Stocks Start Higher after China Data

U.S. stocks opened higher on Monday, after economic data had exports from China exceeding forecasts and Apple Inc. (APPL) climbing a day ahead of its unveiling of new iPhone models. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lately rose
69.81 points, or 0.47%, to 14,992.31. The S&P 500 index climbed 7.15 points, or 0.43%, to 1,662.32. The Nasdaq Composite rose 23.37 points, or 0.64%, to 3,683.38.

China’s economy showed fresh signs of resilience in August, with trade data pointing to a sustained strengthening in global demand for goods from the country. Exports rose 7.2% in August from a year earlier, according to data
released on Sunday by the General Administration of Customs.

U.S. manufacturers are “cautiously optimistic” that growth will continue this year amid an uptick in sales and production, though many cite uncertainty over U.S. government policy as a concern, according to a survey from the
National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

Molex Inc, a maker of electronic connectors and cable assembly products, said privately owned energy and chemicals conglomerate Koch Industries will buy it for about $7.2 billion.