Nasdaq Gains 0.4% On Slightly Higher Volume

Nasdaq stocks ended higher Tuesday after engaging in seesaw trading in the morning. The Nasdaq composite climbed 0.4%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 added 0.3%. Volume rose slightly.

Research In Motion RIMM rose 7.06, or nearly 5%, to an all-time high of 159.06 on twice typical turnover. The stock passed the high end of its buy range after a successful test of its 10-week line. RIM was boxed in Monday's Big Cap 20 section.

The BlackBerry maker stepped up profit growth the past three quarters from 25% to 26% to 34% to 55%.

Cerner CERN leapt 3.71 to a record 58.83. It broke out of a six-week flat base on five times normal trade.

The medical software company recently reported a 29% rise in Q1 earnings, continuing its streak of 21% or better profit growth for the sixth straight period. Analysts expect 24% in the second quarter.

Zoltek ZOLT added 2.45 to a 52-week high of 38.09 on four times its usual trade. The maker of carbon and technical fibers, which has lost money each year since 1999, is expected to earn 77 cents a share this year.

Chattem CHTT picked up 1.93 to 64.80, a new high, on triple average volume.

The maker of pain relievers, foot powder and other personal-care products turned around three quarters of declining profit with 27% growth in its fiscal Q1.

Capella Education CPLA rallied 1.96, or 5%, to a record 42.22. Robert W. Baird began covering the online post-secondary education provider with an outperform rating.

Capella just launched a new degree program, as well as eight new undergraduate and graduate specializations.

On the downside, Global Sources GSOL fell 1.74 to 18.36 on five times normal volume. The provider of business-to-business information and other services earned 15 cents a share in Q1, up 50% from the same period a year ago. It expects a stronger second half of 2007.

Blackboard BBBB sank 2.77 to 40.17 on triple usual trade. The education software maker was the subject of two investment downgrades. Blackboard is now 7% off its all-time high.

Sun Hydraulics SNHY plunged 3.93, or 9%, to 38.07 on huge turnover, ending a six-session win streak.

The hydraulic cartridge valve maker has stepped up profit growth the past four quarters, but sales growth slowed the past two periods.