Stocks were higher from the opening bell as positive manufacturing data in the U.S., China, and Europe boosted investors’ optimism. Equities managed to hold onto gains even after technical issues caused the Nasdaq exchange to halt trading for three hours.

All 10 sectors on the S&P ended higher. Energy stocks were the best performers as gains in crude oil and natural gas price lifted the group including shares of Apache Corp (APA +2.3%). On the earnings front, Hewlett-Packard (HPQ  -12.4%) tumbled after the company posted earnings that were in-line with expectations, but offered a cautious forecast. Also on the downside, Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF -17.6%) and Sears Holdings (SHLD -8.2%) slumped badly following their profit tallies.

Turning to fixed income markets, Treasuries were mixed along the curve. The benchmark 10-year note was down 1/32 to yield 2.90% and the 30-year bond was higher by 7/8 of a point to yield 3.87%. 

PICTURED: The Nasdaq Composite Index is consolidating well above prior highs and its 50-day moving average (DMA) line.

Financial shares' gains helped underpin the major averages rally attempt as the influential Broker/Dealer Index ($XBD +1.16%) and the Bank Index ($BKX +1.50%) both rose, and the Retail Index ($RLX +0.80%) also posted a modest gain. The tech sector saw unanimous gains from the Networking Index ($NWX +1.22%), Internet Index ($IIX +1.14%), Semiconductor Index ($SOX +1.16%), and the Biotechnology Index ($BTK +0.94%). Energy-related shares drifted higher as the Integrated Oil Index ($XOI +0.97%) and Oil Services Index ($OSX +1.50%) ratcheted higher. Defensive groups also gained ground as the  Healthcare Index ($HMO +1.07%) and Gold & Silver Index ($XAU +1.84%) rounded out Thursday's solidly positive session.

Charts courtesy www.stockcharts.com

PICTURED: The Gold & Silver Index ($XAU +1.84%) has rallied above its 50-day moving average (DMA) line and is consolidating near its June highs.

Generac Hldgs Inc (GNRC  +$0.59 or +1.41%  to $42.30) is holding its ground stubbornly near prior highs after it recently rallied from an advanced "3-weeks tight" base and priced a Secondary Offering. Disciplined investors always limit losses by selling if any stock falls more than -7% from its purchase price. The high-ranked Electrical - Power/Equipment firm was last shown in this FSU section with an annotated graph on 7/30/13 under the headline, "Gapped Up Following Strong Earnings News", after highlighted in yellow with pivot point based on its 7/17/13 high plus 10 cents with an annotated weekly graph in the earlier mid-day report (read here). Its considerable gain was backed by more than 2 times average volume, triggering a technical buy signal

It reported earnings +64% on +45% sales for the June '13 quarter versus the year ago period. Recent quarterly comparisons show impressive sequential acceleration in its sales revenues and earnings growth, making it a better match with the C criteria of the fact-based system. Previously noted consensus estimates calling for FY '13 earnings growth of +17% and FY '14 at -1%, and its currently low P/E valuation (0.7 X SP) suggest a timid outlook for future growth, which is cause for some concern.

The number of top-rated funds owning its shares rose from 201 in Dec '12 to 365 in Jun '13, an encouraging sign concerning the I criteria. Its current Up/Down Volume Ratio of 1.3 is also an unbiased indication that it shares have been under accumulation over the past 50 days. Disciplined investors avoid chasing stocks if they get extended more than +5% above their pivot point, and they always limit losses by selling if any stock falls more than -7% from their purchase price.

Keep in mind that the broader market direction (M criteria) weighs heavily into the mix as historic studies showed that 3 out of 4 stocks typically move in the same direction of the major averages. For as long as the current market correction continues, odds are not favorable for most stocks making meaningful headway.

Pay close attention to stocks that hold up well during corrections and watch for those that are the first ones breaking into new high ground upon any new confirmed rally. Meanwhile, if holding onto current gains, investors should stand ready to reduce exposure before too much damage starts to mount. Disciplined investors always limit losses by selling any stock that falls more than -7% from their purchase price, but sometimes weak technical action may hint that it is a smart time to sell even before losses reach that important maximum loss threshold.

Color Codes Explained :
Y - Better candidates highlighted by our staff of experts.
G - Previously featured in past reports as yellow but may no longer be buyable under the guidelines.

