Industrials move nearer record level

WALL Street stocks struggled higher yesterday as blue chip issues bolted into record territory near the finish.

WALL Street stocks struggled higher yesterday as blue chip issues bolted into record territory near the finish.

The Dow Jones average of 30 industrial stocks jumped past 5,200 for the first time since mid December, reaching a gain of 34.68 points to close at 5,219.36. The industrials opened the day lower before gyrating in positive territory most of the session.

Most broad market indexes were slightly higher, but the technology heavy Nasdaq composite advanced solidly as that depressed sector continued to firm its footing.

Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by about 10 to nine on the New York Stock Exchange, with 1,225 up, 1,104 down and 774 unchanged. The NYSE's composite index rose 0.84 to 328.70. The Standard and Poor's 500 stock index rose 1.57 to 613.40. The Nasdaq composite index added 10.03 to close at 1,028.48. At the American Stock Exchange, the market value index gained 1.09 to 531.71.

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