U.S. stocks open higher before sentiment data

NEW YORK, Mar 17 (Reuters) U.S. stocks opened higher on Friday as investors waited for consumer sentiment data that could shed light on the outlook for interest rates.

Trading activity is expected to be volatile as traders reorganize portfolios due to options expiration.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 20.49 points, or 0.18 per cent, at 11,273.73. The Standard&Poor's 500 Index was up 2.52 points, or 0.19 per cent, at 1,307.85. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 4.60 points, or 0.20 per cent, at 2,304.16.

REUTERS SD RN2015