Moving Higher Despite Disappointing Headline Durables

After rebounding somewhat yesterday as the Federal Reserve maintained its monetary policy stance, stocks are moving higher on eased concerns in the financial sector as President Barack Obama pared back his tone toward financial regulation and seemed to be focusing on job creation. The relatively upbeat sentiment is overshadowing a disappointing reading of headline durable goods orders and a smaller-than-expected drop in weekly initial jobless claims, which has Treasuries mixed. Also, some upbeat earnings reports from Ford Motor, and Dow member 3M CO. are helping to boost the equity markets in morning action. However, fellow Dow member Procter & Gamble missed the Street's profit estimates, while AT&T matched expectations. Overseas, markets are higher.