U.S. Stocks Open Higher After Two-day Decline

U.S. stocks opened higher following a report on monthly retail sales that came in weaker than expected, as investors bet that the Fed would delay interest rate increases this year. Sales at U.S. retailers remained flat last month, suggesting consumers continued to be thrifty despite cheaper gasoline prices. The S&P 500 opened 10 points, or 0.5%, higher at 2,108.52. The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened 50 points, or 0.3%, higher at 18,116.24. The Nasdaq Composite began the session up 31 points, or 0.6%, to 5,007.61.