Consumer spending rose in February marking the fifth month in a row of gains to lift the markets higher during the midday with the Dow climbing 32 points to 10,883. Nasdaq rose 7 points to 2402.
On the upside
Goldman Sachs cited superior growth for placing Southwestern Energy (NYSE: SWN) on the company's Americas conviction buy list.
Oxygen Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: OXBT) introduced its new skin care product line Dermacyte Oxygen.