Markets Right Now: Stocks trading higher on Wall Street

Stocks are slightly higher in midday trading after a survey showed that hiring by private companies continued at a solid but unspectacular clip in July.

The biggest losses are going to household goods makers, phone and utility companies, which are typically considered safe investments.

Footwear maker Crocs and clothing maker Hanesbrands both slid on disappointing earnings reports.

A monthly survey of private hiring showed U.S. companies added 179,000 jobs in July, suggesting hiring remains healthy.