Stock indexes rise 2 percent

NEW YORK -- The stock market began August with a huge rally after economic reports from around the world revived investors' faith in the global recovery.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 208 points Monday. All the major stock indexes rose about 2 percent.

The first day of the month brought a stream of news that reassured investors who have worried about a slowing of economic growth in the U.S., China and Europe. Manufacturing was a common thread.

Monday's advance was a bit of a surprise for traders, who are used to more subdued trading as August arrives. Over the past 12 years, the Dow has fallen nine times on the first trading day in August, although it has risen the past three years. August in general is seen as a volatile month for stocks, largely because many traders are away on vacation. That makes for low trading volumes and exaggerated price moves.

According to preliminary calculations, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 208.44, or 2 percent, to 10,674.38. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 24.26, or 2.2 percent, to 1,125.86, while the Nasdaq composite index rose 40.66, or 1.8 percent, to 2,295.36.

Six stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange where volume came to a light 1 billion shares.

With stocks rising sharply, bond prices fell. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which moves opposite its price, rose to 2.97 percent from 2.91 percent late Friday. Its yield is often used as a benchmark to set interest rates on mortgages and other consumer loans.