Higher close on rising oil prices

Rising crude oil prices lifted the markets to a modestly higher close with the Dow adding 15 points to 18,224. Nasdaq eased a point to 4,967.

On the upside

Bloomberg reported that Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ) engaged in discussions to acquire Aruba Networks (Nasdaq: ARUN).

Bloomberg reported that Pharmacyclics (Nasdaq: PCYC) was exploring a possible sale of the company.

Fourth quarter earnings slipped for Chicago Bridge & Iron (NYSE: CBI) but the results were better than expected.

On the downside

Century Aluminum (Nasdaq: CENX) swung to a profit for the fourth quarter but the results fell short of expectations.

Republic Airways (Nasdaq: RJET) reported lower fourth quarter earnings and revenue.

Fourth quarter earnings and revenue fell for Huron Consulting (Nasdaq: HURN).

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 5 to 4 on both the NYSE and on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 slipped a point to 2113. Bitcoin eased a fraction to $234.