Upbeat earnings lifted the markets to a higher open with the Dow gaining 61 points to 26,313. Nasdaq climbed 42 points to 7457.

On the upside

TAL Education (NYSE: TAL) reported sharply higher third quarter earnings and revenue.

Fourth quarter earnings surged for Cleveland-Cliffs (NYSE: CLF).

Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR) reported a smaller than expected loss for the first quarter and lifted its full yer forecast.

On the downside

Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL) announced the resignation of three directors and initiated a plan to explore strategic options.

Laredo Petroleum (NYSE: TK) completed fewer wells than expected in the fourth quarter.

Range Resources (NYSE: RRC) announced a 2018 capital budget that was greater than its expected cash flow.

In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of more than 4 to 3 on the NYSE and by 5 to 4 on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 gained 9 points to 2,846. Bitcoin gained $80 to $11,191.