US STOCKS SNAPSHOT-S&P 500, Nasdaq open slightly higher on stimulus bets

The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq opened slightly higher on Wednesday, with the Nasdaq hitting a record high on optimism over a bumper coronavirus stimulus package, although weak airline stocks and dismal retail sales data capped gains.

The S&P 500 opened higher by 1.63 points, or 0.04%, at 3,696.25. The Nasdaq Composite gained 15.98 points, or 0.13%, to 12,611.04 at the opening bell.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 7.93 points, or 0.03%, at the open to 30,191.38.