Gain In Retail Sales Lifts Markets To Higher Close

A gain in November retail sales lifted the markets to a higher close with the Dow rising 47 points to 11,476. Nasdaq added 2 points to 2627.

On the upside

BSD Medical (Nasdaq: BSDM) successfully launched its MicroThermX Microwave Ablation System for treating cancer.

Emergency Medical Services (NYSE: EMS) is exploring strategic options including the possible sale of the ambulance services provider.

Seeking Alpha contributor KLLJ Investments suggested that MannKind's (Nasdaq: MNKD) inhaleable insulin Afrezza has the potential to become a multi-billion dollar product.

On the downside

FuelCell Energy (Nasdaq: FCEL) disappointed with a loss for the fourth quarter as revenue fell. 

Shares of the Governor and Company of The Bank of Ireland (NYSE: IRE) dropped after Ireland empowered the government with extensive authority to restructure banks.

TransGlobe Energy (Nasdaq: TGA) lowered a potential oil reserve area in Egypt after drilling a well that contained water.

In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of nearly 5 to 4 on the NYSE while advancers barely edged out decliners by a slim margin on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks eased a fraction to 771.