Upbeat investor sentiment lifted the markets to a higher open with the Dow gaining 44 points to soar above 16,000 for the first time to 16,006. Nasdaq slipped 2 points to 3983.

On the upside

Underwriters exercised the full over-allotment option granted by InterCloud Systems (Nasdaq: ICLD).

The journal Epilepsia will publish a research paper demonstrating the proof of concept of Catalyst Pharmaceutical Partners' (Nasdaq: CPRX) CPP-15 in suppressing infantile spasms.

JinkoSolar Holding (NYSE: JKS) raised its full year outlook as third quarter shipments climbed more than expected.

On the downside

Shares of Real Goods Solar (Nasdaq: RSOL) extended its losses.

Profit taking sank shares of Aruba Networks (Nasdaq: ARUN).

Canaccord downgraded Renewable Energy (Nasdaq: REGI) from a Buy rating to a Hold rating.

In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of nearly 10 to 9 on the NYSE and by nearly 9 to 7 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 held steady at 1798.