop in January retail sales weighed the markets down to a lower open with the Dow slipping 14 points to 15,949. Nasdaq added 8 points to 4209.
On the upside
The Journal of Cardiiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia published a study indicating that Oxygen Biotherapeutics' (Nasdaq: OXBT) levosimendan significantly improved post-operative kidney function.
Fourth quarter earnings slipped for ION Geophysical (NYSE: IO) but revenue climbed to a record high.
LiveDeal (Nasdaq: LIVE) launched livedeal.com in New York City.
On the downside
Whole Foods Market (Nasdaq: WFM) reported higher first quarter earnings and revenue but the results fell short of analyst expectations and the natural and organic grocery store chain cut its full year guidance.
The Food and Drug Administration issued a complete response letter to DURECT (Nasdaq: DRRX) saying that approval for POSIDUR's new drug application was not possible in its current form.
Fourth quarter earnings edged up for LeapFrog (NYSE: LF) but revenue dropped and the results fell short of expectations.
In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of nearly 5 to 4 on the NYSE and by nearly 10 to 9 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 eased a point to 1818. Bitcoin fell $79.79 or 15.96% to $500.00.
