The markets traded higher during the midday with the Dow gaining 34 points to 10,044 as consumer confidence climbed more than expected last month. Nasdaq edged up a point to 2122.
On the upside
Billionaire investor Carl Icahn increased his offer to purchase Lions Gate Entertainment (NYSE: LGF) by $1 per share to $7.50 per share.
Motley Fool CAPS investment community upgraded Hecla Mining (NYSE: HL) to a four star stock.
Ferro (NYSE: FOE) purchased all of its 6.50% convertible notes that expired August 30 at midnight.
On the downside
Winn-Dixie (Nasdaq: WINN) reported higher fourth quarter earnings due to a longer quarter but same store sales fell and the grocery store chain forecast full year results that fell short of expectations.
Isle of Capri Casinos (Nasdaq: ISLE) disappointed by swinging to an unexpected loss for the first quarter as revenue slipped while expenses rose.
The Canadian government selected Textron (NYSE: TXT) to submit a bid to supply Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicles to the Canadian military but the stock price fell.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 5 to 3 on the NYSE and by more than 7 to 5 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks added 2 points to 604.
