Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) was up all day with higher oil prices and with it being the weekend cover story in Barron's. The financial publication said it is the oil sector's biggest and best, and also that it is the second-worst performer in the Dow this year, and that you should grab it while you can. Exxon shares were up 2.6% at $74.40 late in the trading day.

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) traded higher all day on reports that Paulson & Co. now has taken a stake of some 300 million shares. His 'taking a stake' was known, but the 300 million part is larger than expected. Shares were up 4.2% at $4.22 late in the trading day.

Dell Inc. (DELL) was given an upgrade ahead of this week's earnings after Goldman Sachs reinitiated coverage with a Buy rating and $19 price target. Dell was up over 3.5% at $15.98 late in the trading day.

Playboy Enterprises, Inc. (PLA) rose again for a third day on hope of a $300 million potential buyout. Shares were up 7.5% at $4.89 late in the trading day.

Cisco Systems (CSCO) rose despite reports that it will offer pay more for the Tandberg acquisition to secure a positive vote from the minority 24% owners. Shares of Cisco were up 1.3% at $24.03 late in the trading day.

Lowe's Companies Inc. (LOW) said Q3 earnings were $0.24 EPS, in-line with estimates. Revenue was also in-line with estimates at $11.38 billion. Lowe's is also starting to see signs of improved performance in some of the worst geographic markets like California, the Southwest, and Florida.