Stocks finish
at 5-year high

The Dow Jones industrial average closed a strong week, gaining 26 points today to hit a five-year high for the fourth straight session, at 11,280.

It was the index's best close since May 22, 2001, when it reached 11,302.

Investors this week responded to positive data on inflation, housing and retail sales.

The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was up 2 points, or 0.15 percent, at 1,307. The Nasdaq Composite Index rose 7 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,306.

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The rally today was driven by a rebound in manufacturing activity, lower oil prices and activity in home building,

This week, homebuilding stocks rose nearly 8 percent and industrial companies such as Boeing and United Technologies were bolstered by a Federal Reserve report indicating strength in the industrial sector.

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