First time applications for unemployment benefits dropped but the markets opened lower with the Dow slipping 18 points to 18,180. Nasdaq fell 15 points to 5,234.
On the upside
ProQR Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PRQR) reported positive results from a proof of concept study of PQ-010-002.
ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) narrowed third quarter losses more than expected as revenue climbed.
Western Digital (Nasdaq: WDC) reported a smaller than expected loss for the first quarter.
On the downside
AK Steel Holding (NYSE: AKS) priced its offering of 65 million common shares at the discounted price of $4.90 per share.
Groupon (Nasdaq: GRPN) widened losses for the third quarter and announced plans to acquire competitor LivingSocial.
Community Health (NYSE: CYH) warned of losses for the third quarter.
In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of nearly 7 to 3 on the NYSE and by 10 to 9 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 fell 4 points 2,135. Bitcoin gained $7 to $680.
