Today's Biggest Index Movers: Kidney Dialysis, Platinum, and Semiconductors

Kidney Dialysis and Treatment Stocks Up 7.8% today

This otherwise inert sector is being buoyed by the announced $112 million acquisition of the Dialysis Corporation of America (NASDAQ: DCAI) by U.S. Renal Care, a privately held company. This trend, however, could quickly move in the other direction, as DCAI is currently under investigation for potentially failing to fulfill its fiduciary duties.

Semiconductor Packaging and Assembly Up 4.2% today

The Semiconductor assembly sector continued a month of strong performance as Kulicke & Soffa (NASDAQ: KLIC) beat estimated second quarter earnings and projected a better than expected third quarter. ASML Holding (NASDAQ: ASML) also released solid earnings data today. Chip manufacturer Intel’s (NASDAQ:  INTC) strong report on Tuesday will also continue to boost the sector.

Platinum and Palladium Stocks Up 4.3% today

Platinum and Palladium equities are coming off a bad dip yesterday, as Credit Agricole strengthened investor confidence by predicting the two precious metals will beat gold as demand from China continues to increase. North American Palladium (AMEX: PAL) is up more than seven percent as the company announced the reopening its prolific mine in Ontario.

Data provided by Tickerspy.