Merck &, Quest Diagnostics Among Stocks Setting 52-Week Highs Thursday

These are the six most popular stocks that rose to 52-week highs:

  • The share price of Merck & (NYSE:MRK) climbed today, reaching and then surpassing its previous 52-week high of $42.26. The stock was trading on above-average volume. Shares have climbed 4.3% with volume of 26.7 million shares. Over the last three months, the stock has gained $5.02 (13.2%) from a price of $37.95 on April 16, 2012. The stock is trading 8.6% above its 50-day moving average and 10.9% above its 200-day moving average.
  • While trading on above-average volume, Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX) climbed today, reaching and then surpassing its previous 52-week high of $62.32. Shares have gained 4.4% on volume of 2.2 million shares. Shares have been on on the rise over the past month, climbing $8.04 (14.5%) from a price of $55.40 on June 12, 2012. The stock is trading 9.8% above its 50-day moving average and 8.8% above its 200-day moving average.
  • While trading on below-average volume, Synageva BioPharma (NASDAQ:GEVA) improved today, reaching and then surpassing its previous 52-week high of $45.98. It peaked at $46.94. Shares are trading at a volume of 76,010 at a price bump of 2%.
  • The share price of EnteroMedics (NASDAQ:ETRM) rose today, reaching and then surpassing its previous 52-week high of $3.77. The stock was trading on above-average volume. On volume of 622,163 shares, the stock has risen 8.5%. The stock is trading 20.7% above its 50-day moving average and 33.9% above its 200-day moving average.
  • The share price of Dyax (NASDAQ:DYAX) increased today, reaching and then surpassing its previous 52-week high of $2.59. In spite of its performance and peak price of $2.65, the stock was trading on below-average volume. The stock price is up 3.1% with a volume of 536,215 shares. The stock is trading 29.5% above its 50-day moving average and 36.7% above its 200-day moving average.
  • While trading on below-average volume, Cardinal Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:CFNL) climbed today, reaching and then surpassing its previous 52-week high of $12.56. It peaked at $12.66. Shares are up 1%, trading at a volume of 25,002. The stock has risen $1.28 (11.3%) over the last three months from a price of $11.37 on April 16, 2012. The stock is trading 6.9% above its 50-day moving average and 10% above its 200-day moving average.