The consumer discretionary group is underperforming the broader market in early trade. The retail group is also in the green with the Retail HOLDRS Trust (RTH) -0.1% and the SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) -0.2%. Select casino/gaming names are under pressure in early trade following reports of increased regulation/scrutiny on Macau casino money transfers . A few names trading lower include: AERL -5%, LVS -3.2% (also initiated with a Buy at Craig Hallum), WYNN -4.1% (also initiated with a Buy at Craig Hallum), MGM -1.8% (also initiated with a Hold at Craig Hallum), Trading higher following earnings/guidance: BIG +7.9%, MDP +0.3%,
Trading lower following earnings/guidance: MTN -8.9%, DRI -7.8%, AZO -1.3% Other notable mentions: INN flat% (priced a public offering of 7.875% Series B Preferred Stock at a public offering price of $25.00 per share), F flat (Ford Motor is trying to find a remedy to risk of engine fire on Escapes & Fusions, according to reports), AEO flat (accelerates payment of its regular first quarter 2013 dividend of $0.11 per share), Leaders: AN 1.1% (AutoNation announces November 2012 retail new vehicle unit sales of 22,571, up 21% y/y) Analyst related: Upgrades: DLTR -0.9% (upgraded to Equal-Weight at Morgan Stanley), SFD 2.4% (upgraded to Buy from Hold at BB&T), FRAN 7.2% ( upgraded to Buy at Jefferies), WFM -0.6% (upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Northcoast)... Downgrades: RGC -0.3% (downgraded to Neutral from Outperform at Macquarie)... Misc: DSW 4.6% (initiated with an Outperform at William Blair), SBUX flat, THS 1.8%, CBOU 2.4% and DNKN 0.6% ( initiated with a Buy at Longbow)






