Today was simple. It's all about employment. A better than expected labor report sent shares soaring. The notion that a late day report showing that credit to Americans is still declining was largely ignored. The unemployment data was good enough that some might even question it. Either way, it looks like the only group losing droves of jobs now is the group of market bears. Here were today's unofficial closing bell levels:DJIA:9,730.07(+1.23%)
S&P500:1,010.47(+1.35%)
NASDAQ:2,000.25(+1.37%)
Top 10 Analyst Calls
Opexa Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPXA) sold some stem cell technology to Novartis (NYSE: NVS) for $3 million up front, but it is getting another $1 million over six months and the company could get another $50 million from royalties and milestone hurdles. Shares were up a sharp and whopping 300% at $1.89 right before the close.
American International Group Inc. (NYSE: AIG) is back in the game. The board named a new director Harvey Golub as its non-executive chairman to succeed Edward M. Liddy. More importantly, the troubled insurer posted a profit outside of items of $1.82 billion for the quarter. Shares were up 21% at $27.35 ahead of the closing bell.
NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA) rose after the graphics chipset maker beat earnings and revenue projections. The notion that the graphics chipset maker raised guidance helped. This was a return to profitability one quarter early. Shares were up over 5% at $13.79 ahead of the close.
Paychex Inc. (NASDAQ: PAYX) was a huge winner. Besides winning from the labor report implications, there was unusual call option trading in shares today. This was up over 6% at $27.86 right before the close.
Crocs Inc. (NASDAQ: CROX) was one of today's biggest winners after the ugly-shoe and apparel maker posted a much narrower loss than expected and guided next quarter higher. If you can believe it, a return to profitability next year was mentioned. Shares were up a sharp 30% at $5.55 right before the close.
Hansen Natural Corporation (NASDAQ: HANS) was yet another earnings winner. The specialty beverage maker posted a 14% rise in earnings despite tough times. This stock was up over 17% at $36.08 right before the close.
Disney Starts Off the New Fiscal Year with Solid Results
Before the Bell: Futures Higher on Greece Rescue Hopes
Serious Money: Cheapest Stocks List Shrinks from 26 to 21
