Stock Opened Higher after Retail Sales Data

U.S. stocks opened tentatively higher on Tuesday as investors were cautious after softer retail sales numbers in April. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lately added 33.49 points, or 0.20%, to 16,728.96.  The S&P 500 was up 3.95 points, or 0.21%, to 1,900.60. The Nasdaq Composite gained 5.72 points, or 0.14%, at 4,149.58.

U.S. retail sales barely rose in April and a gauge of consumer spending slipped, which could temper hopes of a sharp acceleration in economic growth in the second quarter. Sales at retailers rose a scant 0.1% in April, the Commerce Department said Tuesday.

AT&T Inc., joining the ranks of U.S. TV, Internet and wireless providers racing to consolidate, is in advanced talks to acquire DirecTV for about $50 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.

Keurig Green Mountain Inc. (GMCR) shares rose more than 6% in premarket trade Tuesday, after Coca-Cola Co. (KO)  said it has increased its stake in the company to 16% from 10%.