The markets advanced during the midday with the Dow gaining 60 points to 16,477 as factory output climbed in December. Nasdaq slipped 2 points to 4216. 

On the upside 

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare granted marketing approval of ferric citrate to Keryx Biopharmaceuticals’ (Nasdaq: KERX) partner Japan Tobacco.

Illumina (Nasdaq: ILMN) presented a strategic roadmap to expand into new markets.

Skyworks Solutions (Nasdaq: SWKS) reported higher first quarter earnings that topped analyst estimates and forecast current quarter results ahead of expectations.

On the downside

Sallie Mae (Nasdaq: SLM) disappointed with lower fourth quarter earnings that fell short of analyst expectations. 

Goldman Sachs and UBS both downgraded Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) from a Buy rating to a Neutral rating

Investors locked in profits on Galena Biopharma (Nasdaq: GALE).

In the broad market, declining issues barely edged out advancers by a slim margin on the NYSE and by a nearly 10 to 9 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 held steady at 1845. Bitcoin lost $24.02 or 2.63% to $889.00.