The markets closed modestly higher with the Dow rising 39 points to 24,640 on upbeat earnings. Nasdaq gained 31 points to 7013.
On the upside
Zion Oil & Gas (Nasdaq: ZN) found gas and oil in the circulated mud at the bottom of its Megiddo-Jezreel #1 well.
GNC Holdings (NYSE: GNC) announced a $300 million strategic partnership and China joint venture agreement with Harbin Pharmaceutical Group Holding.
Veeco Instruments (Nasdaq: VECO) reported a smaller than expected loss for the fourth quarter.
On the downside
Kadmon Holdings (NYSE: KDMN) reported positive results from an ongoing Phase 2 study of KD025 in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who were previously treated with pirfenidone and/or nintedanib.
Affimed (Nasdaq: AFMD) priced its public offering of 11.5 million common shares at the discounted price of $2.00 per share.
Brighthouse Financial (Nasdaq: BHF) disappointed with a smaller than expected profit for the fourth quarter.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 4 to 3 on the NYSE and by nearly 3 to 2 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 rose 6 points to 2,662. Bitcoin plunged $333 to $8,547.
