The markets opened mixed with the Dow rising 26 points to 25,735 as new orders for capital goods fell last month. Nasdaq slipped 5 points to 7416.
On the upside
Macy's (NYSE: M) reported sharply higher fourth quarter earnings that topped analyst estimates and forecast full year earning ahead of expectations.
Tenet Healthcare (NYSE: THC) reported a smaller than expected loss for the fourth quarter and lifted its full year forecast.
Dillard's (NYSE: DDS) impressed with higher fourth quarter earnings that beat expectations.
On the downside
Fresenius initiated an investigation into Akorn (Nasdaq: AKRX) over data integrity concerns and may cancel its proposed acquisition of Akorn.
Exelixis (Nasdaq: EXEL) reported higher fourth quarter earnings and announced that it will receive a $20 million milestone payment from Daiichi Sankyo but the stock price fell.
Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA) has offered $31 billion to acquire British pay-TV provider Sky.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 4 to 3 on the NYSE and by nearly 4 to 3 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 added a point to 2,780. Bitcoin surged $342 to $10,714.
