US STOCKS SNAPSHOT-Dow hits record high at open on rate-cut optimism, UnitedHealth boost

Aug 15 (Reuters) - The blue-chip Dow opened at a record high on Friday, as UnitedHealth's shares jumped after Berkshire Hathaway raised its stake in the health insurer, while expectations of an interest rate cut in September also lifted the mood.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI rose 248.7 points, or 0.55%, at the open to 45,159.91. The S&P 500 .SPX rose 8.8 points, or 0.14%, at the open to 6,477.38​, while the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC dropped 1.3 points, or 0.01%, to 21,709.336 at the opening bell.