A sharp drop in unemployment applications along with easing crude oil prices sent the markets soaring with the Dow rocketing 191 points to close at 12,258. Nasdaq leaped 50 points to 2798.
On the upside
USA Technologies (Nasdaq: USAT) announced a record 6.4 million small-ticket transactions representing $10.3 million processed in February 2011.
Wendy'sArby's Group (NYSE: WEN) narrowed fourth quarter losses and suggested that selling its Arby's brand would positively impact earnings.
Western Refining (NYSE: WNR) narrowed losses for the fourth quarter even as revenue slipped.
On the downside
