The markets traded mixed during the midday with the Dow losing 39 points to 12,376 despite a drop in the nation’s unemployment rate as investors digested the upbeat data amidst the European debt crisis. Nasdaq rose 7 points to 2676.
On the upside
Shares of Netflix (Nasdaq: NFLX) continued to advance after reporting impressive Internet streaming data on Wednesday.
US News & World Report listed Weight Watchers (NYSE: WTW) again as the Best Weight-Loss Diet and Best Commercial Diet Plan on its second annual Best Diets rankings.
Commercial Metals (NYSE: CMC) reported sharply higher first quarter earnings that surpassed analyst expectations.
On the downside
Durect (Nasdaq: DRRX) reported that its pain medication Posidur failed a Phase III clinical trial.
Family Dollar Stores (NYSE: FDO) reported higher first quarter earnings but revenue missed analyst expectations.
Muddy Waters questioned Focus Media’s (Nasdaq: FMCN) acquisition of a ginseng plantation.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 6 to 5 on the NYSE and by 10 to 9 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks edged up a fraction to 752.
