The value of the euro fell to temper enthusiasm for a drop in the nation's unemployment rate. The markets closed mixed with the Dow losing 55 points to 12,359 while Nasdaq added 4 points to 2674.
On the upside
Jazz Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: JAZZ) forecast 2012 full year results ahead of analyst expectations.
Greenbrier Companies (NYSE: GBX) reversed year ago losses to post a better than expected profit for the first quarter as revenue more than doubled.
Stephens upgraded Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE: KKD) to an Overweight rating.
On the downside
Shares of Canadian oil and gas company Talisman Energy (Nasdaq: TLM) fell after Canada reported disappointing December jobs data.
SmartMoney noted that two different analysts maintain a Sell rating on MEMC Electronic Materials (NYSE: WFR).
RF Micro Devices' (Nasdaq: RFMD) earnings warning weighed down shares of rival Spreadtrum Communications (Nasdaq: SPRD) .
In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of nearly 5 to 4 on both the NYSE and on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks slipped 2 points to 749.