US stocks rise on several positive earnings reports

US stocks rose at the start of trading today as several American companies announced positive data on their quarterly earnings reports.

Twitter, Lockheed Martin, and Coca-Cola announced today their quarterly earnings, which posted higher-than-expected revenues and profits in the first quarter.

The energy sector drew support from a rebound in oil prices, which continue to rise after the White House's decision to stop waivers for Iranian crude importers.

By 14:08 GMT, West Texas crude rose 0.8% to $66.1 a barrel, hitting a day high of $66.3 and a low of $65.5.

Brent rose 0.3% to $74.3 a barrel, recording a high of $74.7 and a low of $73.9.

Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.2% (59 points) to 26,571 points, as Nasdaq also rose 0.7% (55 points) to 8,070 points, and S&P rose by 0.4% (11 points) to 2,919 points.