Stronger earnings, business spending lift stocks

[October 26, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks are rising in early trading after Boeing, Corning and other companies reported stronger earnings.

European leaders will meet later Wednesday to discuss how to contain the region's debt crisis.

The Dow Jones industrial average is up 127 in the first 10 minutes of trading, or 1.1 percent, to 11,833. Boeing is leading the way after reporting better earnings than analysts expected. It's up 5.7 percent.

The S&P 500 is up 11, or 0.9 percent, to 1,239. The Nasdaq is up 20, or 0.8 percent, to 2,659.

U.S. companies ordered more machinery and other long-lasting manufactured goods last month. That indicates they are sticking with investment plans.

Germany approved increasing the strength of Europe's financial rescue fund.

[Associated Press; By STAN CHOE]

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