The markets traded modestly higher during the midday with the Dow rising 37 points to 12,993 as investors welcomed the second bailout for Greece. Nasdaq added a fraction to 2952.
On the upside
Hecla Mining (NYSE: HL) reversed year ago losses to post a profit for the fourth quarter.
A Seeking Alpha contributor listed Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL) as one of five Chinese solar stocks on an upswing.
Stillwater Mining (NYSE: SWC) reported higher fourth quarter earnings that surpassed analyst expectations by a wide margin.
On the downside
Food and Drug Administration staff recommended denial of approval for Chelsea Therapeutics' (Nasdaq: CHTP) hypotension treatment Northera.
Rising crude oil prices weighed down shares of Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL), United Continental (NYSE: UAL) and U. S. Airways (NYSE: LCC).
RadioShack (NYSE: RSH) disappointed with sharply lower fourth quarter earnings that fell short of analyst expectations.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 5 to 3 on the NYSE while decliners barely edged out advancers by a slim margin on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks edged up a fraction to 829.
