U.S. stocks rise as economic data ease rate hike worries By

By Liz Moyer

-- U.S. stocks were rising after more data showed inflation is How to become an mt4 dealercooling, easing fears about Federal Reserve interest rate increases.

At 11:14 ET (15:14 GMT) the was up 137 points or 0.4%, while the was up 0.6% and the was up 1.3%.

were weaker than expected for March, and jobless claims edged above expectations. That could ease fears about the Fed taking an aggressive stance on interest rates when it meets in early May.

The Labor Department said producer prices rose 2.7% in the year through March, versus expectations for a 3% increase. came in at 239,000 last week, versus expectations for 232,000.

On Wednesday, the for March was also cooler than expected. And the Fed released the of its meeting in March when policymakers raised concerns about a recession after last month's turmoil in the banking sector.

Futures traders are now betting that the Fed will raise rates by a quarter of a percentage point .

On Friday, first quarter earnings season kicks off with the big banks reporting, including JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:), (NYSE:), and (NYSE:), and investors will watch them closely for details about the health of the American consumer.

S&P 500 companies are expected to report a 5.2% drop in first-quarter profit.

Shares of Delta Air Lines (NYSE:) fell 1.7% after the carrier disappointing first quarter earnings but said its second quarter outlook was strong.

Oil was falling. was down 0.1% to $83.21 a barrel, while crude was down 0.2% to $87.14 a barrel. rose 1.4% to $2,054.

Statement: The content of this article does not represent the views of FTI website. The content is for reference only and does not constitute investment suggestions. Investment is risky, so you should be careful in your choice! If it involves content, copyright and other issues, please contact us and we will make adjustments at the first time!