The markets closed modestly higher with the Dow gaining 17 points to 13,488 as investors weighed upbeat earnings news against a widening trade deficit. Nasdaq rose 3 points to 3125.
On the upside
Delek US Holdings (NYSE: DK) stock continued rising after announcing on Wednesday that it would pay approximately $5.3 million to acquire a biodiesel production facility in Texas.
Mad Money's Jim Cramer upgraded Georgia Gulf (NYSE: GGC) to a Buy rating.
Seeking Alpha listed BioCryst Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: BCRX) among flu vaccine makers for investors to consider in the midst of the current flu epidemic.
On the downside
CRT Capital downgraded Century Aluminum (Nasdaq: CENX) to a Sell rating. TheStreet affirmed its Hold rating on Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU).
China Ming Yang Wind Power Group (NYSE: MY) said that it did not know of any specific reasons for recent gains in its stock price.
In the broad market, advancing issues were on par with decliners on both the NYSE and on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 index held steady at 1472.
Modestly Higher Close On Upbeat Earnings
January 11, 2013 at 17:30 PM EST