Intel and Altera Reportedly End Deal Talks; Stocks Open Higher

Stocks were higher at Thursday's opening bell as investors digested the dovish Federal Reserve minutes released a day earlier and as we get the first lot of reports this earnings season. Alcoa (AA) shares were lower as revenue missed estimates. Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) beat earnings in the first quarterly report since completing its merger. Constellation Brands (STZ) forecast weaker profits for fiscal 2016. Weekly jobless claims increased at a smaller pace than forecast. The four-week moving average fell 3,000 to its lowest level in 15 years. Intel (INTC) and Altera (ALTR) were down on reports the two companies had ended deal talks.