Flat close over rate concerns

The markets closed flat with the Dow slipping 2 points to 17,764 as upbeat economic data sparked concerns of a rate hike. Nasdaq lost 7 points to 5,013.

On the upside

Lululemon Athletica (Nasdaq: LULU) reported sharply higher first quarter earnings that beat analyst estimates as revenue rose.

Isle of Capri Casinos (Nasdaq: ISLE) reversed year ago losses to post a stronger than expected profit for the fourth quarter.

Shares of Vical (Nasdaq: VICL) soared in anticipation of the release of Phase 1/2 clinical trial results of its Vaxfectin-formulated therapeutic vaccine to treat herpes simplex virus type 2.

On the downside

The Food and Drug Administration granted 510(k) clearance to Oculus Innovative Sciences (Nasdaq: OCLS) for its Alevicyn SG Antipruritic Spray Gel but the stock price fell as investors locked in profits.

Profit taking weighed down shares of Advaxis (Nasdaq: ADXS).

Scorpio Bulkers (NYSE: SALT) will offer up to $200 million worth of common stock.

In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of nearly 5 to 3 on the NYSE and by more than 3 to 2 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 edged up a fraction to 2080. Bitcoin added $1 to $230.