A gain in July factory output lifted the markets to a higher open with the Dow gaining 37 points to 17,445. Nasdaq held steady at 5,033.

On the upside

Onconova Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ONTX) submitted an investigational new drug application to the Food and Drug Administration for a Phase 3 trial of IV rigosertib in higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes.

J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP) narrowed second quarter losses more than expected as revenue rose.

Darling Ingredients (NYSE: DAR) reported a better than expected profit for the second quarter and announced a $100 million stock repurchase plan.

On the downside

Second quarter revenue for El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq: LOCO) fell short of expectations.

Christopher & Banks (NYSE: CBK) warned that second quarter revenue would fall short of previous guidance as same store sales fell.

Avalanche Biotechnologies (Nasdaq: AAVL) widened second quarter losses and announced that it will not initiate a Phase 2b clinical trial of AVA-101 in the second half of 2015.

In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of more than 9 to 7 on the NYSE and by more than 5 to 3 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 rose 3 points to 2,086. Bitcoin added $1 to $264.