The major equity averages have pulled up from their opening levels, but they are still in the red with modest losses this morning. Their initial upturn comes as the dollar declines to fresh morning lows -- it is now down 0.3% against a basket of major foreign currencies.
Materials stocks have benefited the most from the greenback's downturn. The sector is up 0.6%, which makes it this morning's top performing sector and puts it comfortably out in front of the overall market.