US stocks surged Tuesday on signs of easing stress in Europe's bond markets as well as some positive economic data at home and abroad and as traders eyed a seasonal 'Santa' rally into year end. On early Tuesday, the Dow Jones industrial average gained 326.99 points, or 2.78 percent, to 12,093.25.
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index gained 35.40 points, or 2.94 percent, to 1,240.75. The Nasdaq Composite Index gained 77.52 points, or 3.07 percent, to 2,600.66.