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Empresa Distribuidora y

Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte SA is engaged in the distribution and sale of electricity. The firm's concession area covers the northern portion of the city of Buenos Aires mainly to residential, commercial, industrial, and public service.

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Argentina&#8217;s new president Javier Milei faces a general strike after spending <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/23/11/35925158/milei-shakes-up-argentina-plans-to-drop-peso-faces-16-1b-oil-fine-stakes-falklands-claim">just a month in office</a>.
What Happened: Protesters have taken to the streets in response to a recent reform bill, and unions have planned a general strike for Jan. 24, while the country&#8217;s equity market has started showing signs of strain.
The CGT, one of Argentina's oldest and most powerful union groups, announced the planned strike Thursday following a raft of unpopular reforms, including Milei&#8217;s decision to sack 5,000 government employees to cut costs.
Milei was the unexpected winner of an election run-off in mid-November — a close result — but one that appeared to please the market at first, lifting the Global X MSCI Argentina ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARGT#NYSE">ARGT</a>), an exchange-traded fund that tracks Argentine stocks, by 24% since the election.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="650" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/29110247/newplot-10.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-171335" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/29110247/newplot-10.jpeg 650w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/29110247/newplot-10-300x300.jpeg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/29110247/newplot-10-150x150.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /></figure>
The country is battling an inflation rate of 160%, which Milei has stated will pass 200% if immediate measures are not taken. Even with a record-high interest rate of 133%, inflation is not cooling.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/23/11/35925158/milei-shakes-up-argentina-plans-to-drop-peso-faces-16-1b-oil-fine-stakes-falklands-claim">Milei Shakes Up Argentina: Plans To Drop Peso, Faces $16.1B Oil Fine, Stakes Falklands Claim</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which Argentina Reforms Are In Dispute?</h2>
The Reform Bill, which Melei has sent to parliament, contains 664 articles, which include the privatization of 41 public companies, reforms on debt restructuring and overseas sales of government bonds, higher export taxes, as well as constitutional reforms that would cede legislative power to the presidency for a time.
This comes just two weeks after the president announced a currency devaluation by 54% that brought the Argentine peso down to 800 versus the dollar.
Milei&#8217;s grip on parliament is not a strong one, however. His coalition, La Libertad Avanza, controls only 15% of the seats in parliament&#8217;s lower house.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Have Markets Responded?</h2>
Broadly speaking, it appears investors are not fully in tune with the reforms. Of the 23 companies on the S&amp;P Merval index, 17 of them lost ground in the past week while the Merval index fell 2.5%
While this might not sound too surprising, it has to be measured against the long-term performance of the Merval to show its real significance.
In the year to date, all 23 constituents of the Merval have gained. The strongest of which is from electricity distributor Edenor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EDN#NYSE">EDN</a>), which is up 577%, while the weakest year-to-date performance is from pharmaceuticals company Laborotorios Richmond, which is up 80%.
Over a three-year timeframe, the strongest performer is natural gas distributor Transportadora de Gas del Norte, up 4027% over the period, while the weakest performer is Bolsas y Mercados Argentinos with a 35% gain.
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/12/36416967/crypto-crackdown-looms-in-argentina-as-mileis-bill-demands-full-disclosure">Crypto Crackdown Looms in Argentina As Milei&#8217;s Bill Demands Full Disclosure</a>

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Argentina Union Calls Strike After President Milei's Reform Bill Sparks Protests, Market Downturn

Javier Milei was sworn in as Argentina's new president on Sunday, with a promise of radical change for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/12/36171179/pro-bitcoin-president-javier-milei-assumes-office-in-argentina-amid-severe-economic-crisis">the nation&#8217;s troubled economic landscape.</a>
With inflation soaring more than 140%, and amidst a backdrop of relentless economic and political turmoil, Milei&#8217;s inaugural address was nothing short of disruptive, signaling a deep rupture with the immediate and historical precedents.
Acknowledging the hyperinflationary crisis he inherited, Milei painted a grim picture, projecting potential inflation rates reaching a staggering 15,000%, as local news outlet <a href="https://www.lanacion.com.ar/politica/una-luz-al-final-del-tunel-nid10122023/">La Nacion</a> revealed. 
Despite enduring 12 years of stagflation, the ultra-libertarian president offered a glimmer of hope, assuring the public the catastrophe would only persist for a few more months due to his stringent fiscal policies. 
&#8220;There is light at the end of the tunnel,&#8221; he enthused, emphasizing that this time the focus would be on cutting government spending rather than increasing revenues.
Manuel Adorni, the presidential spokesperson, revealed new Finance Minister Luis Andrés Caputo would soon announce economic measures, including a significant reduction in fiscal spending. Moreover, Milei has urgently ordered the removal of privileges, indicating a commitment to tightening the nation&#8217;s belt.
&#8220;I prefer to tell you an uncomfortable truth rather than a comfortable lie,&#8221; Milei boldly declared in his first speech.
President Milei swiftly unveiled his cabinet on social media, declaring, &#8220;¡Hay equipo!&#8221; (We have a team) and championing &#8220;Long live to freedom.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">HAY EQUIPO&#8230;!!! VIVA LA LIBERTAD CARAJO <a href="https://t.co/sjHptgj3Tp">pic.twitter.com/sjHptgj3Tp</a>
&mdash; Javier Milei (@JMilei) <a href="https://twitter.com/JMilei/status/1734173664273154259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Lies Ahead For Argentine Stocks?</h2>
The strong presence of U.S. officials at Milei&#8217;s inauguration, including key members of President Joe Biden&#8216;s economic team, suggests a willingness from Washington to forge a positive relationship with the Argentine president, despite Milei&#8217;s well-known affinity for Donald Trump. 
Built upon improved Buenos Aires-Washington relations and rising hopes on Argentina&#8217;s increased economic openness, Argentine stocks, as tracked by the Global X MSCI Argentina ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARGT#NYSE">ARGT</a>), have surged by 20% since Milei&#8217;s victory in the presidential election runoff on Nov. 18, firmly entering bull market territory.
Among the standout performers are Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad Anónima (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EDN#NYSE">EDN</a>), YPF Sociedad Anónima (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YPF#NYSE">YPF</a>) and Telecom Argentina S.A. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEO#NYSE">TEO</a>) boasting impressive gains of 67%, 65%, and 51%, respectively. Banks also demonstrated remarkable strength, with Banco Macro (BMA) and Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. (GGAL) posting gains of approximately 40%.
Global X MSCI Argentina ETF&#8217;s largest holding, MercadoLibre Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MELI#NASDAQ">MELI</a>), which accounted for 22% of the fund, also surged by 17% since Milei&#8217;s election victory, further illustrating the market&#8217;s optimism about the new administration&#8217;s economic policies.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Chart: Argentine Stocks Rallied 20% Since Milei&#8217;s Election Victory</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="495" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/11114524/ARGT_2023-12-11_15-45-01_ce022-1024x495.png" alt="" class="wp-image-158939" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/11114524/ARGT_2023-12-11_15-45-01_ce022-1024x495.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/11114524/ARGT_2023-12-11_15-45-01_ce022-300x145.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/11114524/ARGT_2023-12-11_15-45-01_ce022-768x372.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/11114524/ARGT_2023-12-11_15-45-01_ce022-1536x743.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/11114524/ARGT_2023-12-11_15-45-01_ce022.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read Now: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/23/12/36176919/november-cpi-data-takes-center-stage-ahead-of-fed-meeting-will-disinflation-excit">November CPI Data Takes Center Stage Ahead of Fed Meeting: Will Disinflation Excitement Persist?</a>

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Argentina's New President Javier Milei Sets Bold Economic Agenda: 'There Is A Light At The End Of The Tunnel'

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Shares of US-listed Argentina stocks are trading higher following the election of libertarian presidential candidate Javier Milei.

The U.S. stock market wasn&rsquo;t the only one to rally in 2023, and many U.S.-based investors would have found it beneficial to diversify their portfolios with global stocks and ETFs from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-emerging-markets-etfs" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">roaring emerging market economies.</a>
Venturing thousands of miles south of the American continent and crossing the Atlantic, three stock market indexes emerged as standout performers, surpassing not only the S&amp;P 500 represented by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), which gained 14% so far this year, but also the tech-dominated Nasdaq 100 represented by the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which achieved its best half-year performance with a remarkable 34% year-to-date rally.
Benzinga delved into the top-performing Country ETFs for 2023, evaluating their returns and their respective best-performing stocks. It is essential for U.S.-based investors to note that although these ETFs trade in U.S. dollars on U.S. exchanges, they are not currency hedged. Hence, their performance is exposed to local currency&rsquo;s fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Performing Country ETFs For 2023</h2>
5) iShares MSCI Poland ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EPOL#NYSE">EPOL</a>)
<ul>
<li>Description: The EPOL ETF tracks the performance of Polish companies, providing exposure to the Polish stock market by replicating the MSCI Poland IMI 25/50 Index. The fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in the securities of the underlying index and in American Depositary Receipts (&ldquo;ADRs&rdquo;) and Global Depositary Receipts (&ldquo;GDRs&rdquo;).</li>
<li>Year-to-date performance (as of June 27): 23%</li>
<li>Quarter-to-date performance: 23%</li>
<li>Local currency performance against USD (year to date): 8%</li>
<li>Best-performing stocks (ytd): Santander Bank Polska S.A. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKZHF#OTC">BKZHF</a>) (+48.9%), Grupa Pracuj S.A. (+38%).</li>
</ul>
4) iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWW#NYSE">EWW</a>)
<ul>
<li>Description: The EWW ETF offers exposure to the Mexican stock market, allowing investors to participate in the performance of Mexican companies by replicating the MSCI Mexico IMI 25/50 Index. The fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in the securities of the underlying index and in ADRs and GDRs.</li>
<li>Year-to-date performance (as of June 27): 28%</li>
<li>Quarter-to-date performance: 5.7%</li>
<li>Local currency performance versus USD (ytd): 14%</li>
<li>Best-performing stocks (ytd): Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALSSF#OTC">ALSSF</a>) (+56%), CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CX#NYSE">CX</a>) (+50%)</li>
</ul>
Read also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-performing-mutual-funds" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"> 5 Best Performing Mutual Funds Right Now</a>
3) Global X MSCI Greece ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GREK#NYSE">GREK</a>)
<ul>
<li>Description: The GREK ETF tracks the Greek stock market, providing investors with access to Greek companies by replicating the MSCI All Greece Select 25/50 Index. The fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in the securities of the underlying index and in ADRs and GDRs.</li>
<li>Year-to-date performance (as of June 27): 35%</li>
<li>Quarter-to-date performance: 18.7%</li>
<li>Local currency performance versus USD (ytd): 3%</li>
<li>Best-performing stocks (ytd): Aegean Airlines (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEGN#OTC">AEGN</a>) (+96%), Piraeus Financial Holdings (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BPIRY#OTC">BPIRY</a>) (+86%)</li>
</ul>
2) Global X MSCI Argentina ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARGT#NYSE">ARGT</a>)
<ul>
<li>Description: The ARGT ETF allows investors to gain exposure to the Argentine stock market by replicating the MSCI All Argentina 25/50 Index. The fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in the securities of the underlying index and in ADRs and GDRs.</li>
<li>Year-to-date performance (as of June 27): 35%</li>
<li>Quarter-to-date performance: 17.4%</li>
<li>Local currency performance versus USD (ytd): -30%</li>
<li>Best-performing stocks (ytd): Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EDN#NYSE">EDN</a>) (+100%), IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IRS#NYSE">IRS</a>) (+85%)</li>
</ul>
1) Global X MSCI Nigeria ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NGE#NYSE">NGE</a>)
<ul>
<li>Description: The NGE ETF focuses on the Nigerian stock market, offering investors access to Nigerian companies by replicating the MSCI All Argentina 25/50 Index. The fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in the securities of the underlying index and in ADRs and GDRs.</li>
<li>Year-to-date performance (as of June 27): 41%</li>
<li>Quarter-to-date performance: 18.3%</li>
<li>Local currency performance versus USD (ytd): -42%</li>
<li>Best-performing stocks (ytd): Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (+203%), Access Holdings Plc (+102%)</li>
</ul>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Country ETF</th>
<th>% Return (year to date)</th>
<th>% Return (quarter to date)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Global X MSCI Nigeria ETF</td>
<td>40.9</td>
<td>18.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Global X MSCI Greece ETF</td>
<td>35.3</td>
<td>18.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Global X MSCI Argentina ETF</td>
<td>34.6</td>
<td>16.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares MSCI Mexico ETF</td>
<td>27.8</td>
<td>5.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares MSCI Poland ETF</td>
<td>23.2</td>
<td>23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares MSCI Ireland ETF ARCA: EIRL)</td>
<td>23.1</td>
<td>2.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares MSCI Spain ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWP#NYSE">EWP</a>)</td>
<td>18.4</td>
<td>2.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares MSCI Italy ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWI#NYSE">EWI</a>)</td>
<td>17.9</td>
<td>4.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWT#NYSE">EWT</a>)</td>
<td>17.7</td>
<td>4.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWZ#NYSE">EWZ</a>)</td>
<td>17.3</td>
<td>19.9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/23/06/33022480/its-a-bear-market-fomo-bubble-in-early-stage-of-collapse-warns-hedge-fund-manager-w">It&rsquo;s A Bear Market FOMO Bubble In Early Stage Of Collapse, Warns Hedge Fund Manager Who Foresaw 2008 Crisis</a>
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These 3 Debt-Burdened Nations Lead 2023's Best Country ETFs, Surpassing Nasdaq 100

