U.S. stocks are edging higher in midday trading, breaking a two-day losing streak, as investors were encouraged by positive earnings news.
Supermarket operator Kroger jumped 5 per cent Thursday after reporting income that was ahead of what analysts were looking for. Costco rose 2 per cent after its earnings beat estimates.
The Dow Jones industrial average rose 43 points, or 0.2 per cent, to 18,141 as of 11:45 a.m. Eastern time.
The Standard & Poor's 500 index gained three points, also 0.2 per cent, to 2,102. The Nasdaq composite rose 19 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 4,986.
European stocks rose after the European Central Bank upgraded its growth forecast and said its bond-buying stimulus program would start on Monday.
Bond prices fell. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 2.13 per cent.
This content appears as provided to The Globe by the originating wire service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.