S&P MidCap 400 in Focus: NDN GES

The S&P MidCap 400 is an index used to track mid-sized companies which have a market capitalization of $1.5 billion to $5.5 billion. According to S&P, midcap stocks make up roughly 7 percent of the U.S. equities market.

The index fell 3.31 points to 877.79.

Light, sweet crude for June delivery jumped as high as $127.82 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange Friday, before sliding somewhat to trade up $2.56 to $126.68.

Meanwhile, the government said new home construction rose 8.2 percent last month, the biggest monthly boost in more than two years.

Shares of 99 Cents Only Stores fell 80 cents, or 8 percent, to $9.21.

Shares of Charming Shoppes Inc. shed 26 cents, or 4.3 percent, to $5.81. The women's retailer is set to post first-quarter results next Wednesday.

Shares of apparel designer and retailer Guess Inc. lost $2.29, or 5.3 percent, to $41.09.

On the gaining side, shares of Advance Auto Parts Inc. rose $4.68, or 13.5 percent, to $39.32. The company posted an 8 percent jump in first-quarter profit late Thursday and began a stock buyback program.

Shares of medical waste management company Stericycle Inc. gained $3.04, or 5.8 percent, to $55.72.