Opening Bell Report

The major indexes opened higher with the Dow rising 28 points to 11,538 and Nasdaq gaining 11 points to 2281.  The broad markets were mixed as investors and analysts debated the merits of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bailouts. 

On the upside

Surgical systems maker Cardica (Nasdaq: CRDC) received FDA approval for its fast, automated system that creates secure connections between the main artery and vein grafts.

McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) reported higher same-store sales with non-U.S. markets driving most of the growth for the world's largest fast food chain.

Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ) was upgraded by an analyst which helped to lift the overall tech sector.

On the downside

Shares of Lehman Brothers (NYSE: LEH) fell on reports that state-run Korea Development Bank may no longer be interested by buying part or all of the beleaguered investment bank.

Timber real estate investment trust Potlatch (NYSE: PCH) was downgraded by analysts.

Shares of Terra Industries (NYSE: TRA) and Monsanto (NYSE: MON) fell sharply in a broad sell-off among fertilizer companies.

In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of nearly 2 to 1 on the NYSE, but were edged out by a slim margin on Nasdaq.  The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks slipped 2 points to 730.