A jump in first time applications for unemployment benefits sent the markets down to a lower open with the Dow tumbling 87 points to 15,755. Nasdaq slipped 7 points to 3996.
On the upside
Fortis will pay a premium of approximately $2.5 billion to acquire UNS Energy (NYSE: UNS).
An investigational new drug application is expected to be filed for GenVec's (NYSE: SEM) CGF166 in January 2014.
Synta Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SNTA) reported positive interim results from a Phase 2 study of its breast cancer treatment ganetespib.
On the downside
Lululemon (Nasdaq: LULU) reported higher third quarter earnings that topped analyst estimates but the yoga apparel maker forecast disappointing current quarter sales.
IAMGOLD (NYSE: IAG) suspended all dividend payments until further notice.
Taminco (NYSE: TAM) priced its secondary offering of 10 million common shares at the discounted price of $20 per share.
In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of 5 to 3 on the NYSE and by nearly 5 to 4 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 lost 5 points to 1776. Bitcoin fell $55.62 or 5.82% to $900.00.