On a trading day that saw the S&P 500 gain 0.2%, the Energy sector (XLE) showed little change.

The ETF, as a proxy for the sector, tracked closer to the overall market today than over the past week. Entering today's trading, XLE was up 2.7% over the last seven trading days while the S&P 500 climbed 1.8%.

Newpark Resources (NR) was a major loser in the sector, falling 10.9% (-80 cents) to close at $6.56 with 4.7 million shares moving. The stock traded in a range of $6.47 to $6.85. Over the last month, the share price has dropped $1.62 (-19.8%) from $8.18 on March 28, 2012.

Westmoreland Coal Company (WLB) was a major gainer in the sector, rising 10.5% (+97 cents) to close at $10.25 with 30,411 shares moving. The stock traded in a range of $9.29 to $10.35.

Oil States International (OIS) rose 6.7% to close at $78.79, cross its 50-day moving average of $77.20 and 200-day moving average of $75.57. Alpha Natural Resources (ANR) declined 3.9% to close at $15.87, moving below its 50-day moving average of $16.00 and 200-day moving average of $20.11.

Bill Barrett Corporation (BBG) rose 3% to close at $23.69, approaching its 50-day moving average of $24.82. It has also moved closer to its 200-day moving average of $31.47. Diamond Offshore Drilling (GDP) fell 2% to close at $68, moving closer to its 50-day moving average of $67.59. Also, the stock moved closer to its 200-day moving average of $16.17.

Flotek Industries (FTK) hit a new 52-week high today, reaching $14.09 to top the previous high of $13.71.

CARBO Ceramics (CRR) hit a new 52-week low today, hitting $82.16 to fall below the previous low of $84.36.