Modest Gain In Durable Goods Orders Lifts Markets

On the upside

Karen Finerman of CNBC's Fast Money selected Golar LNG (Nasdaq: GLNG) as her high risk stock pick for 2010.

Speculation that Apple (Nasddaq: AAPL) will unveil it tablet touch screen computer in San Francisco in January lifted shares of the company.

Alcoa (NYSE: AA) entered a joint venture with Saudi Arabia Mining Company to develop, construct and operate a mine and refinery in the Saudi Arabia.

On the downside

Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM) chief executive Michael Willams and Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE) chief executive Charles Haldeman Jr. may each receive up to a $6 million pay package for 2009.

Maxygen (Nasdaq: MAXY) will spend nearly $38.9 million excluding fees and expenses to purchase more than 7.3 million common shares through a modified Dutch auction.

Superior Well Services (Nasdaq: SWSI) amended its credit agreement lowering its credit facility and borrowing base.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 3 to 1 on the NYSE and by 5 to 3 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks rose 3 points to 634.