The stock market got a boost Thursday from a combination of strong corporate earnings and encouraging economic reports. Caterpillar and 3M were among the companies posting results that impressed investors. Hiring in the U.S. remains solid and a survey of businesses in Europe suggested that the region may avoid slipping back into recession.
On Thursday:
The Dow Jones industrial average rose 216.58 points, or 1.3 per cent, to 16,677.90.
The S&P 500 gained 23.71 points, or 1.2 per cent, to 1,950.82.
The Nasdaq composite climbed 69.95 points, or 1.6 per cent, to 4,452.79.
For the week:
The Dow is up 297.49 points, or 1.8 per cent.
The S&P 500 is up 64.06, or 3.4 per cent.
The Nasdaq has added 194.35 points, or 4.6 per cent.
For the year:
The Dow is up 101.24 points, or 0.6 per cent.
The S&P 500 index is up 102.46 points, or 5.5 per cent.
The Nasdaq is up 276.20 points, or 6.6 per cent.
This content appears as provided to The Globe by the originating wire service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.