A modest gain in consumer prices lifted the markets to a higher close with the Dow gaining 55 points to 11,787. Nasdaq climbed 20 points to 2755.
On the upside
Seeking Alpha contributor William Mack expects 2011 to be profitable for the homebuilding industry lifting shares of Hovnanian Enterprises (NYSE: HOV).
Webster Financial (NYSE: WBS) reversed year ago losses to post a better than expected profit for the fourth quarter.
Sify Technologies (Nasdaq: SIFY) will report third quarter results on Friday, January 21.
On the downside
FBR cited valuation concerns for downgrading Walter Energy (NYSE: WLT).
Bloomberg reported that Molycorp (NYSE: MCP) applied for federal loan guarantees to develop rare earth mining and manufacturing efforts.
Shares of International Coal (NYSE: ICO) fell after the Environmental Protection Agency revoked a permit at a West Virgina mountaintop removal mine.
