US stocks opened slightly higher, helped by Apple's jump on reports that some of its newest iPhones have sold out even before they are due to arrive at stores. Apple shares rose 2.3%, its fourth straight increase, as reports continue to point to strong demand for the new iPhone 7, which are due to arrive in stores Friday.
US data was mixed, with August retail sales falling 0.3% from the July level. The producer price index was unchanged from July. About 15 minutes into trading the Dow Jones stood at 18,059.56, up 0.1%. The S&P 500 rose 0.1% to 2,127.57, and the tech-rich Nasdaq advanced 0.3% to 5,187.63.