The markets opened higher with the Dow gaining 70 points to 16,468 as crude oil prices rose. Nasdaq soared 44 points to 4,682.
On the upside
Biocept (NYSE: BIOC) entered an agreement to allow Blue Cross Blue Shield members access to Biocept's suite of blood-based biopsy testing.
Intrawest Resorts Holdings (NYSE: SNOW) commenced a modified Dutch auction tender offer to purchase up to $50 million of its common stock.
Super Micro Computer (Nasdaq: SMCI) reported preliminary second quarter earnings and revenue that topped previous guidance.
On the downside
Eldorado Gold (NYSE: EGO) suspended mining projects in Greece.
Market Realist noted that Teekay Tankers (NYSE: TNK) provided a 0% return to investors in the fourth quarter.
Ascena Retail (Nasdaq: ASNA) reported a 4% drop in same store sales over the holiday shopping season.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 4 to 1 on the NYSE and by more than 5 to 1 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 leaped 20 points to 1,943. Bitcoin lost $3 to $444.
