The Nasdaq composite index was up 35.40 at 2,119.90, cutting short a three-session losing streak. Industrial issues also showed more strength. Some of the market's recent decline was an expected pullback from this spring's huge rally. But analysts were concerned that the market's gloomy mood Wednesday would be a harbinger of what's to come, with the end of the second quarter approaching and earnings for that period expected to be dismal. Of particular concern are the next few weeks, during what's known as warnings season, the time when companies that are expecting disappointing earnings issue their forecasts.
Investors are also worried about the market's ability to handle any bad news.
Advancing issues led decliners nearly 2 to 1 on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume came to 142.42 million, compared with 160.59 million at the same point Wednesday. The Russell 2000 index was up 4.82 at 498.78. Overseas, Japan's Nikkei stock average fell 1.7 percent.