U.S. stocks traded mostly lower midway through trading, with the Dow Jones dropping over 100 points on Wednesday.
The Dow traded down 0.34% to 33,974.46&nbsp;while the NASDAQ rose 0.22% to 11,986.30. The S&amp;P 500 also fell, dropping, 0.19% to 4,128.13.
Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/02/30924217/check-out-3-high-yielding-dividend-stocks-in-tech-telecom-sector-from-wall-streets-most-accurate-ana"> Check Out 3 High-Yielding Dividend Stocks In Tech &amp; Telecom Sector From Wall Street&#39;s Most Accurate Analysts</a>
&nbsp;
<h3>Leading and Lagging Sectors</h3>
<ul>
<li>Utilities shares traded fell by just 0.1% on Wednesday. Meanwhile, top gainers in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-sectors-to-invest-in-right-now/">sector</a> included Azure Power Global Limited (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/azre#NYSE">AZRE</a>), up 4%, and Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edn#NYSE">EDN</a>), up 1.4%.</li>
<li>In trading on Wednesday, energy shares dipped by 2.3%.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3>Top Headline</h3>
Retail sales in the US rose 3% month-over-month in January, recording the biggest growth since March 2021 and above market expectations for a 1.8% increase.
&nbsp;
<h3>Equities Trading UP</h3>
<ul>
<li>Roblox Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rblx#NYSE">RBLX</a>) shares shot up 22% to $60.91 after the company reported better-than-expected Q4 sales results.</li>
<li>Shares of The Trade Desk, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ttd#NASDAQ">TTD</a>) got a boost, shooting 22% to $60.91 after the company reported better-than-expected Q4 adjusted results and issued Q1 revenue guidance above estimates. The company also announced a $700 million buyback.</li>
<li>Sera Prognostics, Inc. ( (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sera#NASDAQ">SERA</a>) shares were also up, gaining 45% to $1.88 after the company announced top-line data from the AVERT PRETERM TRIAL.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3>Equities Trading DOWN</h3>
<ul>
<li>GlycoMimetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/glyc#NASDAQ">GLYC</a>) shares tumbled 56% to $1.79. GlycoMimetics reported continuation of Phase 3 study of e-selectin antagonist uproleselan in relapsed/refractory aml to originally planned final analysis following interim analysis by the independent Data Monitoring Committee.</li>
<li>Shares of Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/crdo#NASDAQ">CRDO</a>) were down 45% to $10.60 after the company issued Q4 revenue guidance below analyst estimates.</li>
<li>AMMO, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/poww#NASDAQ">POWW</a>) was down, falling 16% to $1.8981 after reporting downbeat Q3 sales.</li>
</ul>
Also Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/23/02/30923508/over-5m-bet-on-porch-group-check-out-these-3-penny-stocks-insiders-are-buying"> Over $5M Bet On Porch Group? Check Out These 3 Penny Stocks Insiders Are Buying</a>
&nbsp;
<h3>Commodities</h3>
In commodity news, oil traded down 1.4% to $77.96 while gold traded down 1.1% at $1,844.90.
Silver traded down 1.6% to $21.515 on Wednesday while copper fell 2.3% to $3.9810.
Stocks of crude oil in the US rose by 10.507 million barrels for the week ended Feb. 10, 2023, the API said Tuesday.
&nbsp;
<h3>Euro zone</h3>
European shares were higher today. The eurozone&rsquo;s STOXX 600 gained 0.28%, London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 rose 0.38% while Spain&rsquo;s IBEX 35 Index rose 0.18%. The German DAX gained 0.68% French CAC 40 gained 1.09% and Italy&rsquo;s FTSE MIB Index rose 0.02%.
Spanish consumer price inflation rate was revised higher to 5.9% year-over-year in January versus a preliminary estimate of 5.8%. UK&rsquo;s producer inflation rose by 13.5% year-over-year in January, versus a revised 14.6% in the previous month, while annual inflation rate in the country declined to 10.1% in January from 10.5% in December.
&nbsp;
<h3>Asia Pacific Markets</h3>
Asian markets closed mostly lower on Wednesday, with Japan&rsquo;s Nikkei 225 dropping 0.37%, Hong Kong&rsquo;s Hang Seng Index falling 1.43% and China&rsquo;s Shanghai Composite Index declining 0.39%. India&rsquo;s S&amp;P BSE Sensex gained 0.4%.
India&#39;s trade deficit increased to $17.75 billion in January from $17.42 in the year-ago month.
&nbsp;
<h3>Economics</h3>
<ul>
<li>Mortgage applications in the US fell 7.7% in the week ended Feb. 10, 2023.</li>
<li>The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index rose 27.1 points from a month ago to a reading of -5.8 in February.</li>
<li>Retail sales in the US rose 3% month-over-month in January, recording the biggest growth since March 2021 and above market expectations for a 1.8% increase.</li>
<li>Industrial production in the US came in unchanged for January following a revised 1.0% decline in December.</li>
</ul>
Now Read This: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/02/30923081/top-5-tech-stocks-that-may-crash"> Top 5 Tech Stocks That May Crash In February</a>
&nbsp;
<h3>COVID-19 Update</h3>
The U.S. has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the world, reporting a total of 104,803,150 cases with around 1,140,400 deaths. India confirmed a total of at least 44,684,370 cases and 530,750 deaths, while France reported over 39,570,470 COVID-19 cases with 164,620 deaths. In total, there were at least 677,904,870 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with more than 6,784,390 deaths.

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SERA

Gold Down 1%; Roblox Shares Spike Higher

U.S. stocks pared losses, with the Dow Jones turning higher toward the end of trading&nbsp;on Thursday.
The Dow traded up 0.08% to 31,534.26 while the NASDAQ fell 0.90% to 11,709.66. The S&amp;P 500 also fell, dropping, 0.26% to 3,944.60.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/22/09/28712253/fear-greed-index-drops-further-as-us-stocks-record-losses-for-fourth-straight-session">Also check this: Fear &amp; Greed Index Drops Further As US Stocks Record Losses For Fourth Straight Session </a>

Leading and Lagging Sectors

Utilities shares rose by 1.3% on Thursday. Meanwhile, top gainers in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-sectors-to-invest-in-right-now/">sector</a> included Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edn#NYSE">EDN</a>), up 6% and Cadiz Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cdzi#NASDAQ">CDZI</a>) up 3%.

In trading on Thursday, energy shares tumbled by 2.6%.

Top Headline

The ISM manufacturing PMI fell to 52.8 in August from 53 in June.
&nbsp;
Equities Trading UP
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Forma Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fmtx#NASDAQ">FMTX</a>) shares shot up 49% to $20.00 after Novo Nordisk announced it will acquire the company for $20 per share in cash.</li>
<li>Shares of ShiftPixy, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pixy#NASDAQ">PIXY</a>) got a boost, shooting 50% to $21.00. ShiftPixy announced a 1-for-100 reverse stock split.</li>
<li>Nutanix, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ntnx#NASDAQ">NTNX</a>) shares were also up, gaining 26% to $21.73 after the company reported better-than-expected sales results for its fourth quarter and issued strong revenue forecast.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Equities Trading DOWN
<ul>
<li>Semtech Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/smtc#NASDAQ">SMTC</a>) shares tumbled 30% to $32.33 after the company issued Q3 sales guidance below analyst estimates. Cowen &amp; Co. and Oppenheimer also downgraded the stock.</li>
<li>Shares of Okta, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/okta#NASDAQ">OKTA</a>) were down 35% to $59.51 after the company reported Q2 earnings results and issued Q3 and FY23 financial guidance. Several analysts also lowered their price targets on the stock.</li>
<li>American Virtual Cloud Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/avct#NASDAQ">AVCT</a>) was down, falling 48% to $0.2405 after the company announced an equity distribution agreement to offer and sell up to $14.7 million shares of common stock.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/09/28712696/why-nuwellis-surged-over-121-here-are-66-biggest-movers-from-yesterday">Also check out: Why Nuwellis Surged Over 121%; Here Are 66 Biggest Movers From Yesterday </a>

Commodities
In commodity news, oil traded down 3.6% to $86.29, while gold traded down 1% at $1,708.70.

Silver traded down 1.1% to $17.68 on Thursday while copper fell 3.2% to $3.4075.
Euro zone

European shares closed lower today. The eurozone&rsquo;s STOXX 600 fell 1.8%, London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 fell 1.86%, while Spain&rsquo;s IBEX 35 Index fell 1.02%. The German DAX dropped 1.6%, French CAC 40 fell 1.48% and Italy&rsquo;s FTSE MIB Index slipped 1.19%.

The unemployment rate in the Eurozone dropped to a record low of 6.6% in July from revised 6.7% in the prior month, while Eurozone manufacturing PMI was revised lower to 49.6 in August from an initial reading of 49.7.

