US stocks edge higher, led by gains in technology

NEW YORK (AP) — Stock indexes crept higher in morning trading today after companies reported profits that were stronger than expected, if not strong.

Technology stocks led the way following an encouraging report from Microsoft, which helped offset weakness in the energy and raw-materials sectors.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index was up 6 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,170 at 10:26 a.m. Eastern time. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 30, or 0.2 percent, to 18,590. The Nasdaq composite rose 40, or 0.8 percent, to 5,076.

Microsoft surged $3.11, or 5.9 percent, to $56.21. The technology giant said it returned to a profit in its fiscal fourth quarter after reporting a loss a year earlier. Its earnings topped analysts' expectations, and the company credited momentum in its cloud-computing business. Microsoft's surge helped the technology sector rise 1 percent, much more than the rest of the market.

Cintas was the top-performing stock in the S&P 500 after reporting quarterly results that beat Wall Street's forecasts. The company, which provides uniforms, restroom supplies and other products for offices, surged $8.50, or 8.7 percent, to $105.94.