DOW - Stocks ended at new multi-year record highs

Dow

11,755.44

+83.56

+0.72%

By: Abby Schultz

Stocks ended at new multi-year record highs for all the major indexes as the Federal Reserve reported improving economic conditions across the country, and as upbeat earnings outlooks for banks lifted investor sentiment.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 83.56 points, or 0.7 percent, to close at 11,755.44, the blue-chip indexes highest close since Aug. 11, 2008.


The S&P 500 rose 11.48 points, or 0.9 percent, to close at 1,285.96, its highest close since Aug. 28, 2008, while the Nasdaq gained 20.50 points, or 0.75 percent, to close at 2 737.33, its highest close since Nov. 7, 2007.


The CBOE Volatility Index, widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, fell below 17.