REITS moved higher as UBS upgraded Simon Property,General Growth Property, Boston Property, Alexandria Real Estate, and Apartment Investment and Management to "buy" from "neutral."
JC Penney moved higher on hopes the company would forma REIT to acquire its real estate assets, following the lead of Canada's Loblaw, which announced that move today.
Yum Brands jumped after its CEO said he sees very solid sales growth in its restaurants in China.
Akamai Technologies rose after the company cut a deal with AT&T to co-sell their services and provide Akamai's content to AT&T customers.
Vera Bradley lost ground as the company issued a fourth-quarter warning and lowered its full-year revenue forecasts.
Walter Energy rose following news BHP Billiton is considering a cash bid for the company, according to Britain's Daily Mail newspaper.
UTI Worldwide moved lower after weaker-than-expected quarterly earnings.
Safeway moved higher after the supermarket chain moved its dividend up to December from January.
Align Technology fell after the braces maker said it expects fourth-quarter profit and revenue to be at the lower end of guidance. As a result it is cutting jobs and shuffling management.
Noble Energy gained ground on an improved fourth-quarter outlook.
Athenahealth moved higher after its CFO told investors the company aims to grow sales at a 30 percent rate over the next five years.
Freeport-McMoRan continued to fall on news that its planned acquisitions of Plains and McMoran could lead to shareholder activism. Several investment banks have dropped their "buy" ratings on the company as a result of the buyouts.
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—By CNBC's Rich Fisherman.
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