Strong manufacturing activity in the mid-Atlantic region lifted the markets to a higher close with the Dow gaining 29 points to 12,318. Nasdaq rose 6 points to 2831.
On the upside
Fourth quarter earnings more than doubled for Cliffs Natural Resources (NYSE: CLF) on higher prices and increased demand.
Cabela's (NYSE: CAB) reported sharply higher fourth quarter earnings that nearly quadrupled to surpass analyst expectations by a wide margin.