Opening Bell Report

The markets opened higher as orders for big-ticket items fell less than expected in April.  The Dow added 32points to 12,580 while Nasdaq rose 6 points to 2487.

On the upside.

Daktronics (Nasdaq: DAKT) posted earnings that beat estimates citing a large backlog in LED products.

On the downside

Ford Motor (NYSE: F) may cut its U.S. salaried work force by up to 12 percent, or more than 2,000 jobs.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 4 to 3 on the NYSE and by more than 4 to 3 on Nasdaq.  The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks edged up 2 points to 736.