While the S&P 500 grew 0.1%, the Consumer/Non-Cyclical sector (XLP) showed little movement during trading today.
China New Borun (BORN) was a significant gainer in the sector, rising 12.4%. The stock closed at $2.36 with 210,440 shares moving. The stock traded in a range of $2.08 to $2.37. Shares have been on an upward trajectory over the past month, rising 52 cents (28.3%) from a price of $1.84 on July 31, 2012.
Reed's (REED) was a major loser in the sector, falling 6.6% (-42 cents) to close at $5.92 with 211,558 shares moving. The stock traded between $5.70 and $6.36.
Zep (ZEP) rose 1.6% to close at $15.19, cross its 50-day moving average of $14.96 and 200-day moving average of $14.57. Blyth (BTH) declined 3.1% to close at $42.35, moving below its 50-day moving average of $37.50 and 200-day moving average of $56.24.
Boston Beer (SAM) rose 1.6% to close at $103.35, approaching its 50-day moving average of $109.76. It has also moved closer to its 200-day moving average of $107.50.
The Female Health Company (FHCO) hit a new 52-week high today, reaching $6.68 to top the previous high of $6.65.