Stocks Opened Slightly Higher as Trade War Fears Eased

U.S. stocks opened slightly higher on Friday, as an apparent easing of trade tensions calmed investor worries. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lately rose 27.26 points, or 0.10%, to 26,173.25. The S&P 500 added 0.73 point, or 0.03%, to 2,904.91. The Nasdaq Composite gained 5.80 points, or 0.07%, to 8,019.51.

Oil futures crawled higher on Friday, a day after fresh signs of rising OPEC production knocked energy markets sharply lower. October futures on West Texas Intermediate crude rose 0.5%, or 34 cents, to $68.92 a barrel. November Brent was up 0.2%, or 14 cents, to $78.32 a barrel.

U.S. retail sales recorded their smallest gain in six months in August as consumers cut back on purchases of motor vehicles and clothing. The Commerce Department said on Friday retail sales edged up 0.1 percent last month, the smallest rise since February.

U.S. import prices recorded their biggest drop in more than 1-1/2 years in August amid declines in the cost of fuels and a range of other goods, suggesting a strong dollar was curbing imported inflation pressures. The Labor Department said on Friday import prices fell 0.6 percent last month.