January 7, 2015: Markets opened higher on Wednesday after ADP and TrimTab reports on unemployment came in a shade above expectations. The U.S. trade balance improved in November primarily on the drop in crude oil prices. Shortly before the closing bell the DJIA traded up 1.07% for the day, the S&P 500 traded up 1.04%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded up 1.10%.

The DJIA stock posting the largest daily gain ahead of the close Wednesday was The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: HD) which traded higher by 3.48% at $104.46. The stock’s 52-week range is $73.96 to $106.02. Trading volume was about 20% below the daily average of around 5.7 million shares. The company had no specific news today.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) traded up 2.66% at $88.61. The stock’s 52-week range is $72.27 to $88.68, and the high was posted today. Trading volume is about 25% below the daily average of around 7.5 million shares. Analysts at Jefferies had some positive words for the world’s largest retailer on Wednesday.

Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) traded up 1.94% at $94.75. The stock’s 52-week range is $69.85 to $99.76. Trading volume was about 20% below the daily average of around 3.5 million shares. The athletic gear maker had no specific news today.

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE: MRK) traded up 1.91% at $61.47. The stock’s 52-week range is $49.34 to $62.20. Trading volume was about 30% above the daily average of around 11.5 million shares. The company got some good words from Jim Cramer today.

Of the Dow 30 stocks 25 are set to close higher today and just 5 are on track to close lower.

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