10:54 am Limited new rebound highs for Dow -26 and S&P -4.2 -- Nasdaq Comp -26 (:TECHX) : The Nasdaq Comp has thus far held on a couple of tests of the 4960/4951 support (The Technical Take) while the S&P/Dow formed a higher low. A limited new intraday bounce high has been established by the S&P/Dow but the S&P needs to sustain a push through the 2089 and 2091/2092 area to begin to improve today's bias.

10:44 am Nasdaq Comp -31 retests low, Dow -43 and S&P -6.5 still hovering slightly above (:TECHX) : The Nasdaq Comp retested its early low and the 4960/4951 support zone in recent trade. 

10:44 am Commscope announces approval by FTC and DOJ for early termination of HSR waiting period in its acquisition of TE Connectivity's Telecom, Enterprise and Wireless businesses (COMM) : Co continues to expect that the transaction will close by the end of this year

10:23 am Ameresco announces that the U.S. Department of the Interior has awarded it an Energy Savings Performance Contract valued at $77 mln (AMRC) : The contract, valued at $77 million over the 20-year term, is designed to provide for the implementation of water conservation and energy efficiency measures, and ongoing energy management services to the DOI headquarters building in Washington, D.C.

10:16 am Lagging Nasdaq Comp -21 attempting to stabilize (:TECHX) : The underperforming index dropped to second level support from The Technical Take at 4960/4951 (session low 4952) this morning and has recovered off the low (recently hit 4967).

10:05 am Stock indices accelerate morning pullback -- Dow -60, S&P -8, Nasdaq Comp -33 (:TECHX) :  

10:02 am S&P -4.4 extends to first level support zone at 2088/2086 -- session low 2087.99 (:TECHX) :  

9:54 am S&P -1.5 joins Nasdaq Comp -15 at new session low -- Dow +11 (:TECHX) : Relative sector weakness vs. the S&P has been noted in: Biotech IBB, Health XLV, Medical Supplies, Internet FDN, Retail XRT, Housing XHB, Technology XLK, Semi SMH, Software IGV, Defense PPA,

9:46 am Stock indices pull back off early high, Nasdaq Comp -8.7 pacing the way lower -- Dow +27, S&P -0.4 (:TECHX) :  

9:42 am Opening Market Summary: Dow Jones Paces Opening Advance (:WRAPX) : The major averages have climbed off their opening levels with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (+0.3%) in the lead while the S&P 500 (+0.2%) follows just behind.

The price-weighted Dow has shown early strength thanks to a solid start for its top component-Goldman Sachs (GS 197.94, +2.30). Shares of GS have climbed 1.2% after peer JPMorgan Chase (JPM 63.37, +1.29) reported better than expected earnings. Meanwhile, the broader financial sector (+0.2%) trades in-line with the market as Wells Fargo (WFC 53.93, -0.66) weighs.

Elsewhere among cyclical sectors, energy (+0.8%) has shown relative strength while industrials (-0.3%) underperform amid weakness in transport stocks. The Dow Jones Transportation Average is lower by 0.6% following Norfolk Southern's (NSC 99.99, -4.88) guidance cut.

February Business Inventories (consensus 0.3%) will be reported at 10:00 ET.

9:41 am Relative sector strength (:TECHX) : Early session relative strength has been noted in: Steel SLX, Natural Gas UNG, OIl Service OIH, Crude Oil USO, Energy XLE, REITs IYR, Auto, Utility XLU, Mining XME, Biotech IBB.

9:39 am Slightly weaker start for S&P +3.quickly reversed but gain limited thus far (:TECHX) :  

9:34 am Isle of Capri announced earlier a cash tender offer for its 7.75% senior notes due 2019 (ISLE) : In accordance with the terms of the Tender Offer, the Company will make a cash payment to all holders who validly tendered their 2019 Notes in the Tender Offer of $1,043.00 per $1,000 principal amount of 2019 Notes tendered. The Company will fund the payment for tendered and accepted notes with the net proceeds from its previously announced issuance and sale of $150 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.875% Senior Notes due 2021

9:31 am Eaton Vance announces March, 2015 AUM of $303.4 bln, compared to $295.7 bln at the end of January, 2015 (EV) :  

9:16 am Perseon announces FDA clearance to market the MicroThermX Microwave Ablation System (PRSN) : Co announces it has received clearance from the FDA to market the MicroThermX Microwave Ablation System for the specific indication of ablation procedures requiring partial or complete ablation of non-resectable liver tumors.

9:12 am S&P futures vs fair value: -3.60. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -5.60. (:WRAPX) : The stock market is on track for modestly lower open as futures on the S&P 500 trade within four points of fair value. Futures have maintained narrow ranges through pre-market action, but slipped from their recent levels in reaction to the Retail Sales report for March (+0.9%; Briefing.com consensus 1.0%), which missed estimates. In addition to weighing on equity futures, the report pressured the greenback, sending the Dollar Index (98.78, -0.71) to a fresh session low. The index has climbed off its worst level of the morning, but remains down 0.7%.

Switching gears, the Q1 reporting season has started to heat up with a handful of noteworthy names reporting their results this morning. JPMorgan Chase (JPM 62.86, +0.79) is on track to open higher by 1.3% after beating earnings estimates on below-consensus revenue while Wells Fargo (WFC 54.05, -0.54) has given up 1.0% in pre-market action despite beating bottom-line estimates.

Also of note, the Dow Jones Transportation Average is likely to experience early weakness after Norfolk Southern (NSC 99.40, -5.47) lowered its earnings and revenue guidance for Q1.

Treasuries sit on their highs with the 10-yr yield down six basis points at 1.87%.

9:10 am Synthesis Energy Systems announces 12 mln share, registered direct offering to accredited investors; co expects gross proceeds of $12 mln (SYMX) : T.R. Winston & Company, LLC acted as the exclusive placement agent for the offering

9:08 am RPM Inc acquires Firetherm Intumescent & Insulation Supplies, the UK market leader in fire-stopping solutions for the construction industry for $10 mln (RPM) : Co announces that its tremco illbruck Group has acquired Firetherm Intumescent & Insulation Supplies, the UK market leader in fire-stopping solutions for the construction industry. Based in Kent, near London, England, Firetherm has annual net sales of approximately $10 mln. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to be accretive to earnings within one year, were not disclosed. Firetherm makes a broad range of fire-stopping products, intumescent coatings, and fire-rated sealants and fiber boards.

9:07 am Dakota Plains: Lone Star Value issues letter urging management to sell the company (DAKP) :

• "Settlement negotiations collapsed because CEO McKenzie demanded he be paid a change in control payment of approximately $3 million as a result of the settlement he personally was negotiating with us and which contemplated the addition of independent directors approved by the incumbent Board"
  
• "While purporting to support good corporate governance, the Board abruptly adopted shareholder-unfriendly entrenchment devices that went against the very essence of good faith negotiations with us"
• "Instead of adding independent experts and shareholder representatives on the Board, the McKenzie--led Board unilaterally added CEO McKenzie's hand-picked candidates including an old business connection"
• "Strategic alternatives process must be pursued in earnest and should result in a sale of the company in a value-maximizing transaction"

9:06 am Boston Scientific announces the signing of a strategic alliance with Frankenman Medical Equipment Company (BSX) :

• Co announced the signing of a strategic alliance with Frankenman Medical Equipment Company, a recognized leader with deep local market expertise in the China surgical devices market.
• This alliance is expected to enable Boston Scientific and Frankenman to reach more clinicians and treat more patients by providing access to training on less invasive endoscopic technologies and the clinical and economic benefits these therapies can provide.
• CPEChina Fund, an entity of CITIC PE, is a current shareholder of Frankenman and will continue to support the company's growth in alignment with this strategic partnership.
  

9:05 am DaVita announces offering of $1.25 bln Sr. Notes (DVA) : Co intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to repurchase or redeem its outstanding 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the "Outstanding Notes"), to pay related transaction fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes, which may include future acquisitions and share repurchases.

