US stocks rose on Wednesday as much stronger-than-expected jobs data boosted optimism about the labour market and the economic recovery. Financials led gains, with the S&P financial index up nearly 1 percent, while the Nasdaq was the strongest among the three major stock indexes.
The Dow Jones industrial average gained 25.89 points, or 0.22 percent, to 11,717.07. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index added 3.94 points, or 0.31 percent, to 1,274.14. The Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 13.30 points, or 0.50 percent, to 2,694.55. American Express Co was up 2.5 percent at $44.86, leading the Dow higher. Housing stocks jumped following the data. The PHLX housing index rose 1.5 percent.