Stocks End Mixed On Lighter Trade

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The Nasdaq outperformed in a wish-washy session Wednesday. A more upbeat assessment of the economy did little for stocks.
The Nasdaq rose 0.4%, boosted by chip equipment and medical software stocks. The Philadelphia semiconductor index tacked on 1.6%.
Meanwhile, the NYSE composite edged up 0.1% and the S&P 500 ended fractionally higher.
The Dow fell 0.2%. Both the Dow and S&P 500 hit 14-month highs intraday.
Volume fell on both exchanges.
Chinese stocks were again among the biggest winners.
China Agritech (CAGC) gapped up and bolted 17% to a new record high in nearly eight times average trade. The fertilizer producer followed through after clearing a cup-with-handle base Tuesday. It's now 25% past a 20.89 buy point.
Telestone Technologies (TSTC) erased earlier losses and surged 10% to a new all-time high. The wireless telecom equipment maker accelerated for three straight quarters with the last two in triple-digit territory.
Duoyuan Global Water (DGW) added 4% in nearly triple its average volume. The Chinese maker of water treatment equipment hit a new record high, but closed near its session low.
Elsewhere, G-III Apparel Group (GIII) gapped up and climbed 6% in four times average trade. Before the open, the clothing maker reported Q3 results above views and raised its full-year 2010 outlook. The stock is trading in a cup base.
In after-hours news, Aeropostale (ARO) fell 7% after reporting November same-store sales that slightly missed Wall Street views.
Earnings Thursday: A-Power Energy Generation Systems (APWR), ArcSight (ARST) and Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance (ULTA).
Jobless claims, productivity, employment cost and the ISM services index will also be out Thursday.
Nasdaq Outshines In Choppy Trading

The markets were slightly bullish today on fair volume. The major broad indexes remain at significant resistance.

源济