Stocks opened higher on Friday as investors bet the recession is moderating after data showed the economy shrank less than expected in the second quarter.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 25.92 points, or 0.28 percent, at 9,180.38. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> rose 2.02 points, or 0.20 percent, at 988.77. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> added 2.80 points, or 0.14 percent, at 1,987.10.

(Reporting by Edward Krudy; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)