Stocks opened higher on Thursday as JPMorgan Chase & Co reassured some investors about the health of banks after it reported better-than-expected quarterly results and following several positive reports from the technology sector.

Dow component JPMorgan gained 3 percent after the bank reported better-than-expected first-quarter profit as improved investment banking performance offset increased losses from credit cards and other consumer debt.

Sun Microsystems Inc jumped 6 percent after a report it is willing to resume takeover talks with International Business Machines if IBM were to make a stronger commitment to closing a deal, while New York listed shares of Nokia shot up nearly 11 percent after the top cell phone maker reaffirmed its handset market forecast.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 32.25 points, or 0.40 percent, to 8,061.87. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose was up 4.46 points, or 0.52 percent, to 856.52. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> climbed 16.90 points, or 1.04 percent, to 1,643.70.

(Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Theodore d'Afflisio)

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