US stocks open slightly higher as crude oil price stabilizes
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are moving higher Thursday, led by gains in energy companies as the prices of crude oil and natural gas recover from steep plunges the day before.
RAILROADS NOT WORKIN': Union Pacific's fourth-quarter profit and revenue fell far short of Wall Street estimates.
CEO Lance Fritz said the uncertainty in energy and commodity markets and the strong U.S. dollar will continue to affect the railroad's business this year.
Hospital operator Tenet Healthcare added $1.35, or 5.5 percent, to $26.04 and rival HCA Holdings rose $2.50, or 4 percent, to $65.33.
Airlines rose as lower fuel costs boosted their profits.
Southwest Airlines reported a record profit, almost triple its net income from a year ago, as fuel costs fell by almost a third.
United Continental Holdings also said its profit spiked as jet fuel got dramatically cheaper.