US stocks rose in a volatile session on Thursday on hopes Greece's political and financial situation would become clearer and after a surprise interest rate cut in Europe boosted sentiment. The Dow Jones industrial average gained 133.62 points, or 1.13 percent, to 11,969.66. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index climbed 13.16 points, or 1.06 percent, to 1,251.06. The Nasdaq Composite Index added 31.49 points, or 1.19 percent, to 2,671.47.
The PHLX Europe sector index, which includes major European shares, gained 2.3 percent.