***Last / Change / Volume data in this table is the closing quote data***

Symbol/Exchange Company Name Industry Group	PRICE	CHANGE (%Change)	Day High	Volume (% DAV) (% 50 day avg vol)	52 Wk Hi % From Hi	Featured Date	Price Featured	Pivot Featured
								Max Buy
BITA - NYSE Bitauto Hldgs Ltd Ads INTERNET - Internet Information Providers	$15.10	+0.81 5.67%	$15.80	479,749 241.44% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 198,700	$18.10 -16.57%	8/7/2013	$12.01	PP = $13.30
								MB = $13.97
Most Recent Note - 8/22/2013 5:48:25 PM G - Tallied 3 gains with above average volume in the span of 4 sessions since finding prompt support near prior highs. Consolidating well above its 50 DMA line. Disciplined investors always limit losses if any stock falls more than -7-8% from their purchase price. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/7/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
CELG - NASDAQ Celgene Corp DRUGS - Drug Manufacturers - Major	$137.91	+0.34 0.25%	$139.00	1,273,092 49.74% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 2,559,400	$149.92 -8.01%	7/11/2013	$133.25	PP = $131.92
								MB = $138.52
Most Recent Note - 8/21/2013 9:42:54 PM Y - Consolidating above prior highs in the $131 area coinciding with its 50 DMA line, defining important chart support. See the latest FSU analysis for more details and a new annotated graph. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/21/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
FLT - NYSE Fleetcor Technologies DIVERSIFIED SERVICES - Business/Management Services	$103.12	+6.16 6.35%	$104.80	1,039,884 155.79% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 667,500	$100.87 2.23%	8/19/2013	$99.01	PP = $100.97
								MB = $106.02
Most Recent Note - 8/22/2013 5:50:19 PM Y- Rallied with above average volume today, rising from an advanced "3-weeks tight" base, albeit a riskier "late stage" base. It cleared the new pivot point with +56% above average volume. Keep in mind the M criteria argues against new buying efforts until a new confirmed rally. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/12/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
GNRC - NYSE Generac Hldgs Inc CONSUMER DURABLES - Electronic Equipment	$42.30	+0.59 1.41%	$42.30	978,007 91.51% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 1,068,700	$44.30 -4.51%	7/30/2013	$42.60	PP = $42.10
								MB = $44.21
Most Recent Note - 8/22/2013 5:46:33 PM Y - Holding its ground stubbornly after it recently rallied from an advanced "3-weeks tight" base and priced a Secondary Offering. Disciplined investors always limit losses by selling if any stock falls more than -7% from its purchase price. See the latest FSU analysis for more details and a new annotated graph. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/22/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
KORS - NYSE Michael Kors Hldgs Ltd RETAIL - Apparel Stores	$72.19	+0.54 0.75%	$72.45	1,796,666 50.95% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 3,526,200	$72.98 -1.08%	8/6/2013	$69.66	PP = $66.28
								MB = $69.59
Most Recent Note - 8/15/2013 7:19:05 PM G - Holding its ground beyond its "max buy" level. Prior highs in the $66 area define initial support to watch on pullbacks. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/6/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
Symbol/Exchange Company Name Industry Group	PRICE	CHANGE (%Change)	Day High	Volume (% DAV) (% 50 day avg vol)	52 Wk Hi % From Hi	Featured Date	Price Featured	Pivot Featured
								Max Buy
LOPE - NASDAQ Grand Canyon Education DIVERSIFIED SERVICES - Education and; Training Services	$33.66	+0.37 1.11%	$33.98	104,725 23.48% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 446,000	$37.17 -9.44%	6/19/2013	$31.47	PP = $34.17
								MB = $35.88
Most Recent Note - 8/21/2013 9:47:50 PM G - Color code is changed to green as it has slumped below its 50 DMA line. Recently reported earnings +15% on +19% sales for the Jun '13 quarter, below the +25% minimum earnings guideline (C criteria), raising fundamental concerns. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/14/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
PCLN - NASDAQ Priceline.Com Inc INTERNET - Internet Software and Services	$952.15	+11.95 1.27%	$954.43	369,247 52.00% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 710,100	$994.98 -4.30%	7/8/2013	$878.28	PP = $847.43
								MB = $889.80
Most Recent Note - 8/16/2013 6:57:21 PM G - Consolidating above prior highs, extended from any sound base. Reported earnings +24% on +27% sales revenues for the Jun '13 quarter, just under the +25% minimum earnings guideline (C criteria). >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/19/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
PRAA - NASDAQ Portfolio Recovery Assoc DIVERSIFIED SERVICES - Business/Management Services	$54.72	+0.24 0.44%	$55.27	207,492 39.73% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 522,300	$57.57 -4.95%	7/31/2013	$51.43	PP = $54.72
								MB = $57.46
Most Recent Note - 8/21/2013 9:53:49 PM Y - Holding its ground near prior highs with volume totals cooling in recent weeks. Any slump below its old high close ($53.86 on 6/17/13) would raise greater concerns as it would completely negate the recent technical breakout. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/2/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
