The Good News: Shippers Pull Up Anchor

Updated from 1:19 p.m. EST

A day after DryShips'(DRYS Quote) stock saw a notable lift, its rival Eagle Bulk Shipping's(EGLE Quote) turn to shine.

Eagle Bulk shares were up more than 30% to $7.14 in afternoon trading Wednesday, a few hours after the shipping industry got hearty nod from the talking heads on CNBC. A day before, all of the major shipping firms were in the green, and the Baltic Dry Index has risen the most since at least 1985, according to Bloomberg.

The Baltic Dry Index was rising 168 points, or 15%, to 1,316 points. After falling to 663 in early December, it has risen 70% in 2009. It reach a record high of 11,793 points on May 20.

Among Eagle's competitors:

DryShips stayed firmly on the plus side, rising 15.4% to $7.03.

Excel Maritime Carriers(EXM Quote) was up 25.5% to $7.87.

Genco Shipping(GNK Quote) was up 24.7% to $19.14.

Diana Shipping(DSK Quote) was up 12.2% to $15.14.

Other stocks with significant gains at midday Wednesday:

MWI Veterinary Supply(MWIV Quote) - up 26.6% to $27.55.

GT Solar(SOLR Quote) -- up 27.8% to $4.28.

Advent Software(ADVS Quote) -- up 19.5% to $27.99.

Illumina(ILMN Quote) -- up 21.3% to $33.94.

First National Bancshares (FNSC Quote) -- up 23.6% to $2.57.