IBM Leads Dow Higher Ahead of Earnings; Oil Rallies on China

Stocks extended an earlier rally in midday trading Monday with the Dow and S&P 500 sporting their best gains of April. Equities were higher on news of further stimulus in China. Oil was celebrating China's latest stimulus measures with West Texas Intermediate touching a level of $57 a barrel. China's central bank cut reserve requirements for banks, a move which would increase liquidity and boost economic activity from six-year lows. IBM (IBM) was leading the Dow ahead of its quarterly earnings after the bell. The tech giant is expected to report improved profits, though total sales will likely take a hit on a stronger U.S. dollar and weaker PC demand.