US Stocks Open Friday With Gains

VIX volatility index down nearly 3%

US stocks began Friday with gains amid positive figures from retailers and decreasing inflationary concerns.
The Dow was at 32,693 points, up 56 points from its previous close.
The S&P 500 earned 34 points to reach 4,091 points and the Nasdaq rose 165 points to 11,905 points.
The VIX volatility index, also known as the fear index, dropped 2.98% to 26.68 at 09.55 am Eastern Time (1355 GMT). The dollar index fell 0.32% to 101.5.
Precious metal prices posted increases, with gold rising 0.24% to $1,852.11 per ounce and silver 1.22% to $22.23 at 10.02 am (1402 GMT).
Global oil benchmark Brent crude was trading at $114.37, up 0.18% at 1350 GMT. West Texas Intermediate stood at $114.09 at 10.03 am . -