Stocks rise on positive economic signs

Signs of a nascent economic recovery -- including better than expected quarterly results from homebuilder Lennar (LEN) and retailer Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY), as well as an announcement by the Federal Reserve that it would end some emergency lending programs -- helped boost stocks today. Strong demand for seven-year Treasury bonds at auction also reassured investors.

The Dow Jones industrial average climbed 173 points, or 2.1 percent, to close at 8,472, reversing three days of losses. All 30 of the Dow's component stocks rose, led by American Express (AXP), Alcoa (AA) and Merck (MRK).

For more stocks making moves today, be sure to check out BloggingStocks' market wrap-up.