Author: Elena Todorova
123jump.com
Last Update: 11:28 AM EST February 27 2006

Stock averages opened higher as falling oil prices and better-than expected earnings from Lowe''s Cos eased concerns about corporate ptofits. The retailer posted Q4 profit rise of 87 cents a share on 7.8% same-store sales rise, beating estimates. A report saying that Apple Computers may acquire Walt Disney also provided support. SanDisk and M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers were upgraded by Citigroup to buy from hold.