Stocks inch up in early trading after earnings

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are edging higher as investors weigh another round of corporate earnings reports.

McDonald’s Corp. said its net income rose 2 percent as the world’s biggest burger chain brought in more customers with its McRib sandwich and new McCafe coffee products.

Halliburton Co. also said its net income more than doubled as the oil services company benefited from an increase in drilling activity around the globe.

American Express Co., CSX Corp. and Texas Instruments Inc. are scheduled to release their results after the market closes.

At the opening bell today, the Dow Jones industrial average is up 5 at 11,877. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index is flat at 1,283. The Nasdaq composite index is up 4, or 0.1 percent, at 2,693.

Bond prices are falling, pushing yields higher.