U.S. stocks open higher amid oil rally, weak economic data

U.S. stocks opened higher on Thursday, boosted by strong gains in oil prices, after the International Energy Agency said it sees a "dramatic reduction" in the supply glut later this year. But a larger-than-expected rise in weekly jobless claims weighed on risk appetite, as it suggested that the pace of hiring has slowed. The S&P 500 added 7 points, or 0.3%, to 2,071. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 60 points, or 0.3%, to 17,767 at the open. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite began the session up 14 points, or 0.3%, at 4,774.

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