On the upside
Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE: WMT) posted flat 2nd quarter earnings that beat expectations and raised the low end of its profit outlook for the year.
Communications and information technology company Harris Corp. (NYSE: HRS) posted a sizable 4th quarter loss, but investors saw past the one-time charges and focused on higher revenues.
Shares of BioSante Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: BPAX) surged after the company reported positive late stage results for its testosterone gel for women.
Shares of Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) rose after John Paulson's hedge fund took a significant stake in the company.
On the downside
LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK) posted a 2nd quarter loss due to inventory charges. An analyst promptly downgraded the stock to "sell".
Chinese online gaming operator Netease (Nasdaq: NTES) reported earnings that beat estimates, but warned that its margins may be squeezed by higher marketing and personnel costs.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 2 to 1 on the NYSE and by more than 3 to 2 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks added a point to 573.
