Highlights
October 24, 2011
Steady progress in Europe toward a comprehensive plan to contain the sovereign debt crisis helped give the Dow a nearly one percent lift to 11,913. Also helping is a positive outlook from heavy machinery maker Caterpillar which sees steady extension ahead for global economic growth.

The euro rose 1/4 percent to $1.3925 while interest rates were little changed. Oil surged more than $4 to $91.50 with gold edging $10 higher to $1,650.