US stocks edged up at the open on Thursday after strong bond auctions in Europe, though weaker-than-expected US data limited gains.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 9.69 points, or 0.08%, at 12,459.14. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index added 3.44 points, or 0.27%, at 1,295.92. The Nasdaq Composite Index put on 7.49 points, or 0.28%, at 2,718.25.
Investors are watching if the S&P can hold above its five-month highs after rising in six of the year's first seven sessions. It closed at 1,292.48 on Wednesday and faces technical resistance near the 1,300 level.