9:04 am Hansen Medical announces receipt of European Conformity marking for its Magellan 10fr robotic catheter (HNSN) :  

9:03 am American Fincl to sell the legal entities containing all of its run-off long-term care insurance business to HC2 Holdings (HCHC) (AFG) : Co announces that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell the legal entities containing all of its run-off long-term care insurance business to HC2 Holdings (HCHC) for an initial payment of $7 mln in cash and HC2 securities. In addition, AFG may also receive up to $13 million of additional proceeds from HC2 in the future based on the release of certain statutory liabilities of the legal entities sold by AFG.  The transaction is expected to close in Q3. 

9:01 am Tech Data announces retirement of CFO Jeffery P. Howells (TECD) : Co announces Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jeffery P. Howells has notified the company of his intent to retire as CFO effective June 5, 2015. Charles V. Dannewitz, currently the company's senior vice president and chief financial officer, the Americas, has been selected by Tech Data's Board of Directors to succeed Howells as CFO.

8:54 am Gapping down (:SCANX) : Gapping down
In reaction to disappointing earnings/guidance: IPCI -13.5%, NSG -5.4%, MDXG -3.2%, PBY -3.1%, ETH -1.8%, WFC -0.5%

M&A news: NOK -4.2% (Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent (ALU) confirm that they are in advanced discussions with respect to a potential full combination)


Select metals/mining stocks trading lower: SLV -1%, RGLD -0.9%, GDX -0.8%, GLD -0.8%, GG -0.8%, ABX -0.5%, NEM -0.5%

Other news: HZNP -3.4% (announced a proposed public offering of 12 mln ordinary shares), NBG -3.2% (reports in FT that Greece preparing for default), UNP -2.2% (in symp with NSC), BXMT -0.7% ( prices 20 mln shares of common stock at $30.50 per share)

Analyst comments: WWWW -1.7% (downgraded to Sector Perform from Outperform at RBC Capital Mkts), CSC -0.9% (downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Goldman), AMTD -0.6% (downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Citigroup ), BAX -0.6% (removed from Short-Term Buy List at Deutsche Bank)

8:53 am S&P futures vs fair value: -0.80. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +3.30. (:WRAPX) : The S&P 500 futures trade one point below fair value.

Trade in the Asian-Pacific markets was on the mixed side of things Tuesday, with Wall Street's weak finish on Monday and the specter of China's Q1 GDP report on Wednesday keeping a lid on most markets. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was the biggest loser (-1.6%) as it fell prone to profit taking in the wake of its white-hot run of late.

• In economic data: 
  • China's New Loans CNY1,180.0 bln (expected CNY 1,050.0 bln; prior CNY 1,020.0 bln) and M2 Money Stock +11.6% year-over-year (expected +12.3%; prior +12.5%) 
  • Singapore's Q1 GDP +1.1% quarter-over-quarter (expected +0.5%; prior +4.9%); +2.1% year-over-year (expected +1.8%; prior +2.1%) 
  • Australia's March NAB Business Confidence rose to 3.0 from 0.0 while NAB Business Survey rose to 6.0 from 2.0 
  • New Zealand's Q1 NZIER Business Confidence slipped to 23% from 24% while REINZ House Price Index +6.7% month-over-month (prior +0.8%) 

------

• Japan's Nikkei drifted through Tuesday's trade and ended basically flat for the second straight day. Gains in the utilities (+1.4%) and basic materials (+0.6%) sectors were offset by soft showings from the more influential consumer non-cyclical (-0.3%), consumer cyclical (-0.1%) and industrial (-0.1%) sectors. Sharp Corp (+5.6%) and Toyobo Co (+4.2%) led the winners while Kikkoman (-2.6%) and MEIJI Holdings (-2.1%) paced the losers. Out of the 225 index members, 142 ended higher, 76 finished lower, and 7 were unchanged. 
• Hong Kong's Hang Seng declined 1.6% on profit-taking efforts following a huge run for the index in recent sessions. The declines were led by the financial (-1.7%), communications (-3.8%), and consumer cyclical (-3.1%) sectors. China Resources Land (-6.5%), Galaxy Entertainment (-5.6%), Tencent Holdings (-5.5%), Sands China (-4.8%), and Want Want China Holdings (-4.6%) were the biggest decliners. Out of the 50 index members, 13 ended higher, 35 finished lower, and 2 were unchanged. 
• China's Shanghai Composite alternated between gains and losses, but managed a positive finish and increased 0.3% for the day. The modest gain came a day ahead of Wednesday's key economic releases that will include Q1 GDP and the Industrial Production, Retail Sales, and Fixed Asset Investment reports for March. The industrial (+1.0%) and consumer non-cyclical (+0.5%) sectors led Tuesday's advance. 

Major European indices trade mostly lower with UK's FTSE (+0.2%) bucking the trend.

• Participants received several data points: 
  • Eurozone February Industrial Production +1.1% month-over-month (expected 0.4%; prior -0.3%); +1.6% year-over-year (consensus 0.7%; last 0.4%) 
  • Germany's March Wholesale Price Index -1.1% year-over-year (prior -2.1%) 
  • UK's March CPI 0.0% year-over-year, as expected while core CPI +1.0% year-over-year (consensus 1.2%; prior 1.2%). Separately, Input PPI -13.0% year-over-year (expected -13.5%; last -13.5%) while Output PPI -1.7% year-over-year (consensus -1.8%; previous -1.7%). Also of note, House price Index +7.2% year-over-year (consensus 8.7%; last 8.4%) 
  • Italy's March CPI +0.1% month-over-month; -0.1% year-over-year, as expected 
  • Spain's March CPI +0.6% month-over-month; -0.7% year-over-year, as expected 

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• France's CAC is lower by 0.6% with financials under pressure. BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole, and Societe Generale hold losses between 1.2% and 1.3%. On the flip side, Alcatel-Lucent has spiked 14.1% after Nokia confirmed its interest in the company. 
• Germany's DAX trades down 0.5%. Financial shares have contributed to the retreat with Munich Re and Commerzbank both down near 0.6%. A handful of healthcare and consumer staple names outperform with Fresenius Medical Care, Beiersdorf, and Fresenius SE up between 0.4% and 1.0%. 
• UK's FTSE has added 0.2% amid strength in mining names. Anglo American, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and Fresnillo lead with gains between 1.7% and 2.6%. On the downside, Aberdeen Asset Management and Standard Chartered are both down near 2.0%. 
• Italy's MIB has given up 1.1% amid broad weakness. Salvatore Ferragamo leads the retreat, down 4.1%, while Banco Popolare, Intesa Sanpaolo, Mediobanca, and Unicredit display losses between 2.0% and 2.7%.

