U.S. Stocks Open Higher, Boosted By Deals, Earnings

U.S. stocks moved higher on Thursday supported by deal news, upbeat earnings and a rebound in oil prices. Investors seemed to have shrugged off news that the European Central Bank will no longer accept Greek bonds as collateral. In merger news, Pfizer announced it would buy Hospira Inc. for $16 billion. The S&P 500 opened 10 points, or 0.5%, higher at 2,051. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 86 points, or 0.5%, to 17,758 at the open. The Nasdaq Composite began the day up 11 points, or 0.3%, at 4,728.