Morning Movers (BBX, MDS, OMER, CCIX, COOL)

The three major US equities indexes opened higher this morning as investors reacted positively to the 1.1% gain in February retail sales. This afternoon’s announcement on interest rates by the Federal Reserve is not expected to offer any dramatic change in Fed policy, but tea-leaves readers will be searching for clues to future movement in Fed policies. The dollar is stornger today, up 0.40% this morning at 80.213. The DJIA is up about 49 points at around 13,008, the Nasdaq Composite is up about 14 points at around 2,998, and the S&P 500 is up 6 points at around 1,377.

There are several stocks trading more heavily than usual this morning, and also experiencing large gains or drops in share prices. These include BankAtlantic Bancorp Inc. (NYSE: BBX), Midas Inc. (NYSE: MDS), Omeros Corp. (NASDAQ: OMER), Coleman Cable Inc. (NASDAQ: CCIX), and Majesco Entertainment Co. (NASDAQ: COOL).

BankAtlantic is up more than 92% at $3.71. Volume is already 7x the daily average of about 78,000 shares traded. The bank holding company received a sweetened deal this morning on its pending acquisition by BB&T Corp. (NYSE: BBT).

Midas is up more than 27% at $11.44 after posting a new 52-week high of $11.47 earlier this morning. Volume is already more than 160x the daily average of about 52,000 shares traded. The auto parts maker and retailer has accepted a buyout from Japan’s Sumitomo for $11.50/share, or $173 million.

Omeros is up about 19% at $9.10 after posting a new 52-week high of $9.91 earlier. Volume is already more than 6x the daily average of around 66,000 shares traded. The biopharmaceutical company’s reported a successful phase III drug trial this morning.

Coleman Cable is down more than -20% at $10.30. Volume is already more than 9x the daily average of around 52,000 shares traded. The electrical equipment maker reported weak quarterly earnings and offered a weak forecast this morning.

Majesco is down nearly -13% at $2.59. Volume is already higher the daily average of around 870,000 shares traded. The video game maker reported weak earnings last night. More coverage here.

Paul Ausick