Stocks ended modestly higher on Friday, ending a volatile week when investors fretted over two recurring obstacles: the European debt crisis (this time focused on Ireland) and Chinese monetary policy.
The Dow Jones industrial average closed at 11,203.55, up 22.32 points, or 0.2 per cent - after rebounding about 80 points from its low point earlier in the day. It closed slightly higher for the week. The broader S&P 500 rose 3.04 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 1199.73. In Canada, the S&P/TSX composite index rose 86.32 points, or 0.7 per cent, to 12,956.33.
Key commodity prices ended slightly lower, with crude oil dipping below $82 (U.S.) a barrel, down 44 cents. However, energy stocks fared well: Suncor Energy Inc. rose 1 per cent, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. rose 1.3 per cent and Exxon Mobil Corp. rose 0.3 per cent.
Meanwhile, General Motors Co. emerged from an early-day selloff, ending the day up 0.2 per cent. On Thursday, the shares surged in their first day of trading following a successful initial public offering.
Dell Inc. rose 1.7 per cent, a day after the computer maker reported better-than-expected third quarter results, released after markets closed on Thursday. The report boosted Hewlett-Packard Co. by 1.9 per cent.
In other moves, Canadian bank stocks were strong, with Bank of Nova Scotia up 1.2 per cent and Toronto-Dominion Bank up 0.8 per cent. As well, Research In Motion Ltd. rose 2.1 per cent, taking the shares to a five-month high.