U.S. stocks opened higher on Friday, as Apple shares hit a record high and signs of declining inflation emerged, easing concerns for investors about rising interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 147.50 points or 0.43% to 34,269.92 points. The S&P 500 index increased by 26 points or 0.59% to 4,422.44 points, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed by 128.65 points or 0.95% to 13,719.98 points.