EPIC UPDATE: U.S. MARKET UPDATE

[epicresearch]

U.S. stocks rose, giving the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index its first back-to-back weekly gain since April, amid speculation central banks will take steps to stimulate growth and contain a prolonged debt crisis in Europe. The Dow Jones industrial average was up 94.90 points, or 0.75 percent, at 12,746.81. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was up 10.80 points, or 0.81 percent, at 1,339.90. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 30.49 points, or 1.07 percent, at 2,866.82.

[mcxprovider]

U.S. stocks rallied on Friday to close a second straight week of gains on hopes of collective action from global central banks if Sunday’s election in Greece triggers market turmoil.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 115.26 points, or 0.91 percent, to 12,767.17 at the close. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 13.74 points, or 1.03 percent, to 1,342.84. The Nasdaq Composite rose 36.47 points, or 1.29 percent, to end at 2,872.80.