US stocks jump, Dow at record after strong earnings

NEW YORK, Oct 12 (Reuters) U.S. stocks rallied on Thursday, with the Dow industrials closing at an all-time high, as several consumer-oriented companies, including McDonald's Corp., reported earnings that topped estimates.

Based on the latest available data, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 96.13 points, or 0.81 percent, to end unofficially at 11,948.26, its highest close ever. The Standard&Poor's 500 Index was up 12.88 points, or 0.95 percent, to finish unofficially at 1,362.83. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 37.91 points, or 1.64 percent, to close unofficially at 2,346.18.

REUTERS DH PM0145