Investors Pin Hopes On European Union, Markets Close Mixed

February 12, 2010 at 15:45 PM EST

Investors sold off on China's decision to increase bank reserve requirements but remained optimistic that the European Union will create a successful assistance program for financially strapped nations. The markets closed mixed with the Dow falling 45 points to 10,099 while Nasdaq rose 6 points to 2183.

On the upside

Macworld 2010 Exposition selected Microvision's (Nasdaq: MVIS) SHOWWX laser pico projector for the Best of Show award.

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory satellite that was launched yesterday uses GenCorp's (NYSE: GY) Aerojet 100 lbf bipropellant apogee engine.

Airlines posted their best on-time arrival rate in six years to lift shares of US Airways (NYSE: LCC).

On the downside

Fourth quarter investment income for Hercules Technology Growth Capital (Nasdaq: HTGC) fell and the company announced a $35 million stock repurchase plan.

While fourth quarter earnings and revenue rose for eHealth (Nasdaq: EHTH), the results missed expectations.

Group 1 Automotive (NYSE: GPI) narrowed losses for the fourth quarter but still fell short of estimates.

In the broad market, advancing issues barely edged out decliners by a slim margin on the NYSE and by more than 7 to 5 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks gained 5 points to 610.