U.S. Stocks Open Higher; Energy Sector Rallies

U.S. stocks opened slightly higher on Wednesday a day after the market suffered its steepest decline in more than a month. A jump in oil prices boosted energy sector stocks. Investors assessed reports on private-sector hiring and productivity, both of which came in below expectations. The S&P 500 opened 4 points, or 0.2%, higher at 2,108. The Nasdaq Composite added 10 points, or 0.2%, to 4,950. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 37 points, or 0.2%, to 17,965.57.