Stocks turn higher after trade data

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are higher a day after a slide as earnings reports boost confidence about the pace of a recovery in the economy.

Reports from The Walt Disney Co. as well as retailers Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and J.C. Penney Co. are offsetting worries Friday about a disappointing consumer confidence report and an increase in the nation's trade deficit.

Investors are hoping improved results at retailers means consumers will spend more as they shop for the holidays.

At midday, the Dow Jones industrial average is up 77 at 10,275. The Standard & Poor's 500 index is up 6 at 1,093. The Nasdaq composite index is up 11 at 2,160.