8:52 am Gapping up (:SCANX) : Gapping up
In reaction to strong earnings/guidance: CCCL +9.9%, TPLM +5.9%, FAST +4.9%, OCN +3.8%, PSG +1.6%, OZRK +1%, JPM +1%, DKS +0.9%, (updates 2017 (FY18) targets: EPS CAGR of ~ 12-16% and sales CAGR of ~8-10%; reaffirms FY16 guidance) JNJ +0.5%

M&A news: ALU +6.7% (Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent (ALU) confirm that they are in advanced discussions with respect to a potential full combination)

Other news: BCLI +12.8% (announced that results from its phase 2a study of NurOwn in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and additional analyses will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting),RDNT +10.1% (announces acquisition of New York Radiology Partners for ~$34 mln),BLDR +9.6% (still checking),GWPH +8.2% (confirmed the American Academy of Neurology released new Epidiolex data; more detailed poster presentation scheduled at AAN Annual Meeting on April 22),ALIM +4.1% (confirms ILUVIEN received 17th European Marketing Authorization; completing second wave of country approvals),NAT +3.2% (raises Q1 dividend to $0.38 per share, up from $0.22 in Q4),PBR +3.1% (to release financials on April 22),GRPN +3% (still checking),Z +2.2% (to host conference call on April 14, 2015 to discuss Trulia integration progress and 2015 pro forma outlook),ALTR +1.8% (Bloomberg reporting that shareholders Canadian Capital Management and TIG Advisors are pressing co to pursue a sale to Intel),PSDV +1.2% (announces that ILUVIEN for DME has received marketing authorization in Poland, for the treatment of vision impairment associated with diabetic macular edema),TI +1% (announced tender offers for notes dated between 2019-2022)

Analyst comments: BLDR +8.1% (upgraded to Buy at Stifel),VSAR +7.2% (initiated with a Buy at Sun Trust Rbsn Humphrey; tgt $50),TEDU +6.3% (initiated with a Buy at Brean Capital),MDR +3.5% (upgraded to Outperform from In-line at Imperial Capital),LC +2.8% (upgraded to Neutral from Underperform at Sterne Agee),URBN +2.7% (upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at BMO Capital),WDC +2.1% (upgraded to Buy from Neutral at BofA/Merrill),NFLX +1.4% (target raised to $487 from $360 at Piper Jaffray),GMCR +1% (initiated with a Positive at Susquehanna; tgt $154),SODA +0.7% (initiated with a Positive at Susquehanna),QCOM +0.6% (upgraded to Buy from Neutral at BofA/Merrill)

8:44 am Carrizo Oil & Gas announces a cash tender offer for $600 mln its 8.625% senior notes due 2018 (CRZO) : The consideration for each $1,000 principal amount of notes validly tendered and accepted for payment pursuant to the tender offer will be $1,046.13

8:33 am Global Partners announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Capitol Petroleum Group to purchase a portfolio of 97 Mobil- and Exxon-branded retail gas stations for $156 mln (GLP) : Co announces it has entered into an agreement with Capitol Petroleum Group to purchase a portfolio of 97 Mobil- and Exxon-branded retail gas stations and seven dealer supply contracts in NYC and Prince George's County, Maryland. The total consideration is ~$156 mln, subject to closing adjustments. The acquisition is expected to be accretive in the first full year of operations. Closing is expected in the 2Q15. GLP plans to fund the acquisition with borrowings under its revolving credit facility.

8:33 am Vaalco Energy reports Etame 12-H was drilled to ~3,450 meters targeting the recently discovered, untapped lower lobe of the Gamba reservoir (EGY) : Co announces first production from Etame 12-H, a development well drilled from the Etame platform offshore Gabon. Etame 12-H was drilled to a measured depth of ~ 3,450 meters targeting the recently discovered, untapped lower lobe of the Gamba reservoir. Following completion operations, the well was brought online at the rate of ~2,000 BOPD on a gross basis with no indication of hydrogen sulfide. The well is currently being temporarily constrained at the above production level while it is being optimized for efficiency.

8:32 am S&P futures vs fair value: -2.10. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -2.60. (:WRAPX) : The S&P 500 futures trade two points below fair value.

March retail sales rose 0.9% while the Briefing.com consensus expected an increase of 1.0%. The prior month's reading was revised up to -0.5% from -0.6%. Excluding autos, retail sales rose 0.4% while the consensus expected an increase of 0.7%.

March producer prices rose 0.2%, which is what the Briefing.com consensus expected. Core producer prices increased 0.2% while the consensus expected an uptick of 0.1%.

8:31 am CB Richard Ellis announces it has acquired Environmental Systems, a systems integrator and provider of energy management services in the United States; financial terms not disclosed (CBG) : The acquisition of ESI follows CBRE's announcement of a definitive agreement to acquire the Global WorkPlace Solutions (:GWS) business of Johnson Controls, Inc., expected to close in the late third quarter or early fourth quarter of 2015

8:31 am Atlas Resource Partners announces reorganization of senior management (ARP) : Co announces Edward E. Cohen will continue to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Energy Group. The Executive Committee of Atlas Energy Group will be comprised of Jonathan Z. Cohen (Executive Chairman of Atlas Energy Group), Edward E. Cohen and Daniel C. Herz. Matthew A. Jones, who has served in senior positions with Atlas since 2005, will be retiring.

• Additionally, Daniel C. Herz has been appointed President of Atlas Energy Group and Chief Executive Officer - Atlas Resource Partners 
• Mark D. Schumacher has been appointed President - Atlas Resource Partners 
• Dave E. Leopold has been appointed Chief Operating Officer - Atlas Resource Partner

8:31 am Market View: Jun. stock-index futures trade with slight declines following the 8:30 am ET economic data points (:TECHX) :

• ESm5 currently trades @ 2083.50 -3.00
  
  
• YMm5 currently trades @ 17890 -20
  
  
• NQm5 currently trades @ 4398.00 -5.25

8:31 am Environmental Tectonics announced the award of multiple contracts totaling $45.4 mln for customers in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe (ETCC) :  

8:30 am Tallgrass Energy Partners increases its quarterly dividend to $0.52/share from $0.485/share (TEP) :  

8:30 am Iteris Holdings received a patent for technology related to assessing the impact of weather on crop harvest operations in precision agriculture (ITI) : The U.S. Patent Office issued Iteris U.S. Patent Number 9,009,087 for modeling the impact of time-varying weather conditions on post-harvest crop drying techniques.

8:30 am Erickson Air-Crane wins Mexico pipeline construction contract (EAC) : Co announces it has contracted with Group Desarrollo Infaestructura, SA de CV who is contracted with Transcanada Corporation's Mexican Subsidiary, Transportadora de Gas del Noreste for a new rural infrastructure pipeline project that will bring clean-burning natural gas to businesses and citizens in Mexico. The agreement will guarantee the use of an S-64 E Aircrane to assist in the external load transport of more than 1,000 natural gas pipeline segments that will complete the 329 mile long Topolobampo Project. This project is a first for Erickson within the construction services market in Mexico.

8:25 am European Markets Update: CAC -0.5%, DAX -0.4%, FTSE +0.2%, MIB -1.2% (:SUMRX) : Major European indices trade mostly lower with UK's FTSE (+0.2%) bucking the trend.

• Participants received several data points: 
• Eurozone February Industrial Production +1.1% month-over-month (expected 0.4%; prior -0.3%); +1.6% year-over-year (consensus 0.7%; last 0.4%) 
• Germany's March Wholesale Price Index -1.1% year-over-year (prior -2.1%) 
• UK's March CPI 0.0% year-over-year, as expected while core CPI +1.0% year-over-year (consensus 1.2%; prior 1.2%). Separately, Input PPI -13.0% year-over-year (expected -13.5%; last -13.5%) while Output PPI -1.7% year-over-year (consensus -1.8%; previous -1.7%). Also of note, House price Index +7.2% year-over-year (consensus 8.7%; last 8.4%) 
• Italy's March CPI +0.1% month-over-month; -0.1% year-over-year, as expected 
• Spain's March CPI +0.6% month-over-month; -0.7% year-over-year, as expected 

------

• France's CAC is lower by 0.5% with financials under pressure. BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole, and Societe Generale hold losses between 1.2% and 1.3%. On the flip side, Alcatel-Lucent has spiked 14.1% after Nokia confirmed its interest in the company. 
• Germany's DAX trades down 0.4%. Financial shares have contributed to the retreat with Munich Re and Commerzbank both down near 0.6%. A handful of healthcare and consumer staple names outperform with Fresenius Medical Care, Beiersdorf, and Fresenius SE up between 0.4% and 1.0%. 
• UK's FTSE has added 0.2% amid strength in mining names. Anglo American, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and Fresnillo lead with gains between 1.7% and 2.6%. On the downside, Aberdeen Asset Management and Standard Chartered are both down near 2.0%. 
• Italy's MIB has given up 1.2% amid broad weakness. Salvatore Ferragamo leads the retreat, down 4.1%, while Banco Popolare, Intesa Sanpaolo, Mediobanca, and Unicredit display losses between 2.0% and 2.7%.
  

