Mixed Markets At Midday

The Dow gained 37 points to 11,227 during the midday as crude oil prices retreated. But lingering concerns about the global economy weighed down Nasdaq 4 points to 2542.

On the upside

Shares of InterDigital (Nasdaq: IDCC) continued to recover after the company announced yesterday that it was exploring strategic alternatives to increase shareholder value.

Questcor Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: QCOR) said that prescriptions of its multiple sclerosis treatment H.P. Acthar Gel are expected to surge more than 160% in the third quarter. 

Actuant (NYSE: ATU) reversed year ago losses to post a better than expected profit for the fourth quarter.

On the downside

Boise (NYSE: BZ) will repurchase $75 million worth of common shares. 

The Street listed Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR) as the second worst performing S&P 500 stock of the year.

Camelot Information Systems (NYSE: CIS) cut its third quarter and full year guidance prompting a downgrade.

In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of more than 3 to 2 on the NYSE and by nearly 7 to 3 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks fell 7 points to 672.