The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index added 0.60% to close at 13,575.36. Encouraging job market data sent the US stock index higher. US unemployment claims advanced only slightly last week after a fall in the preceding week, thus signalling that the labour market is recovering. Optimism over the single currency union also boosted US blue chips. Eight out of nine sectors included in the index surged. The top-performers were telecommunications and financials. American Express, Bank of America and Travelers Cos gained 1.69%, 3.29% and 0.39%, respectively. Meanwhile, AT&T and Verizon Communications climbed 0.45% and 2.12%. Basic materials sector moved higher, with 3M Co and Alcoa adding 0.69% and 3.30%. 3M Co terminated an agreement to purchase Avery Dennison's office. At the same time, technology companies retreated by 0.02%. Cisco Systems and Intel lost 0.24% and 0.35%.