U.S. stocks open slightly higher after strong economic data

U.S. stocks opened slightly higher Tuesday, following the release of stronger-than-expected economic data on U.S. consumer spending and home prices. The upbeat reports came after Federal Reserve Chief Janet Yellen said Friday that an interest-rate rise in the coming months is probably appropriate. The S&P 500 was up 3 points, or 0.1%, to 2,100. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 16 points, or 0.1%, to 17,892 at the open. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite began the session up 6 points, or 0.1%, at 4,939.

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