Panera Bread is upgraded to 'outperform,' and Yelp is initiated with a 'market perform.'
Stocks are higher as optimism surrounding the fiscal cliff negotiations continues to spur buying.
Global growth fears and comments from ECB President Draghi create a lull in markets.
Economic data and progress in fiscal negotiations will be the determining factors in Thursday's session.
Shares of the gun maker trade higher on the announcement of a payout of $4.50 a share -- timed to avoid the dividend tax increase likely kicking in next year.
Also, German economic sentiment drops.
In a repeat of 2008, traders anticipated an increase in firearm sales after the election.
| Tags: | Kim PetersonRGRSWHC |
Shares of Smith & Wesson and Sturm Ruger fell after an analyst report Wednesday, but overall gun sales remain higher for year.
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