The S&amp;P Global/CIPS UK manufacturing PMI was revised higher to 47.3 in August versus a preliminary reading of 46, while French manufacturing PMI climbed to 50.6 in August from a preliminary estimate of 49. The S&amp;P Global/BME German manufacturing PMI was revised lower to 49.1 in August versus a preliminary level of 49.8, while Italian manufacturing PMI declined to 48 in August from 48.5 a month ago.
&nbsp;
Economics
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>U.S. initial jobless claims fell by 5 thousand to 232 thousand in the week ended August 27th.</li>
<li>Non-farm labor productivity declined an annualized 4.1% in the second quarter, while unit labor costs rose by 10.2%.</li>
<li>The S&amp;P Global US manufacturing PMI was revised higher to 51.5 in August from a preliminary reading of 51.3.</li>
<li>The ISM manufacturing PMI fell to 52.8 in August from 53 in June.</li>
<li>U.S. construction spending dropped 0.4% from the prior month to an annual rate of $1.78 billion in July.</li>
<li>U.S. natural-gas supplies climbed 61 billion cubic feet last week, the Energy Information Administration said.</li>
<li>Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic is set to speak at 3:30 p.m. ET.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/09/28713305/us-stocks-end-august-on-weak-note-amid-low-volatility">Check out this: US Stocks End August On Weak Note Amid Low Volatility </a>

COVID-19 Update
The U.S. has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the world, reporting a total of 96,347,970 cases with around 1,071,420 deaths. India confirmed a total of at least 44,436,330 cases and 527,910 deaths, while France reported over 34,529,200 COVID-19 cases with 154,090 deaths. In total, there were at least 608,296,570 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with more than 6,496,480 deaths.

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SMTC

Dow Turns Higher; Gold Down 1%

U.S. stocks traded lower midway through trading, with the Nasdaq Composite dropping over 250 points on Thursday
The Dow traded down 0.55% to 31,336.70 while the NASDAQ fell 2.20% to 11,556.15. The S&amp;P 500 also fell, dropping, 1.16% to 3,909.03.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/22/09/28712253/fear-greed-index-drops-further-as-us-stocks-record-losses-for-fourth-straight-session">Also check this: Fear &amp; Greed Index Drops Further As US Stocks Record Losses For Fourth Straight Session </a>

Leading and Lagging Sectors

Utilities shares rose by 0.7% on Thursday. Meanwhile, top gainers in the <a href='https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-sectors-to-invest-in-right-now/'>sector</a> included Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edn#NYSE">EDN</a>), up 4% and Cadiz Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cdzi#NASDAQ">CDZI</a>) up 3%.

In trading on Thursday, energy shares tumbled by 2.8%.

Top Headline

The ISM manufacturing PMI fell to 52.8 in August from 53 in June.
&nbsp;
Equities Trading UP
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Forma Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fmtx#NASDAQ">FMTX</a>) shares shot up 50% to $20.06 after Novo Nordisk announced it will acquire the company for $20 per share in cash.</li>
<li>Shares of ShiftPixy, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pixy#NASDAQ">PIXY</a>) got a boost, shooting 132% to $32.54. ShiftPixy announced a 1-for-100 reverse stock split.</li>
<li>Nutanix, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ntnx#NASDAQ">NTNX</a>) shares were also up, gaining 26% to $21.86 after the company reported better-than-expected sales results for its fourth quarter and issued strong revenue forecast.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;
Equities Trading DOWN
<ul>
<li>Semtech Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/smtc#NASDAQ">SMTC</a>) shares tumbled 31% to $31.86 after the company issued Q3 sales guidance below analyst estimates. Cowen &amp; Co. and Oppenheimer also downgraded the stock.</li>
<li>Shares of Okta, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/okta#NASDAQ">OKTA</a>) were down 36% to $58.62 after the company reported Q2 earnings results and issued Q3 and FY23 financial guidance. Several analysts also lowered their price targets on the stock.</li>
<li>American Virtual Cloud Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/avct#NASDAQ">AVCT</a>) was down, falling 49% to $0.2360 after the company announced an equity distribution agreement to offer and sell up to $14.7 million shares of common stock.</li>
</ul>


<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/09/28712696/why-nuwellis-surged-over-121-here-are-66-biggest-movers-from-yesterday">Also check out: Why Nuwellis Surged Over 121%; Here Are 66 Biggest Movers From Yesterday </a>

Commodities
In commodity news, oil traded down 3.5% to $86.46, while gold traded down 1.1% at $1,707.00.

Silver traded down 1.2% to $17.66 on Thursday while copper fell 3.1% to $3.4085.
Euro zone

European shares were lower today. The eurozone&rsquo;s STOXX 600 fell 1.8%, London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 fell 1.86%, while Spain&rsquo;s IBEX 35 Index fell 1.02%. The German DAX dropped 1.6%, French CAC 40 fell 1.48% and Italy&rsquo;s FTSE MIB Index slipped 1.19%.

The unemployment rate in the Eurozone dropped to a record low of 6.6% in July from revised 6.7% in the prior month, while Eurozone manufacturing PMI was revised lower to 49.6 in August from an initial reading of 49.7.

The S&amp;P Global/CIPS UK manufacturing PMI was revised higher to 47.3 in August versus a preliminary reading of 46, while French manufacturing PMI climbed to 50.6 in August from a preliminary estimate of 49. The S&amp;P Global/BME German manufacturing PMI was revised lower to 49.1 in August versus a preliminary level of 49.8, while Italian manufacturing PMI declined to 48 in August from 48.5 a month ago.
&nbsp;
Economics
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>U.S. initial jobless claims fell by 5 thousand to 232 thousand in the week ended August 27th.</li>
<li>Non-farm labor productivity declined an annualized 4.1% in the second quarter, while unit labor costs rose by 10.2%.</li>
<li>The S&amp;P Global US manufacturing PMI was revised higher to 51.5 in August from a preliminary reading of 51.3.</li>
<li>The ISM manufacturing PMI fell to 52.8 in August from 53 in June.</li>
<li>U.S. construction spending dropped 0.4% from the prior month to an annual rate of $1.78 billion in July.</li>
<li>U.S. natural-gas supplies climbed 61 billion cubic feet last week, the Energy Information Administration said.</li>
<li>Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic is set to speak at 3:30 p.m. ET.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/09/28713305/us-stocks-end-august-on-weak-note-amid-low-volatility">Check out this: US Stocks End August On Weak Note Amid Low Volatility </a>

COVID-19 Update
The U.S. has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the world, reporting a total of 96,347,970 cases with around 1,071,420 deaths. India confirmed a total of at least 44,436,330 cases and 527,910 deaths, while France reported over 34,529,200 COVID-19 cases with 154,090 deaths. In total, there were at least 608,296,570 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with more than 6,496,480 deaths.

Nasdaq Tumbles 250 Points; Crude Oil Falls Sharply

U.S. stocks extended losses&nbsp;midway through trading, with the Nasdaq Composite dropping 400 points on Tuesday.
The Dow traded down 1.63% to 33,493.97 while the NASDAQ fell 3.11% to 12,599.91. The S&amp;P also fell, dropping, 1.98% to 4,211.07.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/22/04/26808360/executives-buy-around-65m-of-3-stocks">Also check this: Executives Buy Around $65M Of 3 Stocks</a>

Leading and Lagging Sectors

Utilities shares rose by 0.02% on Tuesday. Meanwhile, top gainers in the <a href='https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-sectors-to-invest-in-right-now/'>sector</a> included Kenon Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ken#NYSE">KEN</a>), up 3% and Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edn#NYSE">EDN</a>) up 2%.

In trading on Tuesday, consumer discretionary shares dipped by 3.3%.

Top Headline

PepsiCo Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pep#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) reported better-than-expected earnings for its first quarter on Tuesday.
PepsiCo reported first-quarter FY22 sales growth of 9.3% year-on-year to $16.2 billion, beating the consensus of $15.53 billion. Adjusted EPS of $1.29 beat the analyst consensus of $1.23.
PepsiCo continues to expect FY22 core constant currency EPS growth of 8%. The assumption implies FY22 core EPS of $6.63 (consensus $6.65), a 6% increase compared to 2021 core EPS of $6.26.
&nbsp;
Equities Trading UP

Travelzoo (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tzoo#NASDAQ">TZOO</a>) shares shot up 10% to $6.90 after the company reported better-than-expected Q1 EPS and sales results.

Shares of Arch Resources, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/arch#NYSE">ARCH</a>) got a boost, shooting 14% to $148.95 after the company reported better-than-expected Q1 sales results.

Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mx#NYSE">MX</a>) shares were also up, gaining 20% to $17.98 following a Korea Economic Daily report titled &quot;Korea&#39;s LX Group seeks to acquire Magnachip Semiconductor.&quot;
&nbsp;
Equities Trading DOWN
Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ptgx#NASDAQ">PTGX</a>) shares tumbled 49% to $9.57 after the company announced topline results from the Phase 2 IDEAL study of PN-943 in moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.

Shares of Cenntro Electric Group Limited (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cenn#NASDAQ">CENN</a>) were down 16% to $1.5750 after reporting FY21 results.

NextDecade Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/next#NASDAQ">NEXT</a>) was down, falling 14% to $5.22. Stifel downgraded NextDecade from Hold to Sell and raised the price target from $2 to $4.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/22/04/26759074/2-stocks-under-5-insiders-are-aggressively-buying">Also check out: 2 Stocks Under $5 Insiders Are Aggressively Buying</a>

Commodities
In commodity news, oil traded up 0.4% to $98.93, while gold traded up 0.4% to $1,903.50.

Silver traded down 0.4% Tuesday to $23.585 while copper rose 0.2% to $4.4575.
Euro zone

European shares were mostly higher today. The eurozone&rsquo;s STOXX 600 gained 0.17%, London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 gained 0.61%, while Spain&rsquo;s IBEX 35 Index fell 0.69%. The German DAX rose 0.44%, French CAC 40 rose 0.46% and Italy&rsquo;s FTSE MIB Index slipped 0.04%.
The UK government reported a &pound;13.1 billion deficit in its public finances for March.

Economics

U.S. durable goods orders rose 0.8% month-over-month in March following a revised 1.7% decline in the previous month.

The S&amp;P Corelogic Case-Shiller home price index climbed 20.2% year-over-year in February.

The FHFA House Price Index rose a record 2.1% from a month ago in February.

The Conference Board&rsquo;s consumer confidence index fell to 107.3 in April from 107.6.

U.S. new home sales fell 8.6% to an annual rate of 763,000 for March.

The Richmond Fed composite manufacturing index rose to 14 in April from 13 in March.

Data on money supply for the latest week will be released at 1:00 p.m. ET.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/22/04/26783737/3-stocks-under-3-insiders-are-aggressively-buying">Check out this: 3 Stocks Under $3 Insiders Are Aggressively Buying </a>

COVID-19 Update
The U.S. has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the world, reporting a total of 82,733,860 cases with around 1,018,580 deaths. India confirmed a total of at least 43,062,090 cases and 522,220 deaths, while Brazil reported over 30,355,910 COVID-19 cases with 662,770 deaths. In total, there were at least 510,131,270 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with more than 6,245,920 deaths.

