Dow now at 12,595, up 155 points today.
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks jumped to their highest levels in nearly
three years Tuesday thanks to signs that earnings are rising for
U.S. companies and consumers are feeling more confident about the
economy. The Russell 2000, the benchmark index of small companies,
neared a record high.
The new highs continue a historic recovery in the stock market.
Stock indexes have more than doubled since hitting a 12-year low in
March, 2009. The fastest bull market since the 1950s has now erased
most of the losses stemming from the financial crisis.
Investors who bought at the top of the market in 2007 have now lost
4.2 percent, including reinvested dividends. Analysts predict
stocks will continue to rise if unemployment keeps falling and
global demand leads to more profit growth.
