Increase In Worker Productivity Boosts Markets

On the upside

Sanmina-SCI (Nasdaq: SANM) narrowed fourth quarter losses and forecast first quarter results above expectations.

Although Lamar (Nasdaq: LAMR) swung to a third quarter loss, the results were better than expected and the company forecast fourth quarter revenue ahead of analyst estimates.

In a deal valued at approximately $5.2 billion, TPG Capital and CPP Investment Board will acquire IMS Health (NYSE: RX).

On the downside

Delta Petroleum (Nasdaq: DPTR) swung to a wider than expected loss for the third quarter.

October same store sales for American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) dropped. Analysts were anticipating a gain in sales.

Third quarter funds from operations plunged for Kimco Realty (NYSE: KIM) as occupancy rates fell prompting the strip mall owner to cut its full year outlook.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 7 to 2 on the NYSE and by more than 3 to 1 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks surged 13 points to 576.