An unexpected increase in first time applications for unemployment benefits weighed the markets down to a lower open with the Dow slipping 9 points to 20,651. Nasdaq lost 11 points to 5,810.

On the upside

HTG Molecular Diagnostics (Nasdaq: HTGM) obtained CE marking in the European Union for its HTG EdgeSeq ALKPlus Assay EU.

Sunshine Heart (Nasdaq: SSH) provided an update on its Aquadex revenue growth strategy.

Cancer Genetics (Nasdaq: CGIX) narrowed fourth quarter losses as revenue soared.

On the downside

Shares of Cerulean Pharma (Nasdaq: CERU) extended its losses.

Tandem Diabetes Care (Nasdaq: TNDM) priced its public offering of 18 million common shares at the discounted price of $1.25 per share.

QuickLogic (Nasdaq: QUIK) priced its public offering of 10 million common shares at the discounted price of $1.50 per share.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 5 to 3 on the NYSE and by 7 to 5 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 index held steady at 2,348. Bitcoin climbed $23 to $1,060.