PRLB - NYSE Proto Labs Inc MANUFACTURING - Small Tools and Accessories	$70.84	+0.83 1.19%	$71.10	274,701 55.18% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 497,800	$72.08 -1.72%	7/29/2013	$64.86	PP = $67.50
								MB = $70.88
Most Recent Note - 8/19/2013 12:09:12 PM Y - Recently consolidating above its 50 DMA line with volume totals cooling in recent weeks. That important short-term average and prior lows define important support to watch. Disciplined investors always limit losses if any stock falls more than -7% from their purchase price. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/5/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
QCOR - NASDAQ Questcor Pharmaceuticals DRUGS - Biotechnology	$68.43	+0.60 0.88%	$68.85	637,576 35.32% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 1,805,300	$70.55 -3.00%	7/31/2013	$66.46	PP = $59.01
								MB = $61.96
Most Recent Note - 8/21/2013 9:11:57 PM G - Gapped up today for a solid gain, bucking a mostly negative market. It is extended beyond its "max buy" level, consolidating in a tight trading range for the past 3 weeks. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/1/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
Symbol/Exchange Company Name Industry Group	PRICE	CHANGE (%Change)	Day High	Volume (% DAV) (% 50 day avg vol)	52 Wk Hi % From Hi	Featured Date	Price Featured	Pivot Featured
								Max Buy
SFUN - NYSE Soufun Hldgs Ltd Ads A INTERNET - Internet Information Providers	$39.71	-0.96 -2.36%	$40.98	2,816,530 565.00% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 498,500	$42.15 -5.79%	7/16/2013	$29.54	PP = $27.90
								MB = $29.30
Most Recent Note - 8/22/2013 5:53:02 PM G - Trading near its 52-week high today it pulled back while it traded very heavy volume. It is very extended from its latest base, and prior reports noted - "Disciplined investors avoid chasing stocks too extended from sound bases." >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/8/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
SSNC - NASDAQ S S & C Technologies COMPUTER SOFTWARE and SERVICES - Application Software	$35.84	+0.49 1.39%	$35.87	107,650 25.67% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 419,400	$38.80 -7.63%	7/11/2013	$35.80	PP = $34.54
								MB = $36.27
Most Recent Note - 8/16/2013 6:58:24 PM Y - Still trading above its 50 DMA line and prior highs in the $34 area defining important support. Disciplined investors always limit losses if ever any stock falls more than -7% from their purchase price. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/9/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
SSYS - NASDAQ Stratasys Ltd COMPUTER HARDWARE - Computer Peripherals	$105.78	+1.27 1.22%	$105.97	334,219 40.57% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 823,900	$107.13 -1.26%	7/8/2013	$91.44	PP = $95.00
								MB = $99.75
Most Recent Note - 8/19/2013 12:02:45 PM G - Considerable gain today for a new 52-week high, rallying above its "max buy" level again, and its color code is changed to green >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/16/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
STMP - NASDAQ Stamps.Com Inc INTERNET - Internet Software and Services	$42.08	+1.06 2.58%	$42.25	95,470 72.00% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 132,600	$46.47 -9.45%	7/31/2013	$40.00	PP = $42.98
								MB = $45.13
Most Recent Note - 8/22/2013 5:54:03 PM Y - Posted a 5th consecutive gain with below average volume. Recently found support at its 50 DMA line. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 7/31/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
VRX - NYSE Valeant Pharmaceuticals DRUGS - Drug Manufacturers - Other	$99.30	-0.47 -0.47%	$100.12	1,098,147 68.31% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 1,607,600	$105.40 -5.79%	4/30/2013	$60.24	PP = $76.66
								MB = $80.49
Most Recent Note - 8/15/2013 7:10:07 PM G- Holding its ground after rallying into new 52-week high territory with 9 gains in the span of 10 sessions. Reported earnings +33% on +34% sales revenues for the Jun '13 quarter, above the +25% minimum earnings guideline (C criteria). See the latest FSU analysis for more details and a new annotated graph. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/15/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
Symbol/Exchange Company Name Industry Group	PRICE	CHANGE (%Change)	Day High	Volume (% DAV) (% 50 day avg vol)	52 Wk Hi % From Hi	Featured Date	Price Featured	Pivot Featured
								Max Buy
YNDX - NASDAQ Yandex N V Class A INTERNET - Internet Information Providers	$33.30	+0.57 1.74%	$33.82	993,950 39.97% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 2,486,900	$34.79 -4.28%	7/10/2013	$29.29	PP = $29.59
								MB = $31.07
Most Recent Note - 8/19/2013 12:15:13 PM G - Retreating from its 52-week high hit last week. Its 50 DMA line coincides with prior highs in the $29 area defining important near-term support to watch. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 8/20/2013. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M