The Federal Reserve said U.S. industrial production rose 0.2% in November. Mining activity, led by oil and gas, climbed 2%, production at utilities fell 1.9% and manufacturing activity rose 0.2%. Over the past 12 months, total industrial production is up 3.4%. Factories are using more of their capacity and added 189,000 manufacturing jobs over the past year.

Chocolate maker Hershey is acquiring SkinnyPop parent Amplify Snack Brands for about $1.6 billion. Amplify's stock is up by 70% on news of the deal. (CNBC)

The consumer products giant Procter & Gamble has appointed Nelson Peltz to its board of directors after a big proxy fight. The company said it held discussions with Peltz about a board seat because the shareholder vote was very close and that a large number of shareholders had voted for Peltz to be appointed. (CNBC)

Campbell Soup is buying  snack maker Snyder's-Lance, in a deal worth nearly $4.9 billion. Snyder's-Lance is the maker of Cape Cod brands; Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps; Pop Secret; and Kettle Brand; KETTLE Chips. (Yahoo)

Business software giant Oracle paid $1.2 billion deal to buy Australia-based project management software maker Aconex. (AP)

The S&P 500 is up 16 and the NASDAQ is up 47. The MSCI international index is higher.

Oil is up 31 cents at $57.61 a barrel.

Gold is up $5 at $1262 a Troy ounce.

With Northwest Quadrant Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor I am Troy Reinhart.