Today's Winners and Losers Within the Russell Microcap Index (NEXS, IBCP, URRE, APP, CPWM, LEI)

The following is a list of today's winners and losers within the Russell Microcap Index.

Winners

Shares of Nexxus NEXS jumped 44% today as the company announced a new partnership with Lowe's Stores LOW. The firm will soon offer its premium brand LED light bulbs for sale at 1,1000 Lowe's locations plus Lowes.com in June of this year. The advance today came on the heels of an announcement that their premium brand of LED light bulbs will be offered at 1,100 Lowe's stores and Lowes.com. The bulbs will be available beginning June 2011. Earnings will be announced next week (prior to the open March 25) so keep a close eye on this one.

Independent Bank (NasdaqGS: IBCP) is currently rated as one of the top banks in the Regional Banking Industry based on estimated Forward Earnings. If you look at the projected earnings for the current fiscal year Independent Bank IBCP has the highest forward earnings yield in the Regional Banks Industry at 35.2%. The forwards earnings yield is often useful to compare the performance of a stock's return versus owning a stock within the same industry or other yield-based assets such as bonds.

Uranium Resources (NasdaqCM: URRE) bounced today after losing over 41% since the catastrophic events in Japan. Uranium Resources is a pure play in the uranium market so if you think that the market for nuclear energy is still intact then I would suggest taking a closer look at this company. I recently wrote an article about another uranium miner that could be ripe for the picking.

Losers

The big intraday loser - American Apparel APP. The retailer struggled as of late due to a sexual harassment lawsuit, but the real story is the ongoing financial woes that the company has suffered from since XXX. This company is littered with ongoing lawsuits and investigations ranging from fraudulent accounting to the use of illegal immigrant labor.

The furniture and food retailer Cost Plus CPWM stated after the close yesterday that fourth quarter profits increased to $28.5 million, or $1.23 a share, from $21.1 million, or 95 cents earned over the same period last year. Good right? Not so fast. The company forecast a first quarter loss from continuing operations of 22 cents to 28 cents a share.

The decline in the Energy Sector has taken its toll on Lucas Energy LEI today. The stock recently soared over 150% and is now coming back down to earth. The company shows a steady increase in sales of oil from 6,400 barrels in 2009 to 13,000 barrels in 2010. Projected revenues are also expected to increase from $30 million in 2010 to over $70 million by 2015. The company seems to be doing everything right so this could be a stock to add to your watchlist as it might be nearing an attractive entry price, especially if you think oil prices will bounce and continue to push higher.