The markets advanced during the midday with the Dow climbing 76 points to 15,489 as factory activity in China climbed. Nasdaq gained 17 points to 3924.
On the upside
Ocean Power Technologies (Nasdaq: OPTT) partnered with Mitsui Engineering to develop and commercialize PowerBuoys.
PulteGroup (NYSE: PHM) reported sharply higher third quarter earnings that beat analyst expectations.
Ferro (NYSE: FOE) reversed year ago losses to post a better than expected profit for the third quarter and lifted its full year earnings forecast.
On the downside
Cameron (NYSE: CAM) disappointed with lower third quarter earnings that missed expectations and lowered its outlook for the fourth quarter.
Covanta Holding (NYSE: CVA) reported higher third quarter earnings and revenue but the company lowered its full year guidance.
Third quarter earnings rose for Xerox (NYSE: XRX) but the company forecast fourth quarter earnings that fell short of analyst expectations.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 9 to 7 on the NYSE and by more than 7 to 5 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 rose 4 points to 1750.
