U.S. stocks edge up at open on rate outlook

NEW YORK, Mar 20 (Reuters) U.S. stocks edged higher at the opening on Monday, lifted by optimism over the interest-rate outlook before Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's speech and by talk of corporate deals.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 4.56 points, or 0.04 per cent, at 11,284.21. The Standard&Poor's 500 Index was up 0.11 point, or 0.01 per cent, at 1,307.36. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 5.45 points, or 0.24 per cent, at 2,311.93.

REUTERS SD DB2006