Opening Bell: U.S. Stocks Rally and General Motors Raises Its Dividend

U.S. stocks rose at the open on Wednesday on the back of better than expected trade data out of China. China exports for December in dollar terms fell 1.4 percent, though analysts had expected an 8 percent decline. ‘As well as the data being less negative than people were expecting, in terms of yuan value, the oil imports were actually higher than expected and exports were actually fairly decent,' said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at Oanda, based in London. Meanwhile, shares of General Motors (GM) were in focus Wednesday. The company raised its 2016 profit guidance. It also hiked its dividend by 6 percent to $0.38 a share. Finally, Yum! Brands (YUM) said December comparable store sales in China rose 1 percent, largely amid strength at KFC. The fast food chain is spinning off its China unit. TheStreet’s Scott Gamm has more from Wall Street.