The nation's economy expanded at a strong 2.9% in the third quarter to lift the markets to a higher open with the Dow climbing 63 points to 18,233. Nasdaq rose 13 points to 5,229.
On the upside
Gigamon (NYSE: GIMO) reported higher third quarter earnings that topped analyst estimates.
Cloud Peak Energy (NYSE: CLD) reported a smaller than expected loss for the third quarter.
Chicago Bridge & Iron (NYSE: CBI) reversed year ago losses to post a profit for the third quarter.
On the downside
McKesson (NYSE: MCK) disappointed with sharply lower second quarter earnings and cut its full year earnings outlook.
Opexa Therapeutics (Nasdaq: OPXA) reported disappointing results from a Phase 2b Abili-T clinical trial of Tcelna in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) slashed its long term profit growth forecast.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of 9 to 7 on the NYSE and by more than 10 to 9 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 gained 5 points 2,138. Bitcoin gained $3 to $681.
