Today's trading action was interrupted and then switched gears late morning after two unrelated pieces of worrisome news. Most importantly, I'd argue, reports surfaced that a Navy contracted ship fired warning shots at two fast-approaching Iranian vessels. Iran denied any hostilities over the incident (it must have been 'Fauxranians'). Oil shot up $2.43 to $118.49 per barrel. Also, consumer sentiment from University of Michigan (revised) was reported at a 25-year low at around the same time.

These are the unofficial closing prices today for major US index readings:

• DJIA 12,892.84 (+43.89; +0.34%)
• S&P500 1,397.86 (+9.04; +0.65%)
• NASDAQ 2,422.93 (-5.99; -0.25%)
• 10YR-TBond 3.866% (+0.039)
• 52-WEEK LOWS (AAI, HRZ, IAR, LEE, NTGR, PAY, UCBH, VDSI)

Baidu.com Inc., (ADR) (NYSE: BIDU) was a big gainer on a mixed day after earnings. The company beat earnings last night and saw an upgrade from Citigroup this morning. Shares rose 6% to $363.00 in the last minutes of trading.


Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) fell after two key party-pooper downgrades were issued this morning after a huge gain was seen yesterday. Shares were down over 10% to $7.50 in the final moments of trading.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: GT) shares were up almost 6% to $28.83 in the final minutes after earnings rose above estimates. What do 365 condoms make? A good year.

Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: PGNX) shares surged after the company and its partner Wyeth received federal approval late Thursday for Relistor, a medication used to treat constipation. Shares were up 26% at $13.44 in the final moments of trading.

Wendy's International Inc. (NYSE: WEN) saw shares recover by 7% to $28.26 in the final moments of trading after Wall Street gave Nelson Peltz the thumbs up.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) fell after beating earnings but also issuing guidance that was arguably short of consensus for the quarter ahead. Big Software closed down 6% at $29.83 on over 143 million shares.

Jon Ogg is an editor and producer of the "10 Stocks Under $10" weekly newsletter for 247Wallst.com.