Major U.S. stock edged up in volatile trading, reversing earlier declines, on strong earnings from Merck (MRK), better-than-expected housing data and a dividend hike from IBM (IBM).

Single-family home prices in USA rose more than expected in February from a year earlier, according to a closely watched survey.

Most of the Dow stocks are trading in positive area (19 из 30). Top looser - Nike, Inc. (NKE, -1.00%). Top gainer - Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK, +5.18%).

Most of S&P index sectors also in positive area. Top gainer - Utilities (+0,7%). Top looser - Consumer goods (-0.2%).

At the moment:

Dow 18037.00 +47.00 +0.26%

S&P 500 2108.75 +4.00 +0.19%

Nasdaq 100 4527.75 +3.00 +0.07%

10-year yield 1.97% +0.05

Oil 57.20 +0.21 +0.37%

Gold 1212.90 +9.70 +0.81%