The markets closed higher with the Dow gaining 38 points to 18,039 as retail sales rose more than expected. Nasdaq rose 5 points to 5,082.
On the upside
Shares of Axovant Sciences (NYSE: AXON) surged on its first trading day.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE: KKD) reported higher first quarter earnings that topped analyst estimates.
Biotie Therapies (Nasdaq: BITI) stock surged in its market debut.
On the downside
A jury ruled against the plaintiff in a patent infringement case that Marathon Patent Group (Nasdaq: MARA) supported.
Shares of Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU) extended its losses.
Noranda (NYSE: NOR) reached an interim agreement with the Government of Jamaica over production levies.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 3 to 2 on the NYSE while advancers barely edged out decliners by a slim margin on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 added 3 points to 2108. Bitcoin edged up a fraction to $230.
