Investors engaged in a second day of bargain hunting to lift the markets to a higher open with the Dow soaring 99 points to 20,762. Nasdaq climbed 36 points to 6,091.
On the upside
Dynegy (NYSE: DYN) engaged in discussions to be acquired by Vistra Energy.
Energy Transfer Partners offered a premium of $20.00 per common unit in cash to acquire PennTex Midstream Partners (Nasdaq: PTSP).
Autodesk (Nasdaq: ADSK) narrowed first quarter losses more than expected.
On the downside
Foot Locker (NYSE: FL) reported lower first quarter earnings that fell short of expectations.
Halozyme Therapeutics (Nasdaq: HALO) announced a public offering of $100 million worth of common stock.
Ralph Lauren (NYSE: RL) fell to a loss for the fourth quarter.
The broader S&P 500 climbed 15 points to 2,381. Bitcoin jumped $70 to $1917.