Strengthening Dollar Weighs Down Markets

On the upside

QuadraMed (Nasdaq: QDHC) agreed to be acquired for approximately $126 million by private equity firm Francisco Partners.

Yongye International (Nasdaq: YONG) will triple its production capacity and expand its retail branded store network.

Talbots (NYSE: TLB) reversed year ago losses to post a profit for the third quarter. Separately, the women's apparel retailer announced that it will merge with BPW Acquisition Corp.

On the downside

YRCW (Nasdaq: YRCW) will be replaced on the Dow Jones Transportation Average by Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL).

Authentidate Holding (Nasdaq: ADAT) will raise $3.4 million through the direct placement of common shares.

Kroger (NYSE: KR) blamed the economy and pricing competition for swinging to a third quarter loss. The grocery chain also lowered its full year outlook. 

In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of nearly 5 to 1 on the NYSE by a margin of nearly 4 to 1 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks fell 9 points to 593.