The markets closed modestly higher with the Dow rising 23 points to 15,639 as September factory orders rose while August orders slipped. Nasdaq climbed 14 points 3936.
On the upside
A Seeking Alpha contributor cited Graftech's (NYSE: GTI) recent upswing as a possible indicator that the steel sector would soon rebound.
Bargain hunters lifted shares of Swift Energy (NYSE: SFY).
Canadian Solar (Nasdaq: CSIQ) reported preliminary third quarter module shipments above previous guidance.
On the downside
A Seeking Alpha contributor recommended that investors avoid OCZ Technology (Nasdaq: OCZ) and that the company would not survive.
Shares of Body Central (Nasdaq: BODY) extended its losses after reporting disappointing results last week.
NQ Mobile (NYSE: NQ) stock fell again.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 2 to 1 on the NYSE and by nearly 2 to 1 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 gained 6 points to 1767.