Consumer spending fell last month to weigh the markets down during the midday with the Dow slipping 16 points to 16,682. Nasdaq lost 3 points to 4,244.
On the upside
Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) reported better than expected earnings for the first quarter.
FT Alphaville said that Shire (Nasdaq: SHPG) may make an offer for NPS Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: NPSP).
RadioShack (NYSE: RSH) extended its gains.
On the downside
Lions Gate (NYSE: LGF) disappointed with lower fourth quarter earnings and revenue that missed analyst expectations.
First quarter earnings plunged for Express (NYSE: EXPR) to fall far short of analyst expectations and the retailer warned of losses for the second quarter.
Pacific Sunwear (Nasdaq: PSUN) narrowed losses for the first quarter but the company forecast second quarter earnings and revenue below analyst expectations.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 10 to 9 on the NYSE while delivers barely edged out advancers by nearly 10 to 9 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 edged up a fraction to 1921. Bitcoin gained $38.00 or 6.31% to $602.25.
