U.S. Stocks Open Higher As ECB Points To More Economic Stimulus

U.S. stocks scored a boost from Europe on Thursday, advancing as the European Central Bank suggested that it might expand its economic stimulus plan. Upbeat quarterly results from Dow industrials component McDonald's Corp. , also helped lift the market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened up 129, or 0.8%, to 17,295, the S&P 500 index gained 13 points, or 0.7%, to 2,032. The Nasdaq Composite picked up 37 points, or 0.8%, at 4,877. The main indexes are aiming to snap a two session losing streak.