Coming off a breakneck performance yesterday, at least as far as the past few weeks are concerned, U.S. stock markets traded only lightly higher today. In fact, they barely made a dent, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEX: ^DJI) rising only 15 points. In equally boring fashion, both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq increased 0.4% and 0.02%, respectively, the day after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi unveiled his most aggressive efforts yet to stave off the multiyear debt crisis that has riddled much of Europe and threatened the breakup of the common currency bloc. In a sign of further investor easing, the VIX (INDEX: ^VIX), a measure of market volatility commonly referred to as the market's "fear gauge," dropped 7.8%. However despite the placid performances from the broad indexes, plenty of individual stocks posted noteworthy performances on the day.

Around the markets
Speculation on the possibility of more quantitative easing from of the U.S. Federal Reserve set off a rally in commodity-based stocks, especially given the recent weakness in jobs reports. In addition, coal stocks went on an absolute tear today as China announced that it approved an additional $156 billion in infrastructure spending. In reaction, Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR) led the S&P 500, gaining 16.8% on the day. Shares of Cliffs Natural Resources (NYSE: CLF) also rose sharply, to the tune of 15%.

Likewise, shares of lululemon athletica (Nasdaq: LULU) jumped 12.5% as the company issued another strong quarterly performance. For the quarter, revenue gained 33% from the previous year to a total of $282.6 million. Perhaps more impressive, same-store sales gained 15% as well. The stock has gained more than 40% since August. Bullishness for this retailer certainly seems alive and well, even with a relatively weak consumer spending environment.

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