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Mid-Day Market Update: Nasdaq Down 400 Points; Arch Resources Shares Jump

U.S. stocks traded mixed on Thursday following the release of several economic reports.
Following the market opening Thursday, the Dow traded up 0.21% to 33,963.92 while the NASDAQ fell 0.55% to 13,676.83. The S&amp;P also rose, gaining, 0.02% to 4,387.56.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/22/02/25834898/insiders-buy-around-98m-of-3-stocks">Check out this: Insiders Buy Around $98M Of 3 Stocks </a>
Leading and Lagging Sectors

Utilities shares climbed by 1.1% on Thursday. Meanwhile, top gainers in the sector included ReNew Energy Global plc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rnw#NASDAQ">RNW</a>), up 9% and Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edn#NYSE">EDN</a>) up 4%.

In trading on Thursday, consumer discretionary shares fell by 0.4%.

Top Headline

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bby#NYSE">BBY</a>) reported in-line earnings for its fourth quarter, while sales missed estimates.
Best Buy posted quarterly earnings of $2.73 per share, versus analysts&rsquo; estimates of $2.73 per shares. The company&rsquo;s quarterly sales came in at $16.36 billion, missing analysts&rsquo; of $16.59 billion.
Best Buy said it expects FY23 EPS of $8.85 to $9.15 and sales of $49.3 billion to $50.8 billion. The company raised its quarterly dividend from $0.70 to $0.88 per share.

Equities Trading UP

Indonesia Energy Corporation Limited (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/indo#NASDAQ">INDO</a>) shares shot up 50% to $21.75 after jumping around 35% on Wednesday.

Shares of Rimini Street, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rmni#NASDAQ">RMNI</a>) got a boost, shooting 27% to $5.74 after the company reported better-than-expected Q4 sales results and announced a stock repurchase plan of up to $15 million.

Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/eose#NASDAQ">EOSE</a>) shares were also up, gaining 27% to $3.3186. Eos Energy Enterprises Chief Financial Officer Randall Gonzales acquired a total of 43,500 shares at an average price of $2.75.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/02/25835671/cisco-systems-and-3-other-stocks-sold-by-insiders">Also check this: Cisco Systems And 3 Other Stocks Sold By Insiders </a>

Equities Trading DOWN
NuCana plc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ncna#NASDAQ">NCNA</a>) shares tumbled 56% to $1.2888 after the company announced it discontinued its late-stage biliary tract cancer drug trial.

Shares of Rush Street Interactive, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rsi#NYSE">RSI</a>) were down 21% to $8.06 after the company reported worse-than-expected Q4 EPS and sales results.

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cnsl#NASDAQ">CNSL</a>) was down, falling 19% to $5.93 after the company reported results for its fourth quarter.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/22/02/25835252/executives-buy-around-1m-of-5-penny-stocks">Also check out: Executives Buy Around $1M Of 5 Penny Stocks </a>

Commodities
In commodity news, oil traded up 2.4% to $113.23, while gold traded up 0.8% to $1,936.90.

Silver traded up 1.2% Thursday to $25.48 while copper rose 1.7% to $4.7450.
Euro zone
European shares were lower today. The eurozone&rsquo;s STOXX 600 fell 0.4%, London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 fell 0.5%, while Spain&rsquo;s IBEX 35 Index fell 1.6%. The German DAX dropped 0.7%, French CAC 40 slipped 0.1% and Italy&rsquo;s FTSE MIB Index fell 0.6%.
The IHS Markit Eurozone services PMI was revised lower to 55.5 in February from a preliminary reading of 55.8, while composite PMI was revised lower to 55.5 in February from a preliminary level of 55.8. Italy&rsquo;s services PMI climbed to 52.8 in February, while unemployment rate declined to 8.8% in January.
Germany&rsquo;s services PMI was revised lower to 55.8 in February from a preliminary estimate of 56.6, while French services PMI fell to 55.5 in February from preliminary estimate of 57.9. The IHS Markit Spain services PMI climbed to 56.6 in February from 46.6 a month ago.
&nbsp;
Economics

Job cuts announced by US-based companies dropped to 15,245 in February from 19,064 in January.

U.S. initial jobless claims fell by 18,000 to 215,000 in the week ended February 26th. However, analysts were expecting a reading of 225,000.

Nonfarm labor productivity increased an annualized 6.6% in the fourth quarter, while unit labor costs nonfarm business sector rose an annualized 0.9%.

The IHS Markit services PMI was revised lower to 56.5 in February from a preliminary reading of 56.7, while composite PMI was revised lower to 55.9 in February.

U.S. factory orders rose 1.4% for January.

The ISM services PMI dropped for a third month to 56.5 in February from 59.9 in January.

The Energy Information Administration&rsquo;s weekly report on natural gas stocks in underground storage is scheduled for release at 10:30 a.m. ET.

The Treasury is set to auction 4-and 8-week bills at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Thomas Barkin is set to speak at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams will speak at 6:00 p.m. ET.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/03/25945386/executives-sell-more-than-47m-of-5-stocks">Check out this: Executives Sell More Than $47M Of 5 Stocks</a>

COVID-19 Update
The U.S. has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the world, reporting a total of 80,770,600 cases with around 979,720 deaths. India confirmed a total of at least 42,945,160 cases and 514,410 deaths, while Brazil reported over 28,842,160 COVID-19 cases with 650,050 deaths. In total, there were at least 440,878,050 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with more than 5,994,750 deaths.

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Mid-Morning Market Update: Markets Mixed; U.S. Jobless Claims Fall To 215,000

U.S. stocks pared back some losses&nbsp;toward the end of trading on Tuesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would recognize the independence of two Russian-led breakaway regions of Ukraine and ordered Russian troops to go into eastern Ukraine.
The Dow traded down 0.91% to 33,769.31 while the NASDAQ fell 0.33% to 13,503.05. The S&amp;P also fell, dropping, 0.38% to 4,332.50.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/22/02/25744398/insiders-buy-more-than-170m-of-4-stocks">Check out this: Insiders Buy More Than $170M Of 4 Stocks</a>
Leading and Lagging Sectors

Utilities shares slipped by just 0.2% on Tuesday. Meanwhile, top gainers in the sector included Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edn#NYSE">EDN</a>), up 11% and Companhia de Saneamento B&aacute;sico do Estado de S&atilde;o Paulo - SABESP (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sbs#NYSE">SBS</a>) up 7%.

In trading on Tuesday, consumer discretionary shares tumbled by 4.1%.

Top Headline

Home Depot Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hd#NYSE">HD</a>) reported better-than-expected earnings for its fourth quarter and raised its dividend.
Home Depot reported fourth-quarter FY21 sales growth of 10.7% year-on-year, to $35.72 billion, beating the analyst consensus of $34.87 billion. EPS of $3.21 beat the analyst consensus of $3.17.
Home Depot raised the quarterly dividend by 15% to $1.90 from $1.65 per share, payable on March 24, 2022, to shareholders of record on the close of business on March 10, 2022.
The company expects FY22 EPS growth to be in the low single digits. Home Depot sees FY22 sales and comparable sales growth to be slightly positive.
&nbsp;
Equities Trading UP

Meritor, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mtor#NYSE">MTOR</a>) shares shot up 45% to $35.80. Cummins Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cmi#NYSE">CMI</a>) agreed to acquire electric powertrain solutions provider Meritor for about $3.7 billion, including assumed debt and net of acquired cash.

Shares of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hmhc#NASDAQ">HMHC</a>) got a boost, shooting 15% to $20.83 after the company announced it will be acquired by Veritas Capital.

Ocugen, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ocgn#NASDAQ">OCGN</a>) shares were also up, gaining 23% to $4.2650 after the company announced the FDA lifted its clinical hold on the company&#39;s COVID-19 vaccine study in the US.

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/22/02/25746080/insiders-buying-these-3-penny-stocks">Also check this: Insiders Buying These 3 Penny Stocks</a>

Equities Trading DOWN
Allarity Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/allr#NASDAQ">ALLR</a>) shares tumbled 30% to $4.5938. The FDA provided Allarity Therapeutics with a Refusal to File (RTF) letter for a marketing application for dovitinib for the third-line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

Shares of Dogness (International) Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dogz#NASDAQ">DOGZ</a>) were down 41% to $2.51. Dogness entered into a securities purchase agreement with institutional investors for a registered direct offering of 1.96 million common shares at $2.88 per share.

Homology Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fixx#NASDAQ">FIXX</a>) was down, falling 31% to $2.6554. The FDA placed a clinical hold on Homology Medicines&rsquo; pheNIX gene therapy trial of HMI-102 from the FDA. An official clinical hold letter is expected within 30 days.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/02/25746663/snap-and-4-other-stocks-sold-by-insiders">Also check out: Snap And 4 Other Stocks Sold By Insiders</a>

Commodities
In commodity news, oil traded up 1.5% to $92.41, while gold traded up 0.3% to $1,904.70.

Silver traded up 1% Tuesday to $24.235 while copper fell 0.5% to $4.4950.
Euro zone
European shares closed mixed today. The eurozone&rsquo;s STOXX 600 gained 0.07%, London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 rose 0.13%, while Spain&rsquo;s IBEX 35 Index rose 0.05%. The German DAX fell 0.26%, French CAC 40 slipped 0.01% and Italy&rsquo;s FTSE MIB Index fell 0.02%.
The UK government reported a &pound;2.9 billion surplus in its public finances in January, versus a &pound;2.5 billion deficit a year ago. The Ifo Business Climate indicator for Germany climbed to 98.9 in February from a revised level of 96 in January. The annual inflation rate in Italy increased to 4.8% in January from 3.9% in the earlier month.

Economics

The S&amp;P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index surged 18.6% year-over-year in December.

The FHFA House Price Index rose 1.2% from a month ago in December.

The IHS Markit manufacturing PMI rose to 57.5 in February from 55.5 in the previous month, while services PMI climbed to 56.7 from 51.2.

The Conference Board&rsquo;s consumer confidence index fell to 110.5 in February from previous reading of 111.1.

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic is set to speak at 3:30 p.m. ET.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/22/02/25683215/boeing-and-3-other-stocks-bought-by-insiders">Check out this: Boeing And 3 Other Stocks Bought By Insiders </a>

COVID-19 Update
The U.S. has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the world, reporting a total of 80,145,280 cases with around 960,150 deaths. India confirmed a total of at least 42,851,920 cases and 512,370 deaths, while Brazil reported over 28,250,590 COVID-19 cases with 644,690 deaths. In total, there were at least 426,813,120 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with more than 5,911,790 deaths.

ALLR

DOGZ

FIXX

HMHC

MTOR

OCGN

Companhia De Saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao

Mid-Afternoon Market Update: US Stocks Pare Losses; Meritor Shares Spike Higher

U.S. stocks extended its earlier losses midway through trading on Tuesday, amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would recognize the independence of two Russian-led breakaway regions of Ukraine and ordered Russian troops to go into eastern Ukraine.
The Dow traded down 1.31% to 33,631.65 while the NASDAQ fell 1.42% to 13,356.05. The S&amp;P also fell, dropping, 1.08% to 4,301.81.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/22/02/25744398/insiders-buy-more-than-170m-of-4-stocks">Check out this: Insiders Buy More Than $170M Of 4 Stocks</a>
Leading and Lagging Sectors

Utilities shares slipped by just 0.1% on Tuesday. Meanwhile, top gainers in the sector included Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edn#NYSE">EDN</a>), up 7% and Companhia de Saneamento B&aacute;sico do Estado de S&atilde;o Paulo - SABESP (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sbs#NYSE">SBS</a>) up 7%.

