January 22, 2015: Markets opened higher on Thursday after learning that the European Central Bank fire up an asset purchase program (QE) for up to €60 billion monthly. The euro fell, the dollar rose, and crude oil dropped. All sectors except utilities were on track to finish higher today. Shortly before the closing bell the DJIA traded up 1.48% for the day, the S&P 500 traded up 1.47%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded up 1.66%.

The DJIA stock posting the largest daily gain ahead of the close Wednesday was UnitedHealth Group Inc.) which traded higher by 3.79% at $113.46. The stock’s 52-week range is $69.57 to $113.67, a second consecutive new 52-week high and a new all-time high. Trading volume was about 60% above the daily average of around 3.9 million shares. The company posted solid earnings Wednesday morning and continues to collect its reward.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) traded up 3.10% at $57.62. The stock’s 52-week range is $52.97 to $63.49. Trading volume was about 30% above the daily average of around 16 million shares. The company settled a mortgage kickback investigation today.

The Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) traded up 2.55% at $135.78. The stock’s 52-week range is $116.32 to $143.89. Trading volume was about equal to the daily average of around 4.2 million shares. The aircraft maker had no specific news today.

Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) traded up 2.48% at $95.83. The stock’s 52-week range is $69.85 to $99.76. Trading volume is about 25% below the daily average of around 3.2 million shares. The company had no specific news today.

Of the Dow 30 stocks 27 are set to close higher today and just 3 are on track to close lower.

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