The markets traded higher during the midday with the Dow rising 27 points to 14,553 as the nation’s economy expanded at a greater than expected 0.4% annual rate in the fourth quarter. Nasdaq added 3 points to 3259.

On the upside

A Seeking Alpha article said that Himax Technologies (Nasdaq: HIMX) was at the forefront of the wearable device revolution. 

A Seeking Alpha contributor wrote that Athersys (Nasdaq: ATHX) had significant upside potential.

Powertec signed a memorandum of understanding with GT Advanced Technologies (Nasdaq: GTAT) to buy polysilicon technology and equipment from GT.

On the downside

The Environmental Protection Agency issued 2013 and 2014 allowances for HCFC that Hudson Technologies (Nasdaq: HDSN) deemed too low.

Southcross Energy Partners (NYSE: SXE) fell to a loss for the fourth quarter and cut its 2013 revenue guidance.

Aegion (Nasdaq: AEGN) blamed project delays for lowering is first quarter earnings outlook.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 10 to 9 on the NYSE while advancers were on par with decliners on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 index edged up a fraction to 1563.