A surge in new single family home sales lifted the markets to a higher open with the Dow rising 37 points to 12,014. Nasdaq climbed 21 points to 2740.
On the upside
Fourth quarter earnings surged for Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR) as expenses dropped and revenue climbed.
US Airways (NYSE: LCC) reversed year ago losses to post a better than expected profit for the fourth quarter as revenue rose.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MRO) upgraded Marathon Oil to an Overweight rating.
On the downside
RF Micro Devices (Nasdaq: RFMD) reported higher third quarter earnings that topped estimates but revenue fell short and the company warned of lower fourth quarter revenue that will miss expectations.
