Nasdaq Climbs 1% To Close February With Gains.(B)

Byline: CRAIG SHAW

Upped profit estimates for Intel and healthy economic data helped the Nasdaq post 1% gains Friday after a morning rally faded. The composite lost 0.9% for the week, but gained 1.3% for the month.

PPD Inc. pared gains to close up 0.82 at 31.37. The contract medical researcher nearly cleared its 11-month base on a threefold surge in trade.

The stock was featured in the Feb. 24 WebLink, which noted its bullish chart pattern. Its Relative Strength line is in new high ground.

OmniVision Technologies rose 1 point to 19 on 2 1/2 times average volume. The maker of single-chip image sensors is within a half-point of its highest mark since November 2000. Profit grew by triple digits the last four quarters, although year-ago comparisons were only a penny or two a share. Mutual fund sponsorship has nearly tripled the past year.

Yahoo rose 0.77 to a 52-week high of 20.85, clearing a seven-week consolidation. Trade was only 29% above average, less than you'd prefer on a breakout. The Internet portal boasts Earnings Per Share and Relative Price Strength Ratings of 94. It's featured in NYSE Stocks In The News on page B8.

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