US stocks rose on
Thursday after data showed jobless claims declined while consumer confidence
surged more than expected. Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.5% or
61.91 points closing at 12,169.65 while S&P 500 Index added
0.8% or 10.28 points, reaching 1,254.00. Nasdaq Composite
also ascended 0.8% or 21.48 points attaining 2,599.45.