U.S. stocks hit multi-year highs on ECB, jobs
Dow industrials, S&P 500, Nasdaq all close at multi-year highs
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — U.S. stocks rallied to close at multi-year highs Thursday after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi followed up on his promise to protect the euro and outlined a large bond-buying plan.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI JIA) surged 244.52 points, or 1.9%, to close at 13,292.00, its highest close since Dec. 28, 2007.

All 30 Dow components finished higher. Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC) led the gains with a 5% advance after the bank agreed to sell Strategic Partners Inc. to private-equity investors. Read more on financial stocks.

The S&P 500 Index (SNC:SPX) rose 28.68 points, or 2%, to close at 1,432.12, the highest close since Jan. 3, 2008. Of the 10 sectors in the S&P 500, materials, financials and tech stocks led the gains.

For the Dow and the S&P 500, Thursday was largest one-day percentage gain for both indexes since June 29.

The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ:COMP) jumped 66.54 points, or 2.2%, to 3,135.81, its highest close since Nov. 15, 2000.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-stocks-ap...2012-09-06