NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are rising as investors divide their attention between Europe’s precarious finances and a key Federal Reserve meeting.
Greek finance ministers will hold a teleconference with international lenders Tuesday, hoping to show Greece can meet strict budget targets necessary to qualify for emergency funds. But Greece is only one of several troubled European economies. On Monday night, ratings agency Standard & Poor’s cut Italy’s credit rating, citing heavy debt and weak growth.
A two-day Fed policy meeting starts Tuesday. Many investors are hoping for new economic stimulus measures.
Shortly after the opening bell, The Dow Jones industrial average is up 40 points, or 0.4 percent, at 11,441. The S&P 500 index is up 5, or 0.4 percent, at 1,209. The Nasdaq composite is up 12, or 0.4 percent, at 2,624.
© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.