Stronger than expected hiring by private employers in September lifted the markets to a higher open with the Dow gaining 65 points to 23,442. Nasdaq climbed 29 points to 6,758.

On the upside

U.S. Steel (NYSE: X) reported higher third quarter earnings and revenue that topped expectations and forecast full year earnings ahead of analyst estimates.

First quarter earnings and revenue climbed for Estee Lauder (NYSE: EL) to surpass expectations.

Weatherford International (NYSE: WFT) narrowed third quarter losses more than expected.

On the downside

Envision Healthcare (NYSE: EVHC) disappointed with sharply lower third quarter earnings that fell short of expectations.

Check Point Software (Nasdaq: CHKP) reported higher third quarter earnings and revenue but the company forecast fourth quarter revenue below expectations.

Pitney Bowes (NYSE: PBI) disappointed with lower third quarter earnings that missed expectations.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of more than 5 to 2 on the NYSE and by nearly 2 to 1 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 gained 8 points to 2,583. Bitcoin soared $108 to $6,500.