The markets opened modestly higher on the final trading day of the year with the Dow rising 12 points to 24,849. Nasdaq added 2 points to 6,952.
On the upside
The Food and Drug Administration cleared Atara Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: ATRA) to initiate two Phase 3 clinical studies with tabelecleucel in patients with rituximab-refractory Epstein-Barr virus associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.
Shares of GAIN Capital Holdings (NYSE: GCAP) extended its gains.
Ultra Clean Holdings (Nasdaq: UCTT) will replace Scientific Games (Nasdaq: SGMS) on the S&P SmallCap 600 before market open on January 3, 2018.
On the downside
Adtran (Nasdaq: ADTN) lowered its fourth quarter revenue forecast and warned of losses.
SandRidge Energy (NYSE: SD) terminated its agreement to acquire Bonanza Creek Energy (NYSE: BCEI).
Shares of Infinera (Nasdaq: INFN) fell for the fifth day.
In the broad market, advancing issues were on par with decliners on the NYSE while decliners outpaced advancers by more than 6 to 5 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 added 2 points to 2,689. Bitcoin surged $539 to $14,641.
