The tech-heavy NASDAQ Composite Index (INDEXNASDAQ:.IXIC) is on top among three key indexes, ranging between 3,033.28 – 3,048.75 after Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) jumped on strong financial results. On the other hand, Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) plunged to new low after insiders got first chance to sell‎ their holdings.

Weekly data for new unemployment benefit claims rose, but came in lower than predicted. Meanwhile, reports related to new-home construction and building permits showed further momentum in the housing market. The housing market is now providing signals of improvement after lagging behind other indicators earlier this year.

In the current trading session, Peregrine Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:PPHM) added 10.98% to $2.93 with a trading volume of 3.11 million shares after Roth Capital mainatined buy rating on the stock. PPHM has earnings per share of -$0.51 and it has market capitalization of 306.23 million.

SINA Corporation (USA) (NASDAQ:SINA) reported the gain of +14.11% to $58.08 after reporting better-than-expected financial results. Its trading volume, at last check, was 7.57 million shares as compared to the average volume of 2.66 million. Its stock price 52 weeks high was $114.89 and 52 weeks low price was $43.12.

During current trading session, Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDIX) slipped -30.32% to $5.79 with a trading volume of 12.53 million shares after a study of its hepatitis C drug was put on hold due to heart failure concerns raised in a rival’s study of a similar medicine. IDIX has earnings per share of -$0.43 and it has market capitalization of 756.02 million.

Shares of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) moved up +1.46% to $30.64 with a trading capacity of 9.79 million shares in current trading session after a report that it plans to introduce Surface RT tablet for a loss-leading $199. The company has earnings per share of $2.00 and its price to earnings ratio stands at 15.32. It has net profit margin of +23.03% and operating margin of +29.52%.