Market Wrap-Up for Oct. 14 (ADT, STJ, SMG, EXPE, more)

Stocks got off to a moderately bearish start this morning, as investors and traders did not initially react well to the fact that there was little progress made in the ongoing political standoff in Washington over the weekend. However, the pessimistic feelings on Wall Street were rather tame early on in the day, and there was a reversal of sentiment as trading progressed. As such, the major indices finished in positive territory by the close.

Stocks on the Rise

Among the stocks in positive territory today were: ADT Corp (ADT), after the company named a new CFO; St. Jude Medical (STJ), on news that it has completed its merger with Nanostim; and Scotts Miracle-Gro (SMG), after it announced that it will be acquiring Tomcat, a consumer rodent control business.

Additionally, shares of Plantronics (PLT), Dunkin Brands (DNKN), Iron Mountain (IRM), and KLA Tencor (KLAC) edged higher following positive Wall Street analysts’ moves.

Stocks on the Decline

Expedia (EXPE) shares were down significantly today after Deutsche Bank downgraded the travel services provider. Also retreating today due to Wall Street analysts’ downgrades were shares of Avnet (AVT