8:21 am JB Hunt Trans beats by $0.06, misses on revs (JBHT) : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.78 per share, $0.06 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.72; revenues rose 2.4% year/year to $1.44 bln vs the $1.54 bln consensus.

• Current quarter total operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharges, increased 10% vs. first quarter 2014. Intermodal (:JBI) load growth was 6% over first quarter 2014 levels. Dedicated Contract Services (:DCS) segment revenue increased by 7% over prior year primarily from rate increases and more activity at customer accounts.
• Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS.TO) load growth was 17% over the same period in 2014 however lower revenue per load kept segment revenue flat from a year ago. Truck (JBT) segment revenue decreased 1% on lower revenue per tractor per week.
• Operating income for the current quarter totaled $155 mln vs. $117 mln for the first quarter 2014.
• Benefits from customer rate increases, improved asset utilization, lower equipment maintenance costs, improved equipment fuel economy and more effective use of third-party carriers more than offset increases in rail purchase transportation rates, driver wage increases, higher equipment depreciation, increased insurance rates, higher equipment storage costs and higher toll expenses across all business segments.

8:11 am Aethlon Medical announced that its previously disclosed 1-for-50 reverse stock split is effective as of today (AEMD.OB) :  

8:09 am pSivida announces that ILUVIEN for DME has received marketing authorization in Poland, for the treatment of vision impairment associated with diabetic macular edema (PSDV) :  

8:06 am Wells Fargo beats by $0.06, reports revs in-line (WFC) : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $1.04 per share, $0.06 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.98; revenues rose 3.3% year/year to $21.3 bln vs the $21.37 bln consensus. 

• Efficiency ratio of 58.8 percent, compared with 57.9 percent 
• Return on assets (:ROA) of 1.38 percent and return on equity (:ROE) of 13.17 percent 
• Total average loans of $863.3 billion, up $39.5 billion, or 5 percent, from first quarter 2014
• Common Equity Tier 1 ratio under Basel III of 10.53 percent.
• No objection from the Federal Reserve to our 2015 Capital Plan, which included a proposed dividend rate of $0.375 per share for second quarter 2015, subject to Board approval, up from $0.35 per share in the first quarter
• Net interest margin was 2.95 percent, down 9 basis points from fourth quarter 2014. Approximately 5 basis points of the decrease was from customer driven deposit growth, which had minimal impact to net interest income but was dilutive to net interest margin, and 3 basis points of the decline was due to lower income from variable sources. The net impact of all other growth and repricing was neutral in the first quarter. 

Consumer Lending Group 

• Home Lending
• Originations of $49 billion, up from $44 billion in prior quarter (guidance near $44 bln).
• Applications of $93 billion, up from $66 billion in prior quarter 
• Application pipeline of $44 billion at quarter end, up from $26 billion at December 31, 2014 
• Consumer Credit  
• Credit card penetration in retail banking households rose to 41.8 percent, up from 38.0 percent in prior year ?
• Auto originations of $7.1 billion in first quarter, up 6 percent from prior quarter and down 10 percent from prior year

8:06 am NV5 Holdings announces award of $4.5 million contract by large natural gas utility (NVEE) : Co announced that it has been awarded a contract to provide as-built surveys and engineering drawings for construction of high pressure pipelines, pipeline facilities and gas engineering design standards throughout the Client's 23,000 square-mile service territory. Projects are expected to include pipeline or pipeline facility modifications, relocations and installations. The three-year contract, which was effective January 1, 2015, is valued at $4.5 million, with an option for an additional two-year extension.

8:04 am GeoPark announces resumption of its $10 mln share repurchase program (GPRK) :  

8:04 am Infinity Pharmaceutical announced that Sujay Kango has joined the company as Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer (INFI) : Co announces Sujay Kango has joined the company as executive vice president, chief commercial officer and Winston Lam has joined as executive vice president, general counsel. 

• Prior to joining INFI, Kango most recently served as vice president, global marketing, sales operations at Onyx Pharmaceuticals, an Amgen (AMGN) subsidiary
  
• Prior to joining INFI, Lam served as executive vice president, business development and chief legal officer at Caris Life Sciences
  

8:04 am Johnson Controls and SAIC's Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems sign global automotive interiors joint venture agreement (JCI) : The new joint venture will be called Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, and will be the largest automotive interiors company in the world with revenues of ~$8.5 billion with a backlog to reach $10 billion in the next few years.

8:03 am GTT Communications appoints Mike Sicoli as new Chief Financial Officer (GTT) : Prior to joining GTT, Sicoli served as Principal of MTS Advisors, a consulting and advisory services firm he founded in 2013

8:02 am Alimera Sciences confirms ILUVIEN received 17th European Marketing Authorization; completing second wave of country approvals (ALIM) : Co announces marketing authorization has been granted by the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products in Poland to ILUVIEN for the treatment of vision impairment associated with chronic diabetic macular edema considered insufficiently responsive to available therapies. The Polish approval marks the 17th and final country authorization to be granted through the European Repeat-Use application procedure.

8:02 am Teva Pharma and Eagle Pharmaceuticals (EGRX) announce that its NDA for a liquid bendamustine hydrochloride rapid infusion product has been accepted for filing by the FDA (TEVA) : Teva Pharma (TEVA) and Eagle Pharma (EGRX) announce that the New Drug Application (:NDA) for a liquid bendamustine hydrochloride (HCl) rapid infusion product has been accepted for filing by the FDA. The PDUFA date for a decision on this NDA by the FDA is December 2015. This NDA requests FDA approval of the rapid infusion bendamustine HCl product for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL.TO) and patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (:NHL) that has progressed during or within six months of treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen.

This product candidate has received Orphan Drug Designations for both CLL and indolent B-cell NHL, and therefore may be eligible for seven years of exclusivity upon approval. The NDA is supported by data from a clinical trial completed in November 2014, which demonstrated that the rapid infusion bendamustine HCl product can be administered in ten minutes in a low-volume, 50 mL admixture. In February 2015, Eagle and Teva entered into an exclusive license agreement for the rapid infusion bendamustine product. Teva will be responsible for all U.S. commercial activities for the product including promotion and distribution. Eagle has responsibility for obtaining all regulatory approvals.

8:00 am Dover Saddlery to be acquired by Webster Capital for $8.50 per share in cash (stock is halted) (DOVR) : Co announces that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement under which a company formed by Webster Capital will acquire all of the outstanding shares for $8.50 per share in cash and take Dover private. At closing all in-the-money stock options and warrants will be cashed out. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, subject to customary closing conditions, including stockholder approval.

7:53 am Eclipse Resources announces revised 2015 capital budget of $352 mln and updates on its joint venture and production (ECR) : Co announced that Eclipse Resources' Board of Directors has approved a capital budget of $352 million for 2015. Co also noted that Following discussions with various financial partners, co has made the decision not to pursue a drilling joint venture. Finally, co estimates that first quarter 2015 production averaged ~160 MMcfe per day, a 316% increase relative to the first quarter of 2014 and a 29% sequential increase over fourth quarter 2014 production.

• For the FY1515, co expects production to be between 180 MMcfe per day and 190 MMcfe per day representing production growth at the midpoint of this range of 154% over 2014 average daily production 
  

7:52 am S&P futures vs fair value: +0.10. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -0.60. (:WRAPX) : U.S. equity futures trade near their flat lines amid mixed action overseas. The S&P 500 futures hover within a point of fair value after slipping from their pre-market highs shortly after the start of the session in Europe.

Yesterday, the Dollar Index (99.47, -0.02) approached its recent high from March, but could not punch through that level. Today, however, the index trades little changed.

Meanwhile, crude oil has advanced and currently trades higher by 1.1% at $52.49/bbl.