In trading on Tuesday, consumer discretionary shares tumbled by 3.3%.

Top Headline

Home Depot Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hd#NYSE">HD</a>) reported better-than-expected earnings for its fourth quarter and raised its dividend.
Home Depot reported fourth-quarter FY21 sales growth of 10.7% year-on-year, to $35.72 billion, beating the analyst consensus of $34.87 billion. EPS of $3.21 beat the analyst consensus of $3.17.
Home Depot raised the quarterly dividend by 15% to $1.90 from $1.65 per share, payable on March 24, 2022, to shareholders of record on the close of business on March 10, 2022.
The company expects FY22 EPS growth to be in the low single digits. Home Depot sees FY22 sales and comparable sales growth to be slightly positive.
&nbsp;
Equities Trading UP

Meritor, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mtor#NYSE">MTOR</a>) shares shot up 45% to $35.81. Cummins Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cmi#NYSE">CMI</a>) agreed to acquire electric powertrain solutions provider Meritor for about $3.7 billion, including assumed debt and net of acquired cash.

Shares of Indonesia Energy Corporation Limited (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/indo#NYSE">INDO</a>) got a boost, shooting 58% to $7.09.

Ocugen, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ocgn#NASDAQ">OCGN</a>) shares were also up, gaining 29% to $4.46 after the company announced the FDA lifted its clinical hold on the company&#39;s COVID-19 vaccine study in the US.

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/22/02/25746080/insiders-buying-these-3-penny-stocks">Also check this: Insiders Buying These 3 Penny Stocks</a>

Equities Trading DOWN
Allarity Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/allr#NASDAQ">ALLR</a>) shares tumbled 31% to $4.5750. The FDA provided Allarity Therapeutics with a Refusal to File (RTF) letter for a marketing application for dovitinib for the third-line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

Shares of Dogness (International) Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dogz#NASDAQ">DOGZ</a>) were down 40% to $2.55 after the company reported entry into agreement for registered direct offering of approximately $5.66 million of class A common shares.

Homology Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fixx#NASDAQ">FIXX</a>) was down, falling 31% to $2.6601. The FDA placed a clinical hold on Homology Medicines&rsquo; pheNIX gene therapy trial of HMI-102 from the FDA. An official clinical hold letter is expected within 30 days.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/02/25746663/snap-and-4-other-stocks-sold-by-insiders">Also check out: Snap And 4 Other Stocks Sold By Insiders</a>

Commodities
In commodity news, oil traded up 2.1% to $93.00, while gold traded up 0.3% to $1,905.10.

Silver traded up 1.2% Tuesday to $24.275 while copper fell 0.1% to $4.5085.
Euro zone
European shares were mixed today. The eurozone&rsquo;s STOXX 600 gained 0.07%, London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 rose 0.13%, while Spain&rsquo;s IBEX 35 Index rose 0.05%. The German DAX fell 0.26%, French CAC 40 slipped 0.01% and Italy&rsquo;s FTSE MIB Index fell 0.02%.
The UK government reported a &pound;2.9 billion surplus in its public finances in January, versus a &pound;2.5 billion deficit a year ago. The Ifo Business Climate indicator for Germany climbed to 98.9 in February from a revised level of 96 in January. The annual inflation rate in Italy increased to 4.8% in January from 3.9% in the earlier month.

Economics

The S&amp;P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index surged 18.6% year-over-year in December.

The FHFA House Price Index rose 1.2% from a month ago in December.

The IHS Markit manufacturing PMI rose to 57.5 in February from 55.5 in the previous month, while services PMI climbed to 56.7 from 51.2.

The Conference Board&rsquo;s consumer confidence index fell to 110.5 in February from previous reading of 111.1.

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic is set to speak at 3:30 p.m. ET.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/22/02/25683215/boeing-and-3-other-stocks-bought-by-insiders">Check out this: Boeing And 3 Other Stocks Bought By Insiders </a>

COVID-19 Update
The U.S. has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the world, reporting a total of 80,145,280 cases with around 960,150 deaths. India confirmed a total of at least 42,851,920 cases and 512,370 deaths, while Brazil reported over 28,250,590 COVID-19 cases with 644,690 deaths. In total, there were at least 426,813,120 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with more than 5,911,790 deaths.

Mid-Day Market Update: Stocks Extend Losses; Dow Tumbles Over 400 Points

Toward the end of trading Wednesday, the Dow traded up 0.46% to 35,619.52 while the NASDAQ fell 0.19% to 15,100.51. The S&amp;P also rose, gaining 0.28% to 4,532.23.
The U.S. has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the world, reporting a total of 45,996,500 cases with around 748,650 deaths. India confirmed a total of at least 34,108,990 cases and 452,680 deaths, while Brazil reported over 21,664,870 COVID-19 cases with 603,900 deaths. In total, there were at least 242,448,790 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with more than 4,931,290 deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Leading and Lagging Sectors

Utilities shares gained by 1.8% on Wednesday. Meanwhile, top gainers in the <a href='https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-sectors-to-invest-in-right-now/'>sector</a> included The AES Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aes#NYSE">AES</a>), up 3% and Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edn#NYSE">EDN</a>) up 7%.

In trading on Wednesday, information technology shares fell 0.5%.

Top Headline

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vz#NYSE">VZ</a>) reported better-than-expected earnings for its third quarter and raised its FY21 forecast.
Verizon reported quarterly earnings of $1.41 per share, beating analysts&rsquo; estimates of $1.36 per share. The company reported quarterly revenue of $32.90 billion, versus analysts&rsquo; estimates of $33.28 billion.
Verizon raised its FY21 adjusted EPS guidance from $5.25-$5.35 to $5.35-$5.40.

Equities Trading UP

Radius Health, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rdus#NASDAQ">RDUS</a>) shares shot up 20% to $18.57. The Menarini Group and Radius Health announced topline results from the EMERALD Phase 3 study evaluating elacestrant as second- or third-line monotherapy in ER+/HER2- advanced/metastatic breast cancer patients.
Shares of Sesen Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sesn#NASDAQ">SESN</a>) got a boost, shooting 33% to $1.34. The FDA granted Sesen Bio&rsquo;s request for a Type A meeting to discuss the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) issues raised in the Complete Response Letter for Vicineum for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
Canaan Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/can#NASDAQ">CAN</a>) shares were also up, gaining 18% to $8.70 after Bitcoin climbed above $65,000 amid the debut of a bitcoin futures ETF.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers">Check out these big movers of the day</a>

Equities Trading DOWN
ATI Physical Therapy, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atip#NASDAQ">ATIP</a>) shares tumbled 21% to $2.8701 after the company reported preliminary Q3 revenue of approximately $159 million, well below the consensus of $170.42 million.

Shares of Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hcsg#NASDAQ">HCSG</a>) were down 14% to $19.97 after the company reported a decline in Q3 earnings and sales results.

Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nvax#NASDAQ">NVAX</a>) was down, falling 16% to $134.41 after Politico reported the company may be facing more serious manufacturing issues with its COVID-19 vaccine candidate. The company is finding it tough to meet the purity standards set forth by the Food and Drug Administration and its vaccine candidate could reach full licensure only by the end of 2022, the report said.

Commodities
In commodity news, oil traded up 0.8% to $83.58, while gold traded up 0.8% to $1,784.10.

Silver traded up 2.2% Wednesday to $24.41 while copper rose 0.6% to $4.7315.

Euro zone
European shares closed higher today. The eurozone&rsquo;s STOXX 600 gained 0.32%, the Spanish Ibex Index rose 0.24% and the German DAX 30 gained 0.05%. Meanwhile, the London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 rose 0.08%, French CAC 40 gained 0.54% and Italy&rsquo;s FTSE MIB gained 0.94%.
The annual inflation rate in the Eurozone was confirmed at 3.4% in September, while current account surplus shrank to EUR 17.6 billion in August from EUR 24.9 billion.
The annual inflation rate in the UK fell to 3.1% in September from a nine-year high level of 3.2% in August, while annual rate of output inflation rose to 6.7% in September. German producer prices rose by 14.2% from a year ago in September. Italy&rsquo;s current account surplus shrank to EUR 5.03 billion in August from EUR 6.99 billion in the year-ago month.
Economics

US crude oil inventories dropped 400,000 barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration said.

The Federal Open Market Committee released its latest Beige Book report.

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco President Mary Daly will speak at 8:35 p.m. ET.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendar/economics/">Check out the full economic calendar here </a>

ATIP

HCSG

NVAX

RDUS

SESN

Mid-Afternoon Market Update: Nasdaq Turns Lower; Sesen Bio Shares Surge

Midway through trading Wednesday, the Dow traded up 0.40% to 35,598.89 while the NASDAQ rose 0.15% to 15,151.71. The S&amp;P also rose, gaining 0.37% to 4,536.47.
The U.S. has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the world, reporting a total of 45,996,500 cases with around 748,650 deaths. India confirmed a total of at least 34,108,990 cases and 452,680 deaths, while Brazil reported over 21,664,870 COVID-19 cases with 603,900 deaths. In total, there were at least 242,448,790 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with more than 4,931,290 deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Leading and Lagging Sectors

Utilities shares gained by 1.5% on Wednesday. Meanwhile, top gainers in the <a href='https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-sectors-to-invest-in-right-now/'>sector</a> included Companhia Energ&eacute;tica de Minas Gerais (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cig#NYSE">CIG</a>), up 3% and Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edn#NYSE">EDN</a>) up 4%.

In trading on Wednesday, energy shares fell 0.2%.

Top Headline

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vz#NYSE">VZ</a>) reported better-than-expected earnings for its third quarter and raised its FY21 forecast.
Verizon reported quarterly earnings of $1.41 per share, beating analysts&rsquo; estimates of $1.36 per share. The company reported quarterly revenue of $32.90 billion, versus analysts&rsquo; estimates of $33.28 billion.
Verizon raised its FY21 adjusted EPS guidance from $5.25-$5.35 to $5.35-$5.40.

Equities Trading UP

Radius Health, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rdus#NASDAQ">RDUS</a>) shares shot up 29% to $19.94. The Menarini Group and Radius Health announced topline results from the EMERALD Phase 3 study evaluating elacestrant as second- or third-line monotherapy in ER+/HER2- advanced/metastatic breast cancer patients.
Shares of Sesen Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sesn#NASDAQ">SESN</a>) got a boost, shooting 29% to $1.3099. The FDA granted Sesen Bio&rsquo;s request for a Type A meeting to discuss the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) issues raised in the Complete Response Letter for Vicineum for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
Canaan Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/can#NASDAQ">CAN</a>) shares were also up, gaining 21% to $8.94 after Bitcoin climbed above $65,000 amid the debut of a bitcoin futures ETF.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers">Check out these big movers of the day</a>

Equities Trading DOWN
ATI Physical Therapy, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atip#NASDAQ">ATIP</a>) shares tumbled 22% to $2.8594 after the company reported preliminary Q3 revenue of approximately $159 million, well below the consensus of $170.42 million.

Shares of Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hcsg#NASDAQ">HCSG</a>) were down 13% to $20.23 after the company reported a decline in Q3 earnings and sales results.

Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nvax#NASDAQ">NVAX</a>) was down, falling 10% to $144.64 after Politico reported the company may be facing more serious manufacturing issues with its COVID-19 vaccine candidate. The company is finding it tough to meet the purity standards set forth by the Food and Drug Administration and its vaccine candidate could reach full licensure only by the end of 2022, the report said.
Commodities
In commodity news, oil traded up 0.5% to $83.36, while gold traded up 0.8% to $1,785.20.

Silver traded up 1.8% Wednesday to $24.32 while copper rose 0.4% to $4.7235.

Euro zone
European shares were higher today. The eurozone&rsquo;s STOXX 600 gained 0.37%, the Spanish Ibex Index rose 0.3% and the German DAX 30 gained 0.09%. Meanwhile, the London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 rose 0.1%, French CAC 40 gained 0.61% and Italy&rsquo;s FTSE MIB gained 0.93%.
The annual inflation rate in the Eurozone was confirmed at 3.4% in September, while current account surplus shrank to EUR 17.6 billion in August from EUR 24.9 billion.
The annual inflation rate in the UK fell to 3.1% in September from a nine-year high level of 3.2% in August, while annual rate of output inflation rose to 6.7% in September. German producer prices rose by 14.2% from a year ago in September. Italy&rsquo;s current account surplus shrank to EUR 5.03 billion in August from EUR 6.99 billion in the year-ago month.
Economics

US crude oil inventories dropped 400,000 barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration said.

Federal Reserve Governor Randal Quarles will speak at 1:00 p.m. ET.

The Treasury is set to auction 20-year bonds at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President James Bullard is set to speak at 1:45 p.m. ET.

The Federal Open Market Committee will release its latest Beige Book report at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco President Mary Daly will speak at 8:35 p.m. ET.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendar/economics/">Check out the full economic calendar here </a>

Mid-Day Market Update: Healthcare Services Drops After Q3 Results; Radius Health Shares Jump

Following the market opening Wednesday, the Dow traded up 0.35% to 35,580.21 while the NASDAQ rose 0.11% to 15,146.02. The S&amp;P also rose, gaining 0.32% to 4,533.97.
The U.S. has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the world, reporting a total of 45,996,500 cases with around 748,650 deaths. India confirmed a total of at least 34,108,990 cases and 452,680 deaths, while Brazil reported over 21,664,870 COVID-19 cases with 603,900 deaths. In total, there were at least 242,448,790 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with more than 4,931,290 deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Leading and Lagging Sectors

Utilities shares gained by 1.4% on Wednesday. Meanwhile, top gainers in the <a href='https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-sectors-to-invest-in-right-now/'>sector</a> included Companhia Energ&eacute;tica de Minas Gerais (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cig#NYSE">CIG</a>), up 2% and Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edn#NYSE">EDN</a>) up 3%.

In trading on Wednesday, energy shares fell 0.4%.

Top Headline

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vz#NYSE">VZ</a>) reported better-than-expected earnings for its third quarter and raised its FY21 forecast.
Verizon reported quarterly earnings of $1.41 per share, beating analysts&rsquo; estimates of $1.36 per share. The company reported quarterly revenue of $32.90 billion, versus analysts&rsquo; estimates of $33.28 billion.
Verizon raised its FY21 adjusted EPS guidance from $5.25-$5.35 to $5.35-$5.40.

Equities Trading UP

Radius Health, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rdus#NASDAQ">RDUS</a>) shares shot up 37% to $21.11. The Menarini Group and Radius Health announced topline results from the EMERALD Phase 3 study evaluating elacestrant as second- or third-line monotherapy in ER+/HER2- advanced/metastatic breast cancer patients.
Shares of Puhui Wealth Investment Management Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/phcf#NASDAQ">PHCF</a>) got a boost, shooting 29% to $2.6111.
First Wave BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fwbi#NASDAQ">FWBI</a>) shares were also up, gaining 18% to $3.30. First Wave BioPharma recently reported FDA clearance of IND application for Phase 2a PASSPORT trial of FW-ICI-AC as treatment for immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated colitis.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers">Check out these big movers of the day</a>

Equities Trading DOWN
ATI Physical Therapy, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atip#NASDAQ">ATIP</a>) shares tumbled 19% to $2.9500 after the company reported preliminary Q3 revenue of approximately $159 million, well below the consensus of $170.42 million.

Shares of Kaival Brands Innovations Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/kavl#NASDAQ">KAVL</a>) were down 17% to $1.87 after jumping around 40% on Tuesday

HCW Biologics Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hcwb#NASDAQ">HCWB</a>) was down, falling 14% to $2.78 after gaining 13% on Tuesday.

Commodities
In commodity news, oil traded down 1.2% to $82.00, while gold traded up 0.5% to $1,779.90.

Silver traded up 0.6% Wednesday to $24.02 while copper fell 1.3% to $4.6435.

Euro zone
European shares were mostly higher today. The eurozone&rsquo;s STOXX 600 gained 0.1%, the Spanish Ibex Index rose 0.3% and the German DAX 30 gained 0.1%. Meanwhile, the London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 rose 0.1%, French CAC 40 slipped 0.1% and Italy&rsquo;s FTSE MIB gained 0.5%.
The annual inflation rate in the Eurozone was confirmed at 3.4% in September, while current account surplus shrank to EUR 17.6 billion in August from EUR 24.9 billion.
The annual inflation rate in the UK fell to 3.1% in September from a nine-year high level of 3.2% in August, while annual rate of output inflation rose to 6.7% in September. German producer prices rose by 14.2% from a year ago in September. Italy&rsquo;s current account surplus shrank to EUR 5.03 billion in August from EUR 6.99 billion in the year-ago month.
Economics

The Energy Information Administration&rsquo;s weekly report on petroleum inventories in the U.S. will be released at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari is set to speak at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic will speak at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Chicago Fed President Charles Evans is set to speak at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Federal Reserve Governor Randal Quarles will speak at 1:00 p.m. ET.

The Treasury is set to auction 20-year bonds at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President James Bullard is set to speak at 1:45 p.m. ET.

The Federal Open Market Committee will release its latest Beige Book report at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco President Mary Daly will speak at 8:35 p.m. ET.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendar/economics/">Check out the full economic calendar here </a>

FWBI

HCWB

KAVL

PHCF

Mid-Morning Market Update: Markets Open Higher; Verizon Posts Upbeat Earnings

Toward the end of trading Wednesday, the Dow traded up 0.08% to 34,342.65 while the NASDAQ rose 0.38% to 14,489.14. The S&amp;P also rose, gaining 0.19% to 4,353.99.
The U.S. has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the world, reporting a total of 43,950,080 cases with around 705,280 deaths. India confirmed a total of at least 33,871,880 cases and 449,530 deaths, while Brazil reported over 21,499,070 COVID-19 cases with 598,820 deaths. In total, there were at least 235,908,850 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with more than 4,818,980 deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Leading and Lagging Sectors

Utilities shares gained by 0.7% on Wednesday. Meanwhile, top gainers in the <a href='https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-sectors-to-invest-in-right-now/'>sector</a> included Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edn#NYSE">EDN</a>), up 3% and Sunnova Energy International Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nova#NYSE">NOVA</a>) up 2.5%.

In trading on Wednesday, energy shares dipped 1%.

Top Headline
Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ayi#NYSE">AYI</a>) reported better-than-expected results for its fourth quarter.
Acuity Brands reported quarterly adjusted earnings of $3.27 per share, beating analysts&rsquo; estimates of $2.85 per share. The company&rsquo;s quarterly sales came in at $992.70 million versus expectations of $963.96 million.
&nbsp;
Equities Trading UP

Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vygr#NASDAQ">VYGR</a>) shares shot up 57% to $3.8901 after the company announced licensing option agreement with Pfizer for capsids generated from Voyager&#39;s RNA-driven TRACER screening technology.

Shares of Acer Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/acer#NASDAQ">ACER</a>) got a boost, shooting 15% to $2.8650. The FDA has accepted for review Acer Therapeutics and its partner, Relief Therapeutics Holding&rsquo;s marketing application for ACER-001 (sodium phenylbutyrate) for Urea Cycle Disorders (UCDs).

Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ayi#NYSE">AYI</a>) shares were also up, gaining 11% to $196.57 after reporting better-than-expected Q4 results.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers">Check out these big movers of the day</a>

Equities Trading DOWN
Manchester United plc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/manu#NYSE">MANU</a>) shares tumbled 15% to $16.63. Manchester United reported an offering of 9.5 million shares by selling shareholders Kevin Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Family Trust and Edward S. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust in a secondary equity offering.
Shares of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hov#NYSE">HOV</a>) were down 13% to $83.11 after the company announced revised Q4 and FY21 guidance due to supply chain delays and uncertainties.
Paltalk, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/palt#NASDAQ">PALT</a>) was down, falling 14% to $7.09. Paltalk&rsquo;s filing showed registration for $50 million mixed securities shelf offering.
Commodities

In commodity news, oil traded down 2.3% to $77.11, while gold traded up 0.1% to $1,763.40.

Silver traded up 0.1% Wednesday to $22.62 while copper fell 0.7% to $4.1640.

Euro zone
European shares closed lower today. The eurozone&rsquo;s STOXX 600 fell 1.03%, the Spanish Ibex Index declined 1.71% and the German DAX 30 declined 1.46%. Meanwhile, the London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 dropped 1.15%, French CAC 40 dipped 1.26% and Italy&rsquo;s FTSE MIB dipped 1.35%.
Eurozone retail sales increased 0.3% from a month ago in August, while construction PMI climbed to 50.0 in September from 49.5 a month ago.
The IHS Markit/CIPS construction PMI for the UK dropped to 52.6 in September, while German construction PMI rose to 47.1 in September from 44.6 in August. Spain&#39;s industrial production rose 1.8% year-over-year in August versus a revised 3.3% growth in the previous month. French construction PMI increased to 48.9 in September from 44.9 in the earlier month.
Economics
Private businesses hired 568,000 workers in September versus a revised 340,000 gain in August.

