The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened 19.21 points higher, or 0.04%, at 48,386.27 on Wednesday, December 31. The S&P 500 opened 2.41 points higher, or 0.03%, at 6,898.65 on Wednesday, December 31. The Nasdaq Composite opened 16.50 points higher, or 0.07%, at 23,435.58 on Wednesday, December 31.