US: Dow higher on tax bill hopes

[WASHINGTON] The S&P and the Dow opened higher on Wednesday, fueled by optimism following progress on US tax legislation and hints of lighter regulation in the banking sector.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 56.34 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 23,893.05. The S&P 500 gained 1.75 points, or 0.07 per cent, to 2,628.79. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 5.79 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 6,906.57.

REUTERS