US stocks open sharply higher on inflation data

NEW YORK, Aug 15 (Reuters) U.S. stocks opened sharply higher on Tuesday after weaker-than-expected July producer prices renewed expectations the Federal Reserve will refrain from raising interest rates in the short term.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 21.05 points, or 0.19 percent, at 11,118.92. The Standard&Poor's 500 Index was up 3.31 points, or 0.26 percent, at 1,271.52. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 23.45 points, or 1.13 percent, at 2,092.49.

REUTERS VJ HS1913