The March Retail Sales report (Briefing.com consensus 1.0%) and March PPI (consensus 0.2%) will be released at 8:30 ET while February Business Inventories (consensus 0.3%) will be reported at 10:00 ET. Treasuries hold modest gains with the 10-yr yield lower by a basis point at 1.92%.

In U.S. corporate news of note:

• Fastenal (FAST 40.20, +0.18): +0.5% in reaction to its one-cent beat. 
• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ 100.97, +0.42): +0.4% after reporting better than expected results and lowering its fiscal year 2015 guidance due to currency headwinds. 
• JPMorgan Chase (JPM 63.05, +0.98): +1.6% after beating earnings estimates on below-consensus revenue. 
• Norfolk Southern (NSC 99.00, -5.87): -5.6% after lowering its earnings and revenue guidance for Q1.

Reviewing overnight developments:

• Asian markets ended mixed. Hong Kong's Hang Seng -1.6%, China's Shanghai Composite +0.3%, and Japan's Nikkei ended flat. 
  • In economic data: 
    • China's New Loans CNY1,180.0 bln (expected CNY 1,050.0 bln; prior CNY 1,020.0 bln) and M2 Money Stock +11.6% year-over-year (expected +12.3%; prior +12.5%) 
    • Singapore's Q1 GDP +1.1% quarter-over-quarter (expected +0.5%; prior +4.9%); +2.1% year-over-year (expected +1.8%; prior +2.1%) 
    • Australia's March NAB Business Confidence rose to 3.0 from 0.0 while NAB Business Survey rose to 6.0 from 2.0 
    • New Zealand's Q1 NZIER Business Confidence slipped to 23% from 24% while REINZ House Price Index +6.7% month-over-month (prior +0.8%) 
  • In news: 
    • After voicing his opinion on the yen exchange rate yesterday, Koichi Hamada was back at it today, saying his comments referred to the purchasing power parity-implied rate and not the spot rate. Mr. Hamada added that the current spot rate of 120 yen per dollar is acceptable. 

• Major European indices trade mixed. France's CAC -0.3%, Germany's DAX -0.3%, and UK's FTSE +0.2%. Elsewhere, Italy's MIB -1.1% and Spain's IBEX -1.0%. 
  • Participants received several data points: 
    • Eurozone February Industrial Production +1.1% month-over-month (expected 0.4%; prior -0.3%); +1.6% year-over-year (consensus 0.7%; last 0.4%) 
    • Germany's March Wholesale Price Index -1.1% year-over-year (prior -2.1%) 
    • UK's March CPI 0.0% year-over-year, as expected while core CPI +1.0% year-over-year (consensus 1.2%; prior 1.2%). Separately, Input PPI -13.0% year-over-year (expected -13.5%; last -13.5%) while Output PPI -1.7% year-over-year (consensus -1.8%; previous -1.7%). Also of note, House price Index +7.2% year-over-year (consensus 8.7%; last 8.4%) 
    • Italy's March CPI +0.1% month-over-month; -0.1% year-over-year, as expected 
    • Spain's March CPI +0.6% month-over-month; -0.7% year-over-year, as expected 
  • Among news of note: 
    • Germany's Finance Ministry said it expects 2016 GDP growth to reach 1.6%

7:51 am Johnson & Johnson beats by $0.02, reports revs in-line; lowers FY15 EPS on FX headwind (JNJ) : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $1.56 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 better than the Capital IQ Consensus of $1.54; revenues fell 4.1% year/year to $17.37 bln vs the $17.33 bln consensus.

• Operational results increased 3.1% and the negative impact of currency was 7.2%. Domestic sales increased 5.9%. International sales decreased 12.4%, reflecting operational growth of 0.8% and a negative currency impact of 13.2%. 
• Excluding the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures, on an operational basis, worldwide sales increased 5.7%, domestic sales increased 9.1% and international sales increased 3.0%.
  
• Consumer sales -4.7% with FX -8.1% impact
• Pharma sales +3% with FX -7.2% impact
• Medical Device sales -11.4% with FX -6.8% impact

Co issues guidance for FY15, lowers EPS to $6.04-6.19, excluding non-recurring items, from $6.12-6.27, citing FX vs. $6.18 Capital IQ Consensus. 

7:46 am Hewlett-Packard announces a contract with the Arkansas Department of Human Services worth $190 mln to implement its interChange Medicaid Management Information System (HPQ) : The seven-year contract includes one base year with six one-year options and extends HP's nearly 30-year relationship in supporting the state of Arkansas. HP will continue to manage the state's legacy system until the new MMIS goes live

7:42 am Timmins Gold reports Q1 production of 24,374 AuEq ounces (TGD) :

• Co reported preliminary production results for the Company's first quarter ended March 31, 2015. 
• Co achieved production of 24,374 gold equivalent ounces for the quarter.
  

7:37 am Dick's Sporting Goods at Analyst Meeting updates 2017 (FY18) targets: EPS CAGR of ~ 12-16% and sales CAGR of ~8-10%; reaffirms FY16 guidance (DKS) : During its Analyst Meeting at 10:00 am ET today, the co will update its fiscal 2017 sales target to $8.7 to 9.0 billion, representing a 3-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~8% to 10% from fiscal 2014 sales of $6.8 billion. The Company continues to be focused on driving profitable growth and plans to expand its operating margin by ~80 to 130 basis points to 9.0% to 9.5% in fiscal 2017, from non-GAAP operating margin of 8.2% in fiscal 2014, through both the expansion of gross margin and SG&A expense leverage.

Co anticipates diluted earnings per share to grow at a CAGR of 12% to 16% through fiscal 2017.

• The Company is taking a measured approach to growing its store count and anticipates growing its DICK'S Sporting Goods store base to ~735 to 750 stores by the end of fiscal 2017, an increase of ~135 to 150 stores from the 603 stores at the end of fiscal 2014. 
• The Company plans to grow eCommerce sales to ~$1.0 to 1.2 billion in fiscal 2017, from $628 million in fiscal 2014. 
• With its $1 billion 5-year share repurchase authorization, the Company targets share repurchases of $100 to 200 million annually. 
• The Company is also committed to quarterly dividends. 
• For fiscal 2015, the Company anticipates reporting consolidated earnings per diluted share of ~$3.10 to 3.20 vs. $3.18 consensus. The Company's earnings per share guidance includes the expectation of ~$100 to 200 million of share repurchases in 2015. Consolidated same store sales are currently expected to increase 1 to 3% in fiscal 2015.
  

7:32 am Veracyte and GE (GE) announce a research collaboration to develop new disease diagnosis solutions; financial and other terms were not disclosed (VCYT) : Veracyte will collaborate with GE Ventures, GE Healthcare, and the GE Global Research Center to explore the feasibility of combining Veracyte's genomic technology with GE Healthcare's digital imaging technology. Through the agreement, Veracyte and GE aim to identify features from raw imaging data that, when combined with genomic information, have the potential to elucidate useful, new information to further address unmet clinical needs.

7:31 am Ocwen Fincl reporting preliminary FY14 loss of $546 mln or $4.18 per share; Expects to be profitable in 2015 and meet all financial obligations (OCN) :

• OCN reported a preliminary net loss of $(546.0) million, or $(4.18) per share, for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to net income of $310.4 million, or $2.13 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2013. 
• Ocwen generated preliminary revenue of $2.1 billion, up 4% compared to $2.0 billion in the prior year (Capital IQ consensus $2.11 bln).
• During 2014, Ocwen incurred a total of $728.1 million in preliminary normalized expenses. 
• Normalization items in 2014 include $420.2 million of goodwill impairment, $186.1 million of legal and settlement expenses primarily related to the settlement with the New York Department of Financial Services, $72.3 million for MSR-related fair value changes and $49.5 million of transition and other items.
• The preliminary normalized results for 2014 were impacted by and include $127.3 million of servicer expenses and uncollectible advances along with $39.4 million in regulatory monitoring costs. In addition, our preliminary net loss results include a charge to record an approximately $77 million valuation allowance against our remaining deferred tax asset. 
• "We currently expect to be profitable in 2015 and meet all of our ongoing financial and servicing obligations".
  

