Strong jobs data lifts markets

Strong jobs data lifted the markets to a higher open with the Dow gaining 54 points to 17,954. Nasdaq rose 10 points to 4,779.

On the upside

Alaska Communications Systems Group (Nasdaq: ALSK) sold its remaining wireless assets to GCI Communications (Nasdaq: GNCMA) for $300 million.

Francesca's (Nasdaq: FRAN) named Michael W. Barnes to the position of chairman, president and chief executive.

OpenText will pay a premium of approximately $330 million to acquire Actuate (Nasdaq: BIRT).

On the downside

American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) reported sharply lower third quarter earnings and forecast current quarter earning below expectations.

Five Below (Nasdaq: FIVE) reported higher third quarter earnings and revenue and named Joel Anderson to the position of president and chief executive officer effective February 1, 2015.

Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) reported a wider than expected loss for the third quarter.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 9 to 7 on the NYSE and by nearly 5 to 2 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 added 3 points to 2075. Bitcoin rose $5 to $371.