March 12, 2015: Markets opened higher on Thursday even though the report on U.S. retail sales was disappointing. Foreign markets contributed an interest rate cut (Korea), better-than-expected employment data (Australia), and rumors of more stimulus (China). Gold ticked up today, and crude oil dropped about 2.3%. Shortly before the closing bell the DJIA traded up 1.48% for the day, the S&P 500 traded up 1.27%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded up 0.90%.

The DJIA stock posting the largest daily percentage gain ahead of the close Thursday was The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) which traded up 3.94% at $106.94. The stock’s 52-week range is $76.31 to $107.00, a new 52-week — and all-time — high set late today. Trading volume was about 15% above the daily average of around 6.8 million shares. The company’s live-action movie “Cinderella” opens this weekend and the Mouse House has said it is working on a sequel to last year’s blockbuster “Frozen.”

The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS) traded up 3.13% at $189.95. The stock’s 52-week range is $151.65 to $198.06. Trading volume was about equal to the daily average of around 3.8 million shares. The big financial institution received Fed permission last night to increase its dividend by a nickel.

American Express Co. (NYSE: AXP) traded higher by 2.82%% at $81.69. The stock’s 52-week range is $77.12 to $96.24. Trading volume was about 10% below the daily average of around 7.1 million shares. Amex’s plan to buy back more than $6 billion in shares was approved by the Fed last night.

The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: HD) traded up 2.76% at $116.19. The stock’s 52-week range is $74.61 to $117.92. Trading volume was about 15% below the daily average of around 5.5 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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