Stocks opened in positive territory despite lingering economic concerns, after noted banking analyst Meredith Whitney said the sector is in for at least a short-term gain of 15 percent.

Stocks opened in positive territory despite lingering economic concerns, after noted banking analyst Meredith Whitney said the sector is in for at least a short-term gain of 15 percent.

The Dow and the S&P 500 begin the new week at their lowest points in two and a half months - with investors wary about earnings season and the economy. Both benchmarks lost ground for the fourth consecutive week last week, and stock index futures are pointing to more of the same ahead of open.