U.S. stocks opened higher on Wednesday as investors were encouraged by data showing signs that the financial downturn was moderating, and by positive comments on the economy from U.S. President Barack Obama.
* Orders for long-lasting manufactured goods unexpectedly rebounded in February. For more see [ID:nN25406066.
* Banks led gains; the KBW bank index .BKX rose 4 percent.
* The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI rose 75.03 points, or 0.98 percent, to 7,735.00. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX gained 8.54 points, or 1.06 percent, to 814.66. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC added 16.85 points, or 1.11 percent, to 1,533.37.
