The markets opened mixed with the Dow slipping 24 points to 24,116 over a potential government shutdown. Nasdaq rose 9 points to 6,785.

On the upside

Sage Therapeutics (Nasdaq: SAGE) reported positive results from a Phase 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of SAGE-217 to treat moderate to severe major depressive disorder.

Lululemon Athletica (Nasdaq: LULU) reported better than expected earnings and revenue for the third quarter.

Bargain hunters lifted shares Tronox (NYSE: TROX).

On the downside

Verint Systems (Nasdaq: VRNT) reversed year ago losses to post a profit for the third quarter but the stock price dropped.

Investors locked in profits on H&R Block (NYSE: HRB).

Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) reported fourth quarter earnings that fell short of expectations.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 5 to 3 on the NYSE and by nearly 5 to 2 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 eased a point to 2,628. Bitcoin rocketed $1,788 to $15,466.