7:31 am AES announces the early results of its tender offers for its outstanding 8.00% senior notes due 2017, 8.00% senior notes due 2020 and 7.375% senior notes due 2021 (AES) :  

7:30 am TASER announces that Alabama's mobile police department will deploy 300 AXON Cameras; order was received in and is expected to ship in 2Q15 (TASR) :  

7:20 am Level 3 subsidiary, Level 3 Financing plans to offer $1.2 billion in senior unsecured notes that will mature in 2023 and 2025 (LVLT) : The net proceeds from the offering of the Notes, together with cash on hand, will be used to redeem all $1.2 billion outstanding aggregate principal amount of Level 3 Financing, Inc.'s 8.125% Senior Notes due 2019.

7:11 am JPMorgan Chase beats by $0.05, misses on revs (JPM) : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $1.45 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.05 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $1.40; revenues rose 4.8% year/year to $24.1 bln vs the $24.4 bln consensus. Revenues were predominantly driven by strong performance in the Corporate & Investment Bank, both in Markets and Investment Banking. In addition, there was an increase in fee revenue in Asset Management and Mortgage Banking, partially offset by lower gains in Private Equity. 

• Tangible book value per share of $45.45, up 9% YoY 
• Basel III common equity Tier 1 of $167 billion, or ratio of 10.6%
• SLR of 5.7% and Bank SLR of 6.0% 
• Core loans up 10% compared with the prior year
• Return on Tier 1 Common Equity 14%
• Overhead Ratio 60% 
• Net Payout Ratio 53%

Consumer and Community Banking

• Net income was $2.2 billion, an increase of $238 million compared with the prior year, driven by both improved net revenue and lower noninterest expense. Net revenue was $10.7 billion, an increase of $170 million compared with the prior year, driven by higher noninterest revenue across businesses, up $302 million. 
• Net interest income was $7.0 billion, down $132 million, driven by spread compression, largely offset by higher deposit balances in Consumer & Business Banking and higher credit card loans. 
• Mortgage Banking net income was $326 million, an increase of $194 million from the prior year. Net revenue was $1.7 billion, an increase of $151 million compared with the prior year, driven by lower MSR risk management losses, partially offset by lower servicing revenue.... 

Corporate & Investment Banking 

• Net income was $2.5 billion, up $412 million, compared with $2.1 billion in the prior year, driven by higher net revenue. Banking revenue was $3.1 billion, up 12% from the prior year, on strong performance in investment banking fees across products.
• Treasury Services revenue was $1.0 billion, down 2% compared with the prior year, driven by lower net interest income and lower trade finance revenue. Lending revenue was $353 million, up 9% from the prior year, largely reflecting higher gains on securities received from restructurings. 
• Markets & Investor Services revenue was $6.5 billion, up 7% from the prior year, despite the impact of business simplification, driven by higher Markets revenue. 
• Excluding the revenue decline related to business simplification, Total Markets and Fixed Income Markets would each have been up 20%.
• Equity Markets revenue was up 22%. Macro events drove robust client activity in Fixed Income Markets including in Currencies & Emerging Markets, and Rates, as well as in Equity Markets.

Commercial Banking

• Net income was $598 million, relatively flat compared with the prior year. Net revenue was $1.7 billion, an increase of $64 million compared with the prior year, driven by higher noninterest revenue on record gross investment banking revenue. Net interest income was $1.1 billion, down slightly compared with the prior year, reflecting spread compression on loan and liability products, largely offset by higher balances.
  

7:09 am Compugen announces it has obtained the rights to use biological systems and materials from the US National Institutes of Health (CGEN) : The co announced that it has obtained rights to use in-house certain biological systems and materials for purposes of advancing the research and development of the Company's multiple immuno-oncology programs toward future clinical evaluation. The experimental systems and biological materials obtained from the NIH enable the engineering of human T cells to specifically recognize tumor antigens on cancer cells.

7:09 am BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics to present positive NurOwn Phase 2a clinical data at American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting (BCLI) : Co announced that results from its phase 2a study of NurOwn in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS.TO) and additional analyses will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting, taking place in Washington D.C. from April 18 to 25, 2015.

7:06 am Honeywell and Kymeta announce plans to create and test a new Ka-band wireless antenna for business and commercial aircraft (HON) :  

7:05 am JPMorgan Chase pops ~1% following upside Q1 results (JPM) : Q4 GAP EPS $1.45 vs. $1.40 consensus; GAAP rev +4% to $24.1 bln vs. $24.4 bln consensus, managed rev $24.8 bln.

• Net income was $5.9 billion, up $645 million, or 12%, from the prior year predominantly driven by higher revenue. 
• Q1 results included as a significant item $487 million (aftertax) legal expense ($0.13 per share aftertax decrease in earnings)
• The current quarter also benefited from $177 million in tax adjustments, compared to a tax charge of approximately $90 million in the prior year. 
• Tangible book value per share1,16 of $45.45, up 9% YoY
  

7:04 am Flotek Industries and Solazyme (SZYM) announce strategic agreements to develop and market advanced drilling fluid technologies and expand marketing of Encapso (FTK) :

• Flotek Industries (FTK) and Solazyme (SZYM) announced the companies and certain subsidiaries have entered into agreements to globally commercialize Flocapso, an innovative, advanced drilling fluid additive.
• In addition, Flotek will market Solazyme's Encapso lubricant - the first commercially available, biodegradable encapsulated lubricant for drilling fluids -- in certain Middle Eastern markets.
• Under the Joint Product Development and Marketing Agreement (the "Joint Agreement"), Flotek and Solazyme will commercialize and market Flocapso, a proprietary formulation combining Flotek's patented Complex nano-Fluid chemistries with Solazyme's proprietary Encapso technology to create an environmentally-conscious, highly effective drilling fluid additive focused on better lubricity and greater stabilization for drilling programs worldwide.
  

7:04 am Coeur d'Alene Mines announces a high-grade mine plan for Kensington; expects full-year production to increase 34% to 149K oz (CDE) : Co announced an updated and re-scoped mine plan and a preliminary economic assessment for its Kensington gold mine located in Southeast Alaska. The new mine plan reflects the recent discovery of the high-grade Jualin zone and indicates higher overall production. Annual gold production between 2015 and 2020 at Kensington is expected to average approximately 128,000 ounces. Expected capital expenditures include approximately $3.5 million per year through 2018 for capitalized drilling, primarily to upgrade the inferred mineral resources at Kensington and Jualin mines

7:03 am Harte-Hanks announces the sale of its B2B research businesses, and expects a pretax charge of ~$10 mln in 2Q15 (HHS) : Co announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its B2B research businesses, Aberdeen Group and Harte Hanks Market Intelligence, to subsidiaries of Halyard Capital. The company intends to use the proceeds from the transaction to support its strategic development. Aberdeen Group and Harte Hanks Market Intelligence represented less than 5% of Harte Hanks' total 2014 revenues.

7:03 am Omeros announces European Regulatory Authority approval for use of OMS721 for compassionate use (OMER) : The presiding European regulatory authority has approved the company's investigational product OMS721 for compassionate use. OMS721 is Omeros' lead human monoclonal antibody in its mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) program for the treatment of thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), including atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).

• Omeros' ongoing OMS721 Phase 2 study continues to progress through its dose-ranging phase. 
• This third cohort could begin dosing before the end of April.
  

7:02 am NovaBay Pharma appoints Mark Sieczkarek Chairman (NBY) : Co announces the appointment of Mark M. Sieczkarek as Chairman of the Board, effective April 10, 2015. NovaBay founder Dr. Ron Najafi remains on the Board and continues to serve as NovaBay's President and Chief Executive Officer.

