US: Wall Street opens higher on upbeat China data, firming yuan

[NEW YORK] US stocks opened higher on Thursday, as better-than-expected trade data from China and a steadying of its currency offered some comfort to investors rattled by an escalation in trade tensions and signals pointing to a recession.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 79.45 points, or 0.31 per cent, at the open to 26,086.52.

The S&P 500 opened higher by 12.23 points, or 0.42 per cent, at 2,896.21. The Nasdaq Composite gained 58.76 points, or 0.75 per cent, to 7,921.59 at the opening bell. 

REUTERS