Nasdaq hits 3,000 for 1st time since 2000

NEW YORK: US stocks were slightly higher on Wednesday and the Nasdaq briefly hit the 3,000 level for the first time since December 2000 as US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke began testimony on monetary policy before the House Financial Services Committee.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 31.94 points, or 0.25 percent, to 13,037.06. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index rose 3.66 points, or 0.27 percent, to 1,375.84. The Nasdaq Composite Index added 8.36 points, or 0.28 percent, to 2,995.12.