Wall Street Opens Up After Upbeat Data

U.S. stocks rose at the open on Thursday as data pointed to a strengthening economy that appeared likely to overcome the impact of a steep drop in oil prices.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI rose 67.33 points, or 0.38 percent, to 17,600.48, the S&P 500 .SPX gained 10.35 points, or 0.51 percent, to 2,036.49 and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC added 23.54 points, or 0.5 percent, to 4,707.57.

REUTERS