MOST NOTEWORTHY: Merck (MRK), McMoRan Exploration (MMR), TheStreet.com (TSCM), Goodrich Petroleum (GDP) and Coventry Health (CVH) were today's noteworthy upgrades: - Cowen is optimistic on Merck's (NYSE: MRK) business momentum, key products, and pipeline, and upgraded the pharmaceutical giant to Outperform from Neutral.
- JP Morgan believes the recent discoveries have created a lower risk profile for McMoRan Exploration (NYSE: MMR), upgrading shares to Overweight from Neutral.
- Needham upgraded shares of TheStreet.com (NASDAQ: TSCM) to Strong Buy from Buy on the Corsis acquisition as they believe the deal strengthens the company's advertising business.
- Jefferies upgraded shares of Goodrich Petroleum (NYSE: GDP) to Buy from Underperform as they believe success at the James Lime development program will grow production and cash flow.
- Banc of America upgraded Coventry Health (NYSE: CVH) to Neutral from Sell as they believe the company's three recent acquisitions will accelerate growth beginning next year...
OTHER UPGRADES:
- Bear Stearns upgraded Take-Two Interactive Software (NASDAQ: TTWO) to Peer Perform from Underperform and Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) to Outperform from Peer Perform.
- Citigroup raised AnnTaylor Stores (NYSE: ANN) to Hold from Sell.
Why is gold making a new high, trading at $1,118.00 per ounce?
Chasing Value: Ten stocks for 2010 -- Part 1 
Closing Bell: A six-day rally (AIG, REGN, M, MOT, PALM, RIMM)