US crude oil inventories climbed 2.346 million barrels in the week ending October 1, the Energy Information Administration said.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendar/economics/">Check out the full economic calendar here </a>

ACER

MANU

NOVA

PALT

VYGR

Mid-Afternoon Market Update: US Stocks Turn Positive; Hovnanian Enterprises Shares Slide

<h3>Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>RenovoRx, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rnxt#NASDAQ">RNXT</a>) climbed 107.8% to close at $16.02 on Monday after the company was granted FDA clearance for &lsquo;Catheter, Intravascular Occluding, Temporary.&rsquo; The company recently priced its IPO at $9 per unit.</li>
<li>Globalstar, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gsat#NYSE">GSAT</a>) shares jumped 64.3% to close at $2.35 on Monday following a note sent out by popular Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aapl#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) analyst Ming Chi-Kuo that the technology giant could partner with Globalstar on bringing low-earth-orbit satellite communications functionality in the highly-anticipated iPhone 13.</li>
<li>Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/afrm#NASDAQ">AFRM</a>) shares climbed 46.7% to close at $99.59 after the company on Friday announced a partnership with Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/amzn#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) allowing customers to purchase items with an installment plan.</li>
<li>Katapult Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/kplt#NASDAQ">KPLT</a>) gained 40.6% to close at $5.09 after gaining around 6% on Friday.</li>
<li>Support.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sprt#NASDAQ">SPRT</a>) jumped 38.2% to settle at $36.39 on abnormally high volume amid continued volatility. The stock has recently been mentioned as a potential short squeeze play by traders on social media.</li>
<li>Vinco Ventures, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bbig#NASDAQ">BBIG</a>) shares gained 33.2% to close at $7.06 on abnormally high volume amid increasing interest in the stock from retail traders.</li>
<li>Valneva SE (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/valn#NASDAQ">VALN</a>) jumped 32.5% to close at $51.00 after jumping 10% on Friday.</li>
<li>Altisource Asset Management Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aamc#NYSE">AAMC</a>) rose 25.4% to settle at $17.75. The company, earlier during the month, reported Q2 results.</li>
<li>ATIF Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atif#NASDAQ">ATIF</a>) jumped 22.8% to settle at $3.38. The company&rsquo;s 5-For-1 reverse stock split went into effect at market open.</li>
<li>Sphere 3D Corp. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/any#NASDAQ">ANY</a>) gained 22.6% to close at $6.40.</li>
<li>SeqLL Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sql#NASDAQ">SQL</a>) jumped 21.4% to close at $5.51. The company, on Friday, priced its IPO at $4.25 per share.</li>
<li>Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edn#NYSE">EDN</a>) gained 21.1% to close at $7.45.</li>
<li>China Recycling Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/creg#NASDAQ">CREG</a>) surged 19.9% to close at $8.45.</li>
<li>Reneo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rphm#NASDAQ">RPHM</a>) jumped 19.8% to close at $9.46. Reneo Pharmaceuticals, earlier during the month, reported a Q2 loss of $0.43 per share.</li>
<li>Independence Holding Company (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ihc#NYSE">IHC</a>) rose 18.8% to close at $49.90 after the company received a going-private offer from Geneve Holdings for $50 per share.</li>
<li>Cellect Biotechnology Ltd. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/apop#NASDAQ">APOP</a>) gained 18.6% to settle at $4.97. The company recently released Q2 results.</li>
<li>Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bgfv#NASDAQ">BGFV</a>) jumped 18.1% to close at $28.10. Strength was attributed to possible a short squeeze.</li>
<li>DSP Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dspg#NASDAQ">DSPG</a>) gained 17.9% to close at $21.99. Synaptics Inc agreed to acquire voice and wireless chipset solutions provider DSP Group in an all-cash transaction of $22 per share.</li>
<li>Mechel PAO (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mtl#NYSE">MTL</a>) jumped 17.7% to close at $3.39 after climbing around 7% on Friday.</li>
<li>Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dq#NYSE">DQ</a>) gained 17.5% to settle at $64.00.</li>
<li>Grindrod Shipping Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/grin#NASDAQ">GRIN</a>) rose 17.2% to close at $18.09.</li>
<li>Cybin Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cybn#NYSE">CYBN</a>) jumped 16.7% to settle at $2.73.</li>
<li>Lightning eMotors, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/zev#NYSE">ZEV</a>) shares gained 15.3% to close at $8.65. The stock was reportedly mentioned as a short squeeze candidate.</li>
<li>Riskified Ltd. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rskd#NYSE">RSKD</a>) surged 13.2% to settle at $32.75.</li>
<li>Bridgeline Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/blin#NASDAQ">BLIN</a>) rose 12.6% to close at $5.47 after the company announced it expanded its investment in its BigCommerce partnership.</li>
<li>Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hrc#NYSE">HRC</a>) jumped 9.7% to close at $145.78 following a media report stating the company is in talks to be acquired by Baxter.</li>
<li>Aterian, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ater#NASDAQ">ATER</a>) shares rose 8.9% to settle at $6.62 after jumping 47% on Friday. Aterian, earlier during the month, reported worse-than-expected Q2 results.</li>
<li>Naked Brand Group Limited (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nakd#NASDAQ">NAKD</a>) gained 8.7% to close at $0.7251. Naked Brand Group recently announced it reached a preliminary agreement with a merger or acquisition partner.</li>
<li>Meta Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mmat#NASDAQ">MMAT</a>) gained 7% to settle at $4.42 after jumping over 19% on Friday. The stock has been mentioned as a potential short squeeze play by traders on social media.</li>
<li>Ideanomics, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/idex#NASDAQ">IDEX</a>) gained 4.8% to close at $2.40 after the company announced it will acquire VIA Motors valued at up to $630 million.</li>
<li>Oragenics, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ogen#NYSE">OGEN</a>) gained 4.7% to close at $0.7133 after the company announced its SARS-CoV-2 spike protein produces neutralizing antibodies in mice with intramuscular and intranasal adjuvants.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/investing/best-penny-stocks/">Check out these big penny stock gainers and losers</a>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Nexters Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gdev#NASDAQ">GDEV</a>) shares dropped 19.8% to settle at $8.66 on Monday. Kismet Acquisition Corp. reported the completion of SPAC merger deal with Int&#39;l. Game Development Co.</li>
<li>Astra Space, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/astr#NASDAQ">ASTR</a>) shares fell 18.7% to close at $9.49 on Monday after the company announced its LV0006 launch vehicle failed to properly launch.</li>
<li>ADTRAN, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/adtn#NASDAQ">ADTN</a>) declined 16.5% to close at $20.51. ADTRAN and ADVA announced combination through all-stock transaction.</li>
<li>NeuroMetrix, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nuro#NASDAQ">NURO</a>) shares dropped 15.9% to close at $13.88 after climbing over 65% on Friday. NeuroMetrix, earlier during the month, filed prospectus supplement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to register offer and sale of $14 million of the company&rsquo;s common stock.</li>
<li>Blue Water Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bluw#NASDAQ">BLUW</a>) dipped 14.7% to close at $7.15. Blue Water Acquisition recently reported shareholders&rsquo; approval of business combo/SPAC deal with Clarus Therapeutics.</li>
<li>DatChat, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dats#NASDAQ">DATS</a>) fell 13.3% to close at $7.37 after climbing 24% on Friday. DatChat reported a partnership with Rutgers University Computer Science through their industry affiliates program.</li>
<li>Design Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dsgn#NASDAQ">DSGN</a>) dropped 13.1% to settle at $15.14.</li>
<li>22nd Century Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/xxii#NASDAQ">XXII</a>) declined 12.9% to close at $3.46. 22nd Century Group announced entry into the global specialty hops market.</li>
<li>Unico American Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/unam#NASDAQ">UNAM</a>) fell 11.8% to close at $2.61.</li>
<li>Rani Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rani#NASDAQ">RANI</a>) dropped 11.7% to settle at $17.66.</li>
<li>Zevia PBC (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/zvia#NYSE">ZVIA</a>) fell 10.8% to settle at $14.31.</li>
<li>CN Energy Group. Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cney#NASDAQ">CNEY</a>) dipped 10% to settle at $5.40.</li>
<li>Nuwellis, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nuwe#NASDAQ">NUWE</a>) dropped 9.7% to close at $4.01. The company, earlier during the month, reported Q2 results.</li>
<li>TuSimple Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsp#NASDAQ">TSP</a>) fell 9.3% to settle at $45.35.</li>
<li>Rafael Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rfl#NYSE">RFL</a>) dipped 8.8% to close at $43.40. The company&rsquo;s CEO Howard Jonas, last week, purchased 112,561 shares at an average price of $44.92 per share.</li>
<li>Absci Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/absi#NASDAQ">ABSI</a>) fell 8% to close at $18.21.</li>
<li>Takung Art Co., Ltd. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tkat#NYSE">TKAT</a>) dropped 6.8% to close at $10.48.</li>
</ul>

Pre-Market Outlook

Movers

AAMC

AAPL

ABSI

ADTN

AFRM

AMZN

APOP

ASTR

ATER

ATIF

BBIG

BGFV

BLIN

BLUW

CNEY

CREG

CYBN

DATS

DSGN

DSPG

GDEV

Grindrod Shipping Holdings Ltd Ordinary Shares

GRIN

GSAT

IDEX

KPLT

MMAT

NAKD

NURO

NUWE

OGEN

RANI

RNXT

RPHM

RSKD

SPRT

TKAT

UNAM

VALN

XXII

ZVIA

48 Biggest Movers From Yesterday

Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadra Norte Sociedad Anonima Shares Halted News Pending

Midway through trading Monday, the Dow traded down 2.31% to 27680.07 while the NASDAQ fell 1.56% to 11,367.63. The S&amp;P also fell, dropping 1.97% to 3,397.27.

The U.S. has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the world, reporting a total of 8,636,990 cases with around 225,230 deaths. India confirmed a total of at least 7,909,950 confirmed cases and 119,010 deaths, while Brazil reported over 5,394,120 COVID-19 cases with 157,130 deaths. In total, there were at least 43,117,880 cases of COVID-19 worldwide with over 1,154,700 deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
Leading and Lagging Sectors

Utilities shares slipped by just 1.1% on Monday. Meanwhile, top gainers in the sector included Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edn#NYSE">EDN</a>), up 6%, and Ellomay Capital Ltd. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ello#NYSE">ELLO</a>), up 5%.
In trading on Monday, energy shares tumbled 3.2%.

Top Headline

Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/has#NASDAQ">HAS</a>) reported better-than-expected earnings for its third quarter.
Hasbro reported quarterly earnings of $1.88 per share, missing analysts&rsquo; estimates of $1.62 per share. The company posted sales of $1.78 billion, surpassing expectations of $1.73 billion.

Equities Trading UP

Lianluo Smart Limited (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/llit#NASDAQ">LLIT</a>) shares shot up 33% to $4.32 after the company announced it would merge with Newegg.
Shares of Muscle Maker, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gril#NASDAQ">GRIL</a>) got a boost, shooting 40% to $2.1417 after the company announced it acquired one of its previously franchised-owned locations in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.
Document Security Systems, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dss#NYSE">DSS</a>) shares were also up, gaining 47% to $5.95 after the company swung to a profit in the third quarter.
&nbsp;
Equities Trading DOWN
BioSig Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bsgm#NASDAQ">BSGM</a>) shares tumbled 39% to $3.07 after the company announced its ViralClear Pharmaceuticals subsidiary has halted its Phase 2 hospitalization coronavirus trial.
Shares of SAP SE (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sap#NYSE">SAP</a>) were down 23% to $114.80 after the company reported around 4% year-over-year drop in revenue for the third quarter and lowered its revenue outlook for the year.
Aileron Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/alrn#NASDAQ">ALRN</a>) was down, falling 28% to $1.3596 after the company disclosed clinical data from ongoing ALRN-6924 Phase 1b trial.

Commodities

In commodity news, oil traded down 3.7% to $38.39, while gold traded down 0.1% to $1,905.10.

Silver traded down 1% Monday to $24.44 while copper fell 1.3% to $3.0870.

Euro zone

European shares were lower today. The eurozone&rsquo;s STOXX 600 fell 1.54%, the Spanish Ibex Index fell 1.12%, while Italy&rsquo;s FTSE MIB Index declined 1.55%. Meanwhile, the German DAX 30 dropped 3.34%, French CAC 40 fell 1.6% and London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 fell 0.73%.
German Ifo Business Climate indicator dipped to 92.7 in October versus a seven-month high of 93.2 in September. Spain&#39;s producer prices dropped 3.3% year-over-year in September after falling 3.5% in the prior month.

Economics
The Chicago Fed National Activity Index declined to 0.270 in September versus prior reading of 0.790.
Sales of new US homes fell 3.5% to an annual rate of 959,000 in September.
The Dallas Fed general business activity index for manufacturing increased rose 6.2 points to a reading of 19.8 in October.

