The biotechnology sector is seeing a boost today, rounding out the list of the top five performing sectors for this afternoon. The good performance is due to earnings news from Biogen (BIIB), which posted strong second-quarter earnings, lifted by overseas sales of its multiple sclerosis drugs Avonex and Tysabri.

However, on the down side, a negative report from Texas Instruments (TXN) is weighing on the semiconductors sector this afternoon, making it the worst performing sector today. The company was downgraded after it reported a 4% drop in profits and a weaker-than-expected outlook for the third quarter.

Meanwhile, the price of crude continues to retreat this afternoon on strength in the dollar. In addition, worries eased that Tropical Storm Dolly will hit major oil and gas facilities in the Gulf of Mexico. At last check, the price of crude was down more than $5 to trade at $125.95 after hitting an intraday low of $125.63.