MIDDAY LUNCH

Dow 10710.85  +101.22, Nasdaq 2315.39  +27.40 at 2315.39, S&P 1147.51  +11.48 

Stocks are trading higher and gains are broad based today.  This is in spite of stronger dollar, which is up +0.5% against other currencies.  In recent months a stronger dollar has caused the market to sell off.

Stocks opened today in mixed fashion after Citigroup (C) 3.52 +10 reported losses in line with estimates, this set financials lower, but the sector has since rebounded to a 1.0% gain.

Health care is today’s best performer; it is currently up +2.1%.  The thought is that a Republican election win to the vacant Massachusetts Senate seat could stall health care reform.  Managed care providers have also rallied to a +4.1% gain.  Companies benefiting today are: United Health Care (UNH) 65.09 +1.23, +3.67% Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) 65.43 +0.87, +1.33% and Quest Diagnostics (DGX) 61.61 +1.36, +2.26%

Tyco International (TYC) 38.01, +0.47 announced plans to acquire Brink's Home Security Holdings (CFL) 41.36, +9.93 for roughly $2.0 billion. The company also issued upside guidance.

Treasuries are fractionally lower, the benchmark 10-year Note is down just six ticks to keep its yield below 3.70%. Meanwhile, the 30-year Bond is down just one tick so that it yields just above 4.58%.