US stocks began September with strong gains on Friday as a report showing slightly more-than-expected US job growth in August lifted hopes that companies will sustain profitability even as the expansion moderates.
Shares of companies whose performance especially benefits from economic growth rose, including heavy-equipment maker Caterpillar Inc and chemicals company DuPont Co.
The Dow Jones industrial average was up 85.48 points, or 0.75 percent, at 11,466.63. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was up 7.41 points, or 0.57 percent, at 1,311.23. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 11.86 points, or 0.54 percent, at 2,195.61.