<p>U.S. stocks rose modestly at the open on Thursday (September 27) after weak data reflected sluggish U.S. economic growth and dented optimism China would take steps to bolster its economy.<br /><br />The economy in the U.S. grew less than previously forecast in the second quarter, reflecting slower gains in consumer spending and farm inventories.<br /><br />The world’s largest economy expanded at a 1.3 percent pace from April through June after growing at a 2 percent rate in the first quarter.<br /><br />Applications for U.S. jobless benefits fell 26,000 to 359,000 in the week ended September 22.<br /><br />And, global shares reclaimed some of the previous day's sharp losses and the euro steadied, boosted by hopes Spain's budget could nudge Madrid towards a rescue program and allow the ECB to launch its eagerly awaited new bond-buying program.<br /><br />The Dow Jones industrial average gained 41.13 points, or 0.31 percent, to 13,454.64. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index added 4.48 points, or 0.31 percent, to 1,437.80. The Nasdaq Composite Index rose 11.34 points, or 0.37 percent, to 3,105.05.</p>
