The markets opened higher with the Dow gaining 76 points to 15,622 ahead of the release of the Institute for Supply Management's report later this morning. Nasdaq rose 7 points 3927.
On the upside
Third quarter earnings more than doubled for First Solar (Nasdaq: FSLR) to surpass analyst expectations by a wide margin prompting the company to lift its full year earnings guidance.
Trimble Navigation (Nasdaq: TRMB) reported higher third quarter earnings that topped analyst estimates and forecast current quarter results ahead of expectations.
Ariad Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ARIA) adopted a shareholder rights plan.
On the downside
Barrick Gold (NYSE: ABX) will offer 163.5 million common shares to raise approximately $3 billion.
American International Group (NYSE: AIG) reported higher third quarter earnings but its property casualty unit had a loss.
Third quarter earnings plunged for Bruker (Nasdaq: BRKR) as revenue fell while expenses climbed.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 9 to 7 on the NYSE and by nearly 10 to 9 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 rose 6 points to 1762.