Trade deficit narrows, markets close higher

A narrowing of the nation's trade deficit boosted the markets to a higher close with the Dow gaining 64 points to 18,076. Nasdaq climbed 22 points to 5,099.

On the upside

Revance Therapeutics (Nasdaq: RVNC) will initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial of RT001 to treat crows feet lines and a Phase 2 study to treat hyperhidrosis.

Shares of Voltari (Nasdaq: VLTC) surged on no news.

Celator Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: CPXX) completed enrollment in a Phase 2 study of CPX-351 Liposome Injection in patients with acute hematologic malignancies.

On the downside

Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU) will cut metallurgical coal production by 1.5 million tons per year at its North Goonyella Mine in Queensland, Australia.

Shares of Hanwha Q CELLS (Nasdaq: HQCL) extended its losses.

Ameren will not extend a power contract to Noranda Aluminum's (NYSE: NOR) smelter in New Madrid.

In the broad market, declining issues barely edged out advancers by a slim margin on the NYSE while advancers outpaced decliners by more than 2 to 1 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 added 4 points to 2114. Bitcoin held steady at $226.