Upbeat jobs data lifted the markets during the midday with the Dow gaining 67 points to 12,826. Nasdaq climbed 24 points to 2935.
On the upside
Valero Energy (NYSE: VLO) reassured investors that a Memphis refinery fire yesterday did not impact any production units.
Global Cash Access (NYSE: GCA) reported higher fourth quarter earnings that beat analyst expectations.
Bon-Ton Stores (Nasdaq: BONT) reported lower fourth quarter earnings and revenue but the stock price rose.
On the downside
Deckers Outdoor (Nasdaq: DECK) chief executive Angel Martinez and chief of operations Ziv Zohar sold shares of company stock last month.
Aircastle (NYSE: AYR) priced its public offering of 5 million common shares.
Syntroleum (Nasdaq: SYNM) reported a loss for the fourth quarter.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of 7 to 2 on the NYSE and by more than 5 to 2 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks gained 7 points to 794.