The annual build rate for the month was stronger than that seen in December.
Goldman upgrades Citigroup and Morgan Stanley but downgrades Bank of America and JP Morgan.
F5 Networks is upgraded to 'buy' at BofA/Merrill, while Walgreen is downgraded to 'neutral' at Goldman.
Investors are optimistic so far this year despite broad concerns about the economy and fourth-quarter earnings results.
Housing plays are rising, including the venerable paint supplier and a faucet maker backed by a top hedge fund manager.
Major homebuilders have soared since early October, and some analysts say there's no real justification for the rise.
Two investment houses upgrade American Eagle, while Goldman downgrades Alcoa to 'neutral.'
Builders get upgraded at Raymond James, as do several energy stocks at Barclays.
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DuPont is downgraded to 'sell,' and Pacific Sunwear is upgraded to 'buy.'
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The Market Dispatches column has been discontinued. Here's where to find the latest stock and business news on MSN Money, and the latest from market writer Charley Blaine.
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