The nation's trade deficit fell in February to lift the markets to a higher close with the Dow gaining 39 points to 20,689. Nasdaq added 3 points to 5,898.
On the upside
Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: CYCC) presented preclinical data outlining the potential therapeutic utility of CYC140 to treat esophageal cancer and acute leukemia.
AmTrust Financial Services (Nasdaq: AFSI) completed the restatement of financial statements for 2014 and 2015 and is now current on all Nasdaq Stock Market and NYSE listing requirements.
General Communication (Nasdaq: GNCMA) will be acquired by Liberty Interactive (Nasdaq: QVCA, QVCB, LVNTA, LVNTB).
On the downside
Acuity Brands (NYSE: AYI) reported second quarter earnings that fell short of expectations.
Corvus Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: CRVS) reported interim data from an ongoing Phase 1/1b study of CPI-444 to treat advanced cancers.
Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU) emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
In the broad market, advancing issues barely edged out decliners by a slim margin on the NYSE while decliners outpaced advancers by 7 to 5 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 index added a point to 2,360. Bitcoin fell $12 to $1135.