On the upside
Zix (Nasdaq: ZIXI) offered an upbeat preliminary fourth quarter update and announced that it expects 2010 to be its first profitable year.
Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: CYCC) reported that its lung cancer treatment seliciclib killed lung cancer cells.
Somaxon Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SOMX) reassured investors that it will continue working with the Food and Drug Administration in seeking approval of its insomnia medication Silenor.
On the downside
ZymoGenetics (Nasdaq: ZGEN) increased its public offering to 14 million common shares at $6 per share.
J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP) reported a drop in December same store sales.
Analysts downgraded Hot Topic (Nasdaq: HOTT) after the teen apparel retailer reported lower December same store sales and cut its fourth quarter guidance.
In the broad market, declining issues barely edged out advancers by a slim margin on both the NYSE and on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks eased a fraction to 637.
