US: Stocks edge up in volatile trade

[NEW YORK] US stocks opened slightly higher Thursday as markets remained volatile on concerns about global growth and the prospect of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike.

Five minutes into trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was at 16,261.42, up 7.85 points (0.05 per cent).

The broad-based S&P 500 added 0.48 (0.02 per cent) at 1,942.52, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.50 (0.05 per cent) to 4,759.03.

US markets have been choppy this week, with strong gains Tuesday fizzling in the middle of Wednesday's session. After Wednesday's weak close in the US, equity markets in Asia and Europe fell Thursday.

"It appears as though the bullish momentum is fading once more," said Forex.com analyst Fawad Razaqzada.

AFP