GlaxoSmithKline is downgraded to 'underperform,' while AstraZeneca is upgraded to 'neutral.'
Things that would make me want to raise some cash and hit the beach.
Stocks are lower at midday and the sluggish trading environment persists as investors remain on the sidelines ahead of Bernanke speech.
Dow sheds 125 points to below 13,000. Weak economic data out of Japan, South Korea and Europe put the focus back on international issues. US retailers report generally better-than-expected sales, while jobless claims remain flat.
Advances in biotech research should alleviate concerns about the widespread use of genetically modified seeds.
The company was particularly hurt by weakness and uncertainty in Europe.
Stocks slide as US companies continue to indicate caution with their guidance and Moody's signals worries about more debt fallout in Europe.
The iPhone maker is set to report earnings after the closing bell, while the telecommunication giant reports higher second-quarter profit.
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