Here’s Why These 5 Stocks Are Grabbing Headlines Today

Peabody Files for Bankruptcy

Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) shares have been suspended after the coal miner filed for bankruptcy today. Peabody had $10.1 billion in debt and struggled to generate enough cash flow to support itself given the weak coal climate. Prices of metallurgical coal have fallen by almost two-thirds since 2011 and thermal coal prices have declined sharply due to cheap natural gas. Although the company said in a filing that it has $11 billion in assets, it is unclear if there is any value left in Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU)’s equity.

Tetraphase Rallies on Better Sentiment

Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:TTPH) is 12% higher as investors become more optimistic on the company’s prospects. The biotech company presented at the 26th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in Amsterdam held from April 9 through April 11 and the broader iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (ETF) is 1.3% higher in afternoon trading. 13 funds in our system reported stakes in Tetraphase worth $39.9 million (representing 10.90% of the float) as of the end of December, compared to 15 funds holding $26.6 million in shares at the end of September. As with all micro-caps, investors should do their due diligence before making an investment decision.

Technical Buying in Brazilian Steel Maker Continues

Shares of beaten-up steel-maker Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (ADR) (NYSE:SID) continued their recent tear, surging by 18.5% today as momentum buyers pile into the stock due to technical reasons and as Brazil’s IBOVESPA index has soared to a 10-month high due to rising crude prices and the increasing belief that a new government will replace President Dilma Rousseff’s current one. Brazil is in a terrible recession and many investors feel the country needs new leadership to improve its economy. Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (ADR) (NYSE:SID) was in the portfolios of four hedge funds that we track at the end of December. Those funds held slightly over $330,000 worth of its shares.

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