The Dow jumps more than 200 points; the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are ahead in 2010 for the first time since June. Economic reports from China, Europe and the US are better than expected. Oil tops $81.
Stocks started August with a bang, jumping at the open on better-than-expected reports on manufacturing and construction spending.
The move also got a big boost from rallies in Europe that lifted the euro against the dollar. The cheer from Europe, in turn, sent crude oil above $81 a barrel and led to a rally in copper.
At 3:36 p.m. ET, the Dow Jones industrials ($INDU) were up 222 points, or 2%, to 10,688.
Stocks soar as confidence builds- Market Dispatches - MSN Money
Stocks started August with a bang, jumping at the open on better-than-expected reports on manufacturing and construction spending.
The move also got a big boost from rallies in Europe that lifted the euro against the dollar. The cheer from Europe, in turn, sent crude oil above $81 a barrel and led to a rally in copper.
At 3:36 p.m. ET, the Dow Jones industrials ($INDU) were up 222 points, or 2%, to 10,688.
Stocks soar as confidence builds- Market Dispatches - MSN Money