ALRN

BSGM

ELLO

GRIL

LLIT

Mid-Day Market Update: Dow Tumbles 650 Points; Lianluo Smart Shares Climb

<h3>Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Kaixin Auto Holdings (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/kxin#NASDAQ">KXIN</a>) shares climbed 293.7% to close at $8.15 on Monday after climbing over 55% on Friday. JP Morgan, last week, upgraded the company&#39;s stock from Neutral to Overweight.</li>
<li>Marine Petroleum Trust (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/marps#NASDAQ">MARPS</a>) shares gained 91.3% to close at $4.40.</li>
<li>Senmiao Technology Limited (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aihs#NASDAQ">AIHS</a>) rose 79.2% to close at $1.41.</li>
<li>Dragon Victory International Limited (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lyl#NASDAQ">LYL</a>) gained 55.8% to close at $2.54 after declining over 15% on Friday.</li>
<li>BioSpecifics Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bstc#NASDAQ">BSTC</a>) shares gained 45.4% to close at $88.69 after the company announced it would be acquired by Endo Pharmaceuticals for $88.50 per share in cash.</li>
<li>Greenland Technologies Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gtec#NASDAQ">GTEC</a>) shares rose 41.6% to close at $3.54.</li>
<li>Front Yard Residential Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/resi#NYSE">RESI</a>) shares surged 34.9% to close at $13.44 after the company agreed be acquired for $13.50 per share in cash..</li>
<li>Natuzzi S.p.A. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ntz#NYSE">NTZ</a>) shares gained 34.4% to close at $5.66 after gaining 18% on Friday.</li>
<li>Renren Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/renn#NYSE">RENN</a>) shares rose 28.4% to close at $5.75.</li>
<li>Ocean Bio-Chem, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/obci#NASDAQ">OBCI</a>) shares surged 20.9% to close at $16.44 after the company posted a 53% year-over-year rise in Q3 sales.</li>
<li>Altisource Asset Management Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aamc#NASDAQ">AAMC</a>) rose 19.8% to close at $23.87.</li>
<li>Liquidia Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lqda#NASDAQ">LQDA</a>) shares gained 19.2% to close at $3.41. Liquidia announced postponement of special meeting of stockholders.</li>
<li>Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/amtx#NASDAQ">AMTX</a>) shares surged 18.7% to close at $4.50.</li>
<li>MoneyGram International, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mgi#NASDAQ">MGI</a>) surged 18.1% to close at $4.83. MoneyGram recently reported a partnership with PayMaya Philippines to launch new digital capability to allow customers to send money from US to Philippines through visa direct.</li>
<li>Midatech Pharma plc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mtp#NASDAQ">MTP</a>) surged 18% to close at $2.36 after the company disclosed headline results of MTX110 Phase I DIPG study.</li>
<li>Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/acb#NYSE">ACB</a>) gained 17.2% to close at $4.71. Aurora Cannabis recently opted to part ways with Australia-based Cann Group. The Canadian cannabis company sold its 12% stake via off-market trades &quot;to a small number of undisclosed buyers.&quot;</li>
<li>Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tlry#NASDAQ">TLRY</a>) surged 16.6% to close at $6.48. Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris recently indicated the Biden administration would decriminalize marijuana.</li>
<li>AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/amc#NYSE">AMC</a>) climbed 16.5% to close at $3.54 after the company announced it will resume operations at many theatres in the state of New York.</li>
<li>South Mountain Merger Corp. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/smmc#NASDAQ">SMMC</a>) rose 15.6% to close at $11.96 after the company announced it acquired Billtrust for $1.3 billion.</li>
<li>OraSure Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/osur#NASDAQ">OSUR</a>) surged 15.4% to close at $15.94 after the company received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA for its&#39;s COVID-19 test which can be conducted at-home.</li>
<li>Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte Sociedad An&oacute;nima (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edn#NYSE">EDN</a>) shares gained 15.1% to close at $3.67.</li>
<li>Oblong Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/oblg#NYSE">OBLG</a>) gained 14.2% to close at $4.67. Oblong, earlier during the month, announced new patents for remote work to enhance current and planned multi-share collaboration offerings.</li>
<li>Athira Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/atha#NASDAQ">ATHA</a>) surged 13.9% to close at $20.86.</li>
<li>Endo International plc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/endp#NASDAQ">ENDP</a>) gained 13.3% to close at $5.64 after the company announced it plans to acquire BioSpecifics for $88.50 per share in cash.</li>
<li>Textainer Group Holdings Limited (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tgh#NYSE">TGH</a>) gained 12.3% to close at $16.11 after Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods upgraded the stock from Market Perform to Outperform and announced a price target of $18 per share.</li>
<li>Condor Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cdor#NYSE">CDOR</a>) surged 12.3% to close at $2.4588. Condor Hospitality recently signed a settlement agreement with NHT Parties concerning the terminated merger agreement.</li>
<li>Centogene N.V. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cntg#NASDAQ">CNTG</a>) gained 12.1% to close at $12.17 as the company received FDA Emergency Use Authorization for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay for individuals without symptoms or other reasons to suspect COVID-19.</li>
<li>MOGU Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mogu#NYSE">MOGU</a>) surged 12.1% to close at $2.78.</li>
<li>STAAR Surgical Company (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/staa#NASDAQ">STAA</a>) gained 11.9% to close at $67.63.</li>
<li>Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/avxl#NASDAQ">AVXL</a>) rose 9% to close at $5.28. Anavex Life Sciences recently reported results from proof of concept controlled Phase 2 clinical trial of ANAVEX 2-73 in Parkinson&#39;s dementia.</li>
<li>Trinseo S.A. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tse#NYSE">TSE</a>) climbed 8.5% to close at $33.12 after the company reported Q3 earnings.</li>
<li>Dave &amp; Buster&#39;s Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/play#NASDAQ">PLAY</a>) shares surged 7.4% to close at $17.36 after the company announced a proposed private offering of $500 million of senior secured notes due 2025.</li>
<li>Protara Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tara#NASDAQ">TARA</a>) gained 7.4% to close at $21.57. Cowen &amp; Co. initiated coverage on Protara Therapeutics with an Outperform rating and announced a price target of $50.</li>
<li>WiMi Hologram Cloud Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wimi#NASDAQ">WIMI</a>) rose 7.3% to close at $6.16 after the company announced new CEO late Friday and also formed a subsidiary to accelerate development of its AI algorithm and cloud computing services.</li>
<li>Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cnk#NYSE">CNK</a>) rose 6.7% to close at $8.39.</li>
<li>Fluidigm Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fldm#NASDAQ">FLDM</a>) rose 6% to close at $7.15 following a decision by the Trump administration to use the company&#39;s saliva test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.</li>
<li>Kamada Ltd. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/kmda#NASDAQ">KMDA</a>) gained 5.8% to close at $8.41 after the company announced a $3.4 million order from the Israeli government for its investigational COVID-19 product.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/investing/best-penny-stocks/">Check out these big penny stock gainers and losers</a>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Abraxas Petroleum Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/axas#NASDAQ">AXAS</a>) shares dipped 24.3% to close at $2.19 on Monday following effectiveness of 1-for-20 reverse split.</li>
<li>Westwater Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wwr#NASDAQ">WWR</a>) shares declined 19.8% to close at $4.62. Westwater Resources recently reported the receipt of 30 metric tonnes of graphite concentrate for pilot plant production.</li>
<li>CHF Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/chfs#NASDAQ">CHFS</a>) shares declined 17.3% to close at $6.98. CHF Solutions recently announced data demonstrating benefit of aquadex therapy for the treatment of heart failure and COVID-19.</li>
<li>Catalyst Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cbio#NASDAQ">CBIO</a>) fell 16% to close at $5.38. Catalyst Biosciences recently received US patent for its anti-complement factor 3 portfolio of engineered proteases.</li>
<li>Highway Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hiho#NASDAQ">HIHO</a>) shares dropped 15.1% to close at $3.76. Highway Holdings, last week, reported a $1.5 million manufacturing order for video gaming consoles from Playmaji.</li>
<li>American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ael#NYSE">AEL</a>) dropped 14.9% to close at $27.49 after the company rejected an acquisition offer from Athene Holding and instead announced Brookfield Asset Management would acquire a 20% stake in the company at $37 per share.</li>
<li>Pioneer Power Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ppsi#NASDAQ">PPSI</a>) dropped 14.9% to close at $2.63.</li>
<li>Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aeri#NASDAQ">AERI</a>) fell 14.8% to close at $9.92 after Bank of America downgraded the stock from Neutral to Underperform and announced a price target of $9 per share.</li>
<li>Organogenesis Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/orgo#NASDAQ">ORGO</a>) shares fell 13.5% to close at $4.12. Organogenesis, last week, announced strong preliminary Q3 and FY20 sales.</li>
<li>Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/htz#NYSE">HTZ</a>) declined 13.2% to close at $2.17. Hertz Global stock climbed around 143% on Friday following news the company secured $1.65 billion in debtor-in-possession financing commitments..</li>
<li>USA Truck, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/usak#NASDAQ">USAK</a>) dipped 12.4% to close at $9.15.</li>
<li>Kaleido Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/kldo#NASDAQ">KLDO</a>) shares declined 12% to close at $7.74. Kaleido Biosciences will present data from MMT programs at upcoming scientific conferences.</li>
<li>ReWalk Robotics Ltd. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rwlk#NASDAQ">RWLK</a>) fell 11.9% to close at $1.26 after surging over 23% on Friday. Traders circulated an August 27th press release that highlighted the US Court of Appeals dismissed a securities lawsuit against the company.</li>
<li>Integrated Media Technology Limited (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/imte#NASDAQ">IMTE</a>) shares declined 11.9% to close at $4.01.</li>
<li>Loop Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/loop#NASDAQ">LOOP</a>) fell 11.8% to close at $6.92. Hindenburg Researched, last week, released a negative short-seller report on Loop Industries.</li>
<li>Flux Power Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/flux#NASDAQ">FLUX</a>) slipped 11.4% to close at $9.24. Flux Power, last month, reported a quarterly loss of $0.63 per share.</li>
<li>Vaxart, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vxrt#NASDAQ">VXRT</a>) fell 6.7% to close at $5.67. Vaxart, last week, announced the first subject has been dosed in its Phase 1 study of VXA-CoV2-1, an oral tablet COVID-19 vaccine candidate.</li>
<li>Color Star Technology Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cscw#NASDAQ">CSCW</a>) fell 6.6% to close at $0.55 after declining over 6% on Friday. Color Star Technology recently announced plans to launch offline music festival series.</li>
<li>SG Blocks, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sgbx#NASDAQ">SGBX</a>) fell 5.9% to close at $2.57. SG Blocks and OSANG Healthcare reported a managed supply agreement and purchase order to distribute COVID-19 rapid test.</li>
<li>The9 Limited (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ncty#NASDAQ">NCTY</a>) fell 5.6% to close at $2.55. The9 changed the ratio of ordinary shares each ADS represents from 3 to 30.</li>
<li>iHuman Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ih#NYSE">IH</a>) shares fell 4.2% to close at $23.75. iHuman recently priced its IPO at $12 per ADS.</li>
</ul>

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Empresa Distribuidora y Stock (NYSE:EDN), Short Interest Report

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