Mortgage Rates Slip To Lift Markets Higher

On the upside

RealNetworks (Nasdaq: RNWK) founder will step down from the chief executive position while remaining chairman.

Forest Oil (NYSE: FST) announced that two Texas Panhandle Granite Wash wells exceeded expectations.

China Information Security Technology (NYSE: CPBY) reported a record $36.73 million in new contracts signed in the fourth quarter.

On the downside

Rosetta Genomics (Nasdaq: ROSG) will raise approximately $5.1 million from institutional investors through a registered direct offering.

Securities litigation lawfirm Barrack, Rodos & Bacine is investigating Medifast (NYSE: MED) for possible securities law violations.

Kayne Anderson MLP Investment (NYSE: KYN) will sell 5.5 million shares to raise approximately $124 million.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 10 to 9 on the NYSE and by 9 to 7 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks added a point to 645.