NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are mostly higher in morning trading on Wall Street, as talk of a possible cease-fire in Ukraine spurs a rally in Europe. Russia’s benchmark index is up nearly 3 percent, while the German, French and British indexes are up about 1 percent. The Dow and the S&P 500 are making modest gains, while the Nasdaq composite has been wavering between small gains and losses.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Factory orders goods shot up by a record amount in July, but the numbers aren’t quite as strong as they first appear. The Commerce Department reports a surge in demand for commercial aircraft caused overall orders to increase by 10.5 percent. Outside of the volatile transportation category, however, orders actually fell slightly. Still, economists expect the setback will be temporary.

DETROIT (AP) — Automakers are reporting their U.S. sales numbers for August today, and Chrysler and Nissan are reporting big gains. Chrysler’s sales were 20 percent better than August of last year and the best in 12 years. Nissan reports nearly a 12 percent increase. General Motors’ sales appear to be holding up despite safety recalls involving 29 million vehicles for a variety of problems. GM’s sales dipped just 1.2 percent compared with last August. Ford’s sales were flat.

DETROIT (AP) — Opening statements are continuing this morning in Detroit’s bankruptcy trial. The city’s attorney has told the judge that Detroit’s plan to cut $12 billion in unsecured debt to about $5 billion is needed to free up funds to provide essential services to residents. He says those numbers are the best Detroit can offer its creditors. Opening statements also are expected today from supporters of the city’s plan and creditors who oppose it.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Hundreds of newly laid-off casino workers have been filing unemployment claims at the Atlantic City Convention Center this morning. Over the weekend, more than 5,000 workers lost their jobs as the Showboat and Revel casinos closed. One woman who had worked as a bartender at the Showboat since its opening says she and her husband “had the American dream” for 27 years, making “good money” and being able to raise a family. She calls the closing “a tragedy.”

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