NovaBay also announces the appointment of Mr. LI Xinzhou (Paul Li) to the Board of Directors, also effective April 10, 2015.

7:02 am Flotek Industries and Solazyme (SZYM) announce strategic agreements regarding drilling fluid technologies marketing of Encapso (FTK) : Cos announced that certain subsidiaries have entered into agreements to globally commercialize Flocapso, an innovative, advanced drilling fluid additive. In addition, Flotek will market Solazyme's Encapso lubricant  in certain Middle Eastern markets.

• Under the Joint Product Development and Marketing Agreement , Flotek and Solazyme will commercialize and market Flocapso, a proprietary formulation combining Flotek's Complex nano-Fluid chemistries with Solazyme's proprietary Encapso technology. 
• In addition, the companies have entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement  whereby Solazyme has granted Flotek exclusive distribution rights to sell and market Encapso as a drilling fluid lubricant in certain territories in the Middle East. 
• In exchange, Flotek has agreed to certain minimum purchases of Encapso from Solazyme in the initial year of the Agreement.

7:02 am Arris and Charter Communications (CHTR) announce acquisition of ActiveVideo for ~$135 mln (ARRS) : ARRIS Group and Charter Communications (CHTR) announced today that they established a joint venture that has agreed to acquire ActiveVideo for approximately $135 million. ARRIS will own 65% of the joint venture company and will be the sales channel for ActiveVideo's CloudTV platform. Closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the second quarter

6:55 am Asian Markets Close: Japan's Nikkei flat; Hong Kong's Hang Seng -1.6%; China's Shanghai Composite +0.3% (:SUMRX) : Trade in the Asian-Pacific markets was on the mixed side of things Tuesday, with Wall Street's weak finish on Monday and the specter of China's Q1 GDP report on Wednesday keeping a lid on most markets. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was the biggest loser (-1.6%) as it fell prone to profit taking in the wake of its white-hot run of late.

Economic data

• China
• New Loans CNY 1,180.0 bln (expected CNY 1,050.0 bln; prior CNY 1,020.0 bln)
• M2 Money Stock +11.6% year-over-year (expected +12.3%; prior +12.5%)
• Singapore
• Q1 GDP +1.1% quarter-over-quarter (expected +0.5%; prior +4.9%); +2.1% year-over-year (expected +1.8%; prior +2.1%)
• Australia
• March NAB Business Confidence 3.0 (prior 0.0)
• March NAB Business Survey 6.0 (prior 2.0)
• New Zealand
• Q1 NZIER Business Confidence 23% (prior 24%)
• REINZ House Price Index +6.7% month-over-month (prior +0.8%)

Equity Markets

• Japan's Nikkei drifted through Tuesday's trade and ended basically flat for the second straight day. Gains in the utilities (+1.4%) and basic materials (+0.6%) sectors were offset by soft showings from the more influential consumer non-cyclical (-0.3%), consumer cyclical (-0.1%) and industrial (-0.1%) sectors. Sharp Corp (+5.6%) and Toyobo Co (+4.2%) led the winners while Kikkoman (-2.6%) and MEIJI Holdings (-2.1%) paced the losers. Out of the 225 index members, 142 ended higher, 76 finished lower, and 7 were unchanged.
• Hong Kong's Hang Seng declined 1.6% on profit-taking efforts following a huge run for the index in recent sessions. The declines were led by the financial (-1.7%), communications (-3.8%), and consumer cyclical (-3.1%) sectors. China Resources Land (-6.5%), Galaxy Entertainment (-5.6%), Tencent Holdings (-5.5%), Sands China (-4.8%), and Want Want China Holdings (-4.6%) were the biggest decliners. Out of the 50 index members, 13 ended higher, 35 finished lower, and 2 were unchanged.
• China's Shanghai Composite alternated between gains and losses, but managed a positive finish and increased 0.3% for the day. The modest gain came a day ahead of Wednesday's key economic releases that will include Q1 GDP and the Industrial Production, Retail Sales, and Fixed Asset Investment reports for March. The industrial (+1.0%) and consumer non-cyclical (+0.5%) sectors led Tuesday's advance.
• India's Sensex closed for a holiday.
• Australia's S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.2% with losses in the gold (-1.1%), consumer staples (-1.0%), and metals and mining (-0.9%) sectors weighing on the index. Sirtex Medical (+6.2%) led individual gainers while Worleyparsons (-4.8%) paced the decliners.
• Regional advancers: South Korea +0.6%, Singapore +1.1%
• Regional decliners: Taiwan -0.3%, Malaysia -0.1%, Indonesia -0.5%, Philippines -0.2%, Vietnam -0.2%
• Closed for holiday: Thailand (Songkran Festival) and India (Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti)

FX

• USD/CNY -0.04% at 6.2121
• USD/INR -0.1% at 62.345
• USD/JPY -0.4% at 119.67
  

6:51 am Fastenal beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line (FAST) : Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.43 per share, $0.01 better than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $0.42; revenues rose 8.8% year/year to $953.3 mln vs the $960.54 mln consensus. 

• The January and February time frame in 2015 was hit hard by poor weather, as was also true in 2014. 
• "Q1 was hit hard by a slowdown in our business with customers connected to the oil and gas industry. This connection includes direct industry participants as well as those with a geographic connection."
  

6:43 am Telecom Italia announced tender offers for notes dated between 2019-2022 (TI) : Co announced the following tender offers:

• 1.25 bln of its Notes due February 2022 at 5.25%
• 1 bln of its Notes due January 2021 at 4.5%
• 1 bln of its Notes due September 2020 at 4.875%
• 1 bln of its Notes due January 2020 at 4%
• 1.25 bln of its Notes due January 2019 at 5.375%
  

6:39 am John Wood Group plc announces entrance into a new contract with Enquest (WDGJF) : Co announced it has been awarded a new five year contract from EnQuest to provide engineering, design, construction, procurement and commissioning services to the Thistle, Heather and Northern Producer offshore assets in the North Sea. Effective immediately, the contract includes extension options for up to a further five years.

6:31 am PacWest Bancorp announces retirement of CFO Victor Santoro; names Patrick Rusnak as new Chief Financial Officer, with transition to take place in mid-august 2015 (PACW) : Following his retirement as CFO, Mr. Santoro will continue to work with the Company as Vice Chairman of Corporate Development and assist with the transition of his CFO responsibilities. Rusnak most recently served as Chief Financial Officer for Sterling Financial Corporation

6:15 am Bayer AG announced two new Phase III trials to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and One new Phase II trial to treat large B-cell lymphoma (BAYRY) : Bayer HealthCare today announced the expansion of its global clinical development program for the investigational oncology compound copanlisib (BAY 80-6946), which now includes two new Phase III studies and one additional Phase II study exploring new treatment options for various subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (:NHL).

• Copanlisib is a novel intravenous pan-class I phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor with predominant inhibitory activity against both PI3K and PI3K isoforms.  
• The new studies add to the ongoing clinical development program for copanlisib, including several Phase I/Ib studies as well as an open-label Phase II trial evaluating the efficacy and safety in patients with relapsed or refractory NHL. 
• Copanlisib was recently granted Orphan Drug Designation (:ODD) by the FDA Office of Orphan Products Development (:OOPD) in the U.S. for the treatment of follicular lymphoma 
  

6:11 am China Yuchai subsidiary Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Company Limited announces issuance of RMB 2 bln in short term bonds (CYD) : Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Company Limited announced approval from China's National Association of Financial Market Institutional Investors for the issuance of RMB-denominated unsecured ultra short-term bonds not exceeding 270 days amounting to RMB 2 billion had, on April 8, 2015 issued the first tranche of the Bonds amounting to RMB 400 million. The par value and issue price of each Bond is RMB 100. The maturity date of the first tranche of the Bonds is May 9, 2015.

