The Associated Press

The stock market got a boost Thursday from a combination of strong corporate earnings and encouraging economic reports. Caterpillar and 3M were among the companies posting results that impressed investors. Hiring in the U.S. remains solid and a survey of businesses in Europe suggested that the region may avoid slipping back into recession.

On Thursday:

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 216.58 points, or 1.3 percent, to 16,677.90.

The S&P 500 gained 23.71 points, or 1.2 percent, to 1,950.82.

The Nasdaq composite climbed 69.95 points, or 1.6 percent, to 4,452.79.

For the week:

The Dow is up 297.49 points, or 1.8 percent.

The S&P 500 is up 64.06, or 3.4 percent.

The Nasdaq has added 194.35 points, or 4.6 percent.

For the year:

The Dow is up 101.24 points, or 0.6 percent.

The S&P 500 index is up 102.46 points, or 5.5 percent.

The Nasdaq is up 276.20 points, or 6.6 percent.

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