The Nasdaq 100, a tech-heavy index, finished last week up 1.05% to close at 1,952.63. According to CNBC's weekly markets review, high hopes for the monthly jobs report, due this Friday, appears to be rubbing off on investors. They've shown particular enthusiasm for tech issues such as Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL), which was trading near its 52-week high as of this writing.

Pops and drops
Here's a closer look at the index's top movers, both to the upside and downside. Returns are calculated from the Nasdaq 100's closing price on Friday, March 19.

Last week's winners:

Company

Percentage Gain

CAPS Stars
(Out of 5)

Garmin (Nasdaq: GRMN)

10.5%

***

Lam Research (Nasdaq: LRCX)

7.73%

***

SanDisk Corp.

7.59%

****

Wynn Resorts

6.80%

*

Urban Outfitters

6.69%

**

Sources: Capital IQ, Motley Fool CAPS, Yahoo! Finance.

Last week's losers:

Company

Percentage Loss

CAPS Stars
(Out of 5)

Genzyme (Nasdaq: GENZ)

(10.8%)

****

Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD)

(5.29%)

*****

Expeditors International (Nasdaq: EXPD)

(5.02%)

*****

Apollo Group (Nasdaq: APOL)

(4.80%)

**

Xilinx

(4.51%)

***

Sources: Capital IQ, Motley Fool CAPS, Yahoo! Finance.

A weekly tour of tech
The week's top stock, Garmin, rose sharply after management adopted a plan to buy back as much as $300 million worth of shares under the purview of what's known as a 10b5-1 plan.

The structure allows an independent broker, operating under guidelines established by management, to repurchase shares when the stock trades within certain price ranges. It's a fascinating move, and one that could give investors a window into what executives believe is cheap when it comes to Garmin's stock.

Some Fools believe the shares are already too cheap to ignore. "Boosting dividend to $1.50 this quarter. No debt. Leader in its space, especially aviation, sports and boating," wrote All-Star investor MoPicks earlier this month.

"Strong growth ahead in aftermarket auto GPS. Moving HQ to Switzerland by end of June 2010, which forces end of shareholders' rights plan. Could be a takeover target, but should perform well regardless," this highly rated Fool concluded.

The week's top loser, Genzyme, suffered a setback when the Food and Drug Administration ordered a consent decree on a problem plant.

"Essentially, the consent decree gives the FDA authority to appoint a third party to inspect the plant and confirm that it's in compliance ... In addition to any lost time dealing with inspectors, Genzyme has to pick up the tab through fees and fines," wrote Foolish colleague Brian Orelli in covering the news. No wonder investors are running for hills.

What do you have to say about these stocks? Other tech issues? Log into Motley Fool CAPS today and let your voice be heard. You can also weigh in using the comments box below.

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