Merger news lifted the markets during the midday with the Dow rising 25 points to 16,986. Nasdaq held steady at 4449.
On the upside
China BAK Battery (Nasdaq: CBAK) entered a strategic cooperation agreement with Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics of China Academy of Sciences to research and develop next-generation battery technology.
Shares of Move (Nasdaq: MOVE) rose on news of Zillow's (Nasdaq: Z) offer for Trulia (NYSE: TRLA).
GOL Linhas (NYSE: GOL) reported a record load factor and customer satisfaction level for June.
On the downside
Compass Minerals International (NYSE: CMP) fell to an unexpected loss for the second quarter.
Ceragon Networks (NYSE: CRNT) swung to a profit for the second quarter but margins fell.
Greenlight Capital sold its holdings in Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD).
In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of nearly 5 to 4 on the NYSE and by more than 3 to 2 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 added a point to 1979. Bitcoin lost $7 to $582.