Stocks ended higher Friday, leaving the market with monthly losses but posting strong gains in a holiday-shortened week that saw investors increasingly confident that much of a dire economic outlook is already priced in. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 102 points, or 1.2%, at 8,829, with 23 of its 30 components ending higher. For the week, the blue-chip average jumped 9.2%.

The S&P 500 index rose 8 points, or 1%, to 896. The broad index gained 12% for the week & is up an astounding 144pts (16%) from Friday's intraday lows.

The Nasdaq Composite gained 3 points, or 0.2%, to 1,535. The technology-heavy index jumped 11% for the week.

In Toronto, the Toronto Stock Exchange shook off a sluggish opening to extend gains for a 6th straigh session. As of 1:38 pm, the composite index added 213 pts, or 2.44%, on the strength of consumer staples and financial stocks.

Meanwhile, the TSX Venture Exchange gained 8.82 pts to 757.05, a 53 pt increase on the week.

As you've seen through our industry bulletins, George's blog (http://blog.agoracom.com/) and Peter Grandich's commentary on gold (http://grandich.agoracom.com/), AGORACOM is not surprised by the snap-back rally this week, and in particular the strength in gold stocks. AGORACOM continues to believe there is long term value in the market, and encourages everyone purchasing shares to utilize our online hubs in your due diligence activity.