After a sluggish Purchasing Manager’s Index of 54.7 sent U.S. stock markets lower this morning, the major indices bounced back to finish at record highs on the day. The PMI fell from October’s 55.9 reading, making it the lowest level since January , as new orders also fell for the third consecutive month.

It was a good day for the energy and technology sectors, which led the market. Three stocks from broadly diverse sectors — Ocwen Financial Corp (OCN), Dillard’s, Inc. (DDS) and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc (CLF) — were among today’s best stocks.

Ocwen Financial Corp (OCN)

OCN stock blasted up almost 10% on news of the company re-launching a free database of loan-level data for mortgages serviced by Ocwen in private-label mortgage-backed securities (MBSes). OCN stock has been cut in half since July, so it was due for a bounce.

Trade-Ideas LLC also called Ocwen Financial a “barbarian at the gate,” meaning it’s a strong stock that is now crossing above resistance. Short covering may also have been at play.

Dillard’s, Inc. (DDS)

DDS stock bolted up more than 9% today after Marcato Capital Management said that Dillard’s would “unlock tremendous value” and thereby benefit from splitting the company into two parts — a REIT and an operating company.

Talk of various companies splitting off into REITs has been a hot topic lately on Wall Street.

Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF)

CLF stock bounced back more than 7% after a dismal Wednesday. Despite a poorly timed analyst downgrade from Deutsche Bank, the stock was higher after its bonds rose on plans to use at least $1.1 billion of new debt to buy back portions of five of its securities.

CLF stock has fallen from near $70 in early 2013 to a closing price of $8.76 today.

As of this writing, Ethan Roberts did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.