Markets Right Now: US stocks post their 4th gain in a row

The latest on developments in financial markets (All times local):

4:00 p.m.

Stocks clawed back more of the ground they lost last week and posted their fourth gain in a row.

Banks and health care stocks rose more than the rest of the market Tuesday. Banks were benefiting from higher bond yields, which allow them to charge higher rates on loans. Regions Financial rose 2.8 percent.

AutoZone plunged 12 percent, its worst drop since 2008, after posting weak results.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index increased 4 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,398.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 43 points, or 0.2 percent, to 20,937. The Nasdaq composite rose 5 points, or 0.1 percent, to 6,138.

Three stocks rose for every two that fell on the New York Stock Exchange.

___

11:45 a.m.

U.S. stocks are higher as banks and health care companies rise.

Beverage makers are also gaining Tuesday, leading household products makers upward.

Nokia jumped 5 percent after settling its legal disputes with Apple.

Agilent Technologies rose 5 percent after the scientific instrument maker reported earnings and sales that beat analysts' estimates.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index increased 5 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,399.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 35 points, or 0.2 percent, to 20,930. The Nasdaq composite rose 8 points, or 0.1 percent, to 6,141.

Two stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange.

___

9:35 a.m.

Stocks are opening slightly higher on Wall Street as technology companies post more gains.

Nokia jumped 6 percent in early trading Tuesday after settling its legal disputes with Apple.

Agilent Technologies rose 5 percent after the scientific instrument maker reported earnings and sales that beat analysts' estimates.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index increased 2 points, or 0.1 percent, to 2,396.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 26 points, or 0.1 percent, to 20,921. The Nasdaq composite rose 6 points, or 0.1 percent, to 6,140.

Two stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange.