Stocks Hit 9 Month Highs

Stocks surged Thursday, hitting their highest levels in nearly 9 months, as investors eyed the latest batch of better-than-expected profits and forecasts and a report that suggested the labor market is starting to stabilize.

The Dow Jones industrial average (INDU) rose 83 points, or 0.9%, ending at its best level since Nov. 4. It was also the highest close for the blue-chip index in 2009.

The S&P 500 (SPX) index added 11 points, or 1.2%, ending at its highest point since Nov. 4.

The Nasdaq composite (COMP) gained 16 points, or 0.8%, to reach its highest close since Oct. 1...

Friday brings the biggest economic report of the week, the first reading on second-quarter gross domestic product growth. GDP is expected to have shrank at a 1.5% annualized rate, according to forecasts. GDP shrank at a 5.5% annualized rate in the first quarter.

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