Jobless claims fell last week to lift the markets to a higher open with the
Dow climbing 58 points to 12,550. Nasdaq added 5 points to 2802.
On the upside
Williams Cos. increased its offer to acquire Southern Union (NYSE: SUG) to approximately $9.4 billion to top the $5.1 billion bid from Energy Transfer (NYSE: ETE).
ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) will separate into two companies by spinning off its refining business.
JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) reported higher second quarter earnings that beat analyst expectations as mortgage delinquencies dropped.
Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) reported higher second quarter earnings but the company's full year outlook disappointed.
A woman died under suspicious circumstances at the home of Medicis Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: MRX) chief executive Jonah Shacknai.
JPMorgan downgraded Stillwater Mining (NYSE: SWC) to a Neutral rating.