The markets closed lower with the Dow dropping 78 points to 10,751 as new factory orders fell. Nasdaq tumbled 26 points to 2344.
On the upside
Dynamex (Nasdaq: DDMX) agreed to be taken private by Greenbriar Equity in a deal valued at approximately $210 million.
Liz Claiborne (NYSE: LIZ) was one of the top percentage gainers among retail stocks in the third quarter.
Ventas will pay approximately $41.5 million to acquire Sunrise Senior Living's (NYSE: SRZ) joint venture interests.
On the downside
American Express (NYSE: AXP) will challenge the Department of Justice's allegations of antitrust violations.
Huron Consulting (Nasdaq: HURN) cut its full year revenue guidance and announced the sale of its disputes and investigations business to Grant Thornton.
UBS analyst Uche Orji warned that Micron Technology's (Nasdaq: MU) fourth quarter earnings may fall short.
In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of more than 5 to 2 on both the NYSE and on Nasdaq.