Wall Street Rises On Strong Earnings, Greek Debt Deal

Stocks extended their gains late Thursday afternoon, led by technology shares, following strong earnings reports and news that Greece agreed to measures needed to avoid a chaotic default. The Nasdaq was up 0.4%, the S&P 500 0.3% and the Dow Jones industrial average 0.2%. Volume rose 15% on the Nasdaq and was slightly higher on the NYSE compared with the same time Wednesday. Greek politicians agreed to steps and austerity measures needed for a new European Union rescue package designed to prevent Athens from defaulting on its debts. The agreement was considered crucial before a meeting of European Union ministers scheduled for this evening.