Quadruple witching will add some spice to a scheduled quiet final trading session of the week. Several earnings announcements round out the warm spring like session on the Street of Dreams. On Thursday, stock market bears were sent scampering back into their dens as economic data clearly indicated inflation fears have limited factual basis. Neutral Consumer Prices and improved manufacturing results led to stocks closing mostly higher on the day. Positive word from the employment front added to the bullish fervor. The DJIA made its 8th straight gain by climbing 45.50, the Nasdaq added 2.19 and the sole laggard S&P 500 slipped backwards by 0.39.
Here are 7 stocks you need to know about for Friday.
Prior to the opening bell, Perry Ellis Int'l (PERY), reports earnings with a forecast figure of 59 cents/share.
Rumors of a discount rate increase hit the financial sector with Bank Of America Corp (BAC) and Regions Financial Corp (RF) taking the brunt of the chatter.
Athletic shoe maker, Nike Inc Cl B (NKE), profit more than doubled in its 3rd quarter and was raised to outperform at FBR Capital.
Fedex Corp (FDX) crushed analysts quarterly profit estimates.
Gamestop Corp (GME) raised its outlook despite a drop in earnings.
3Com Corp (COMS) is looking an EPS of 8 cents at an indeterminate release time.
