The markets opened flat with the Dow slipping a point to 19,917 on the last trading day before Christmas. Nasdaq added 3 points to 5,451.
On the upside
Dipexium Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: DPRX) will merge with PLx Pharma in an all stock transaction.
Synergy Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SGYP) reported positive results from a second Phase 3 trial of plecanatide to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.
Active Wall St. issued post-earnings coverage of Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ARWR).
On the downside
Bonanza Creek Energy (NYSE: BCEI) will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Cintas (Nasdaq: CTAS) reported second quarter earnings that fell short of analyst expectations.
Investors locked in profits on Tokai Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: TKAI).
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 7 to 5 on the NYSE and by nearly 5 to 3 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 index edged up a fraction to 2,261. Bitcoin surged $41 to $896.
