The markets opened higher with the Dow gaining 44 points to 15,136 as import prices fell 0.5% in April. Nasdaq climbed 16 points to 3455.

On the upside

Hedge fund Third Point suggested that Sony (NYSE: SNE) sell part of its entertainment business.

Nanosphere (Nasdaq: NSPH) entered a distribution and collaboration agreement with Hitachi High-Technologies.

Shares of 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) continued rising after Canaccord lifted its price target on the company yesterday.

On the downside

Nokia's (NYSE: NOK) mobile phone market share fell to 14.8% from 19.7% in the first quarter.

Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL) cut its solar module shipment forecast for the first quarter.

Western Gas Partners (NYSE: WES) priced its public offering of 6.1 million common units at the discounted price of $61.18 per unit.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 2 to 1 on the NYSE and by more than 2 to 1 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 index climbed 9 points to 1642.