6:01 am RadNet announces acquisition of New York Radiology Partners for ~$34 mln (RDNT) : The acquisition includes the assumption of approximately $4.0 million of debt and should provide RadNet with approximately $45 million of additional revenue on an annual basis.

6:00 am Rubicon Minerals announces commencement of mill commissioning at Red Lake, Ontario (RBY) : Co announced that the development and construction of the Phoenix Gold Project  in Red Lake, Ontario, Canada remains on schedule for projected initial production in mid-2015. The mill commissioning process has commenced ahead of schedule and is expected to continue throughout the second quarter of this year. The Company is installing a crushing station at the ore pass above the 305-metre level. Crushed muck will be hauled on the 305-metre level prior to hoisting. There is approximately C$18 million of underground development capital remaining to projected initial production.

6:00 am Memorial Resource Development announces a $50 mln share repurchase program and re-affirms the $725 mln borrowing base under its senior secured revolving credit facility (MRD) :  

5:57 am S&P futures vs fair value: -3.00. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -10.80. :

5:57 am European Markets : FTSE...7064.62...+0.30...0.00.  DAX...12268.67...-70.40...-0.60%.

5:57 am Asian Markets : Nikkei...19908.68...+3.20...+0.00%.  Hang Seng...27561.49...+454.90...-1.60%.

5:54 am On The Wires (:WIRES) :

• NextGen Healthcare Information Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Quality Systems (QSII) announced it has entered into an agreement with Milliman, a global consulting and actuarial firm, to license risk analysis and predictive modeling tools for population health and collaborative care management.
• Applied DNA Sciences (APDN) has been featured in multiple publications, following a media event on April 10 in Huntington Station, NY, announcing plans to utilize DNAnet kits for home asset marking. 
• R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD) announced that LibreDigital, a service of the RR Donnelley Digital Solutions group, has been awarded a multi-year agreement to provide eBook services to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMHC) Trade Publishing.
  

5:15 am On The Wires (:WIRES) :

• Workday (WDAY) announced the general availability of Workday Payroll for the UK. Organically built as part of Workday Financial Management and Workday Human Capital Management, the new payroll application enables customers with UK employees to address the full spectrum of enterprise payroll needs, providing administrators with the flexibility, control, and insight required to support the unique aspects of their organizations. 
• Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the leading global network of exchanges and clearing houses, today announced that ICE Endex has added NetConnect Germany GmbH & Co. KG, the German market area operator, as a trading participant for the Dutch TTF gas spot market. 
• TowerJazz (TSEM) and Semtech Corporation (SMTC) announced the successful production ramp of various products in TowerJazz's fab. TowerJazz and Semtech share a strong history of partnership and process transfer activities across multiple business units. 
• Qumu (QUMU) announced the availability of Qumu's Enterprise Video integration with Microsoft Office 365 within Microsoft's Office App Marketplace.
  

4:53 am BMW Group reports it achieved best-ever March sales (BAMXY) : Co announced deliveries vehicles in March reached a new high contributing to the company's best ever first quarter sales figures. Around the world, a total of 232,556 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles were sold in March, up 9.2% on the previous year. In the first three months of 2015, the BMW Group achieved a sales increase of 8.1% with 526,669 vehicles delivered to customers.

• Record first quarter sales, up 8.1% to 526,669
• Balanced growth in all sales regions globally
• Strong sales for new BMW models: 2 Series, 4 Series, X5 and X6
• BMW i deliveries top 2,600 in March
• MINI records strongest-ever first quarter
  

4:47 am On The Wires (:WIRES) :

• Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co has awarded Veolia (VEOEY), through its subsidiaries Veolia Water France and Veolia Water Korea, a three-year operation and maintenance contract for the supply of water and wastewater treatment services at Kori Division, South Korea's largest nuclear power plant. 
• Northrop Grumman (NOC) has announced the opening of its new cyber facility in Gloucestershire dedicated to delivering innovative advanced cyber solutions to customers in the U.K. and other locations in Europe.

4:22 am Petrobras Brasileiro to release financials on April 22 (PBR) : Co announces nnounces that on April 22 its Board of Directors will meet to: (i) review its interim financial statements for the third quarter 2014, reviewed by the Company's independent auditors; and (ii) approve the Company's 2014 audited financial statements. The Company expects to release these financial statements following the meeting, subject to the determination of the Board of Directors.

4:12 am Volkswagen commercial vehicles increases deliveries in first quarter by almost 5% (VLKAY) : In the first three months of 2015, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles supplied 108,200 light commercial vehicles to customers around the world (first quarter of 2014: 103,200; +4.8%). In the total Western European market the brand increased the number of deliveries by 8% to 72,300 (2014: 66,900).

• At 27,100 vehicles (+11.5%), Germany remains the European market in which the highest volume of vehicles is sold. In Great Britain deliveries rose by 12.2% to 12,900 vehicles. Spain recorded, with 2,400 vehicles, growth of 17%.
  

3:36 am On The Wires (:WIRES) :

• Global Eagle Entertainment (ENT) announced a partnership with Rovio Entertainment to provide Angry Birds, to airlines as inflight entertainment content.
  
• ITG (ITG) announced the launch of ITG Analytics Incubator, a digital community for the sharing of ideas and collaboration in trading and portfolio analytics.
  

2:57 am Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent (ALU) confirm that they are in advanced discussions with respect to a potential full combination (NOK) : In relation to recent media speculation Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent confirm that they are in advanced discussions with respect to a potential full combination, which would take the form of a public exchange offer by Nokia for Alcatel-Lucent. There can be no certainty at this stage that these discussions will result in any agreement or transaction.

2:33 am On The Wires (:WIRES) :

• Crossroads Systems (CRDS) announced it is teaming with Santa Clara, California-based DDN Storage in massively scalable, high-performance storage. 
• BioReference Laboratories (BRLI) announced that it has joined two leading organizations that are focused on accelerating pharmaceutical R&D and medical innovation through collaboration, data sharing and best practices - the Pistoia Alliance, as a Participating Member, and the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health as an Organizational Member.

2:21 am Technip wins subsea contract on Triton FPSO (TKPPY) : Co has been awarded a brownfield subsea contract for the Triton floating production storage and offloading vessel, operated by Dana Petroleum, located in the central North Sea. This FPSO vessel is located 193 kilometers east of Aberdeen, at a water depth of approximately 90 meters. It produces oil and gas from different fields - Bittern, Guillemot West and North West, Clapham, Pict and Saxon, which are tied back to the FPSO vessel via subsea facilities comprising a series of pipelines and manifolds.

1:27 am On The Wires (:WIRES) :

• Civitas Solutions (CIVI) announced its decision to discontinue services to at-risk youth in the state of Illinois by June 30, 2015. This action will have no impact on Civitas' services in Illinois for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those recovering from brain injuries. 
• Brightcove (BCOV) announced a partnership with Marketo (MKTO) to help marketers increase video marketing effectiveness.

1:19 am Samson Oil & Gas provides monthly update; 7 wells remain shut in (SSN) : Co reports its net production for March continued to grow as the results of the 2014 infill drilling in North Stockyard are incorporated. Seven wells remain shut in as the Operator manages the field with minimal operating cost in response to the current oil price. Given that all of the wells have been drilled and fracked, the individual well reports will be discontinued, however we will provide mid-monthly production reports with commentary.

12:59 am Herbalife Responds to statements made today by Bill Ackman at investor summit (HLF) : Herbalife issued the following statement in response to statements made today by Bill Ackman:

"There is simply no truth to Bill Ackman's statements and this is just another stunt in his campaign, a campaign that is reportedly under criminal investigation by the FBI and the Department of Justice, to drive down the stock price in an effort to enrich himself and his investors in advance of options expiring on Friday. Unfortunately we have seen this pattern of activity before, especially before the third Friday of each month, when certain options expire."

12:41 am Blackstone Mortgage Trust prices 20 mln shares of common stock at $30.50 per share; offering was upsized from 17,500,000 shares to 20,000,000 shares (BXMT) :