First time applications for unemployment benefits rose less than expected last week to lift the markets to a higher open with the Dow gaining 70 points to 21,082. Nasdaq climbed 27 points to 6,190.
On the upside
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: BCRX) reported additional positive data from a second interim analysis of its Phase 2 APeX-1 clinical trial.
Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) reported first quarter earnings that beat expectations.
Sears Holdings (Nasdaq: SHLD) reversed year ago losses to post an unexpected profit for the first quarter.
On the downside
International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) reported a greater than expected loss for the first quarter.
Costamere (NYSE: CMRE) priced its public offering of 13.5 million common shares at the discounted price of $7.10 per share.
Hormel Foods (NYSE: HRL) disappointed with lower second quarter earnings and revenue that fell short of expectations.
The broader S&P 500 gained 8 points to 2,412. Bitcoin leaped $264 to $2710.