NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. stocks extended gains on Friday as a rebound in business spending and steady home sales in August fueled investor optimism and provided firmer ground for a sustainable rally.
* Gains were broad-based, with the S&P 500 led higher by the consumer discretionary and financial sectors.
* The Dow Jones industrial average (.DJI) gained 177.29 points, or 1.66 percent, to 10,839.71. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (.SPX) rose 21.28 points, or 1.89 percent, to 1,146.11. The Nasdaq Composite Index (.IXIC) climbed 43.66 points, or 1.88 percent, to 2,370.74.