Us stocks opened higher and analysts said today's option expiration could lead to another volatile trading day.

As of 9:49 New York time, the S & P 500 was up 0.4 per cent. Nine of the 11 major industry sectors rose, led by information technology and health care. Energy and real estate stocks fell. NASDAQThe 100 index rose 0.6%, Dow JonesThe industrial average rose 0.4%.

UBSRod von Lipsey, managing director of private wealth management, said the increase in Covid-19 cases and the unrest in Afghanistan "are creating a crisis of confidence."

"the market has always been volatile in August, and this year is no exception, and investors are facing multiple concerns," von Lipsey said.