#$slxp

...and a stellar week in all, with many indices finishing at or near all-time high closing levels. Sentiment improved throughout the week, amid positive developments for Greece/Ukraine help drive the overall tape. Halfway through the month, and February gains have already wiped out all of January’s losses.

The Dow Industrials top 18,000 level for first time in 2015 (all-time closing high 18,053.71 on 12/26/14), the S&P 500 Index topped its December 29th all-time closing high of 2,090.57 (trading to a new all-time high). The S&P MidCap 400 Index at all-time high, while the Russell 2000 Index trading above its record close of 1219.11, while the Nasdaq Composite also at 15 year highs. Oil prices surged more than 2% this week, while Treasuries ended on a weaker note (yields on 10-yr back above 2%).

Sector gainers this week include Tech (+3.8%), Materials (+2.8%), Consumer Discretionary (+2%), and Industrials (+1.4%), while Utilities and Telecom lagged. Europe stronger this week, helped overnight by better EuroZone GDP data (Germany’s DAX was over 11K). Reminder, U.S. equity markets closed Monday for President’s Day.

Keeping a weather eye on Ebola plays TKMR, BCRX and NLNK after NBC cameraman contracted virus covering story in Africa and is flown home for treatment. Shares up over 5% again this am. MYL - Mylan raised Q3 EPS guidance from $.94 to a range of $1.20 - $1.60, shares respond with a robust 5% rally on the TradeMONSTER extended hours platform.

FB - Facebook a percent higher after the EU confirms approval of the WhatsApp acquisition.

RECN - Resources Connection beat EPS forecast by 3 cents, shares higher by 4% here.

SLXP - Salix trades up nearly 5% after reports that the company is in talks to be acquired by ACT.