Monday

Stocks bounced back today as rising auto sales, consumer spending and manufacturing activity were seen as increasing evidence of a strengthening economy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average wiped out 90% of its 159-point drop on Friday. Blue chip stocks posted their biggest gain since February 16th in both point and percentage terms, led by economically sensitive components, Caterpillar and Boeing, which each rose 2.7%. Also, Ford and General Motors reported gains in sales of cars and light trucks in April, reflecting continued improvement for the auto industry after one of its toughest years ever. DJIA +143.22 Nasdaq +37.55 S&P 500 +15.57.