U.S. Markets Close at Two-Year High

Investors overcame uneasiness stemming from the unrest in Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle East to push U.S. markets to two-year highs Tuesday. The Dow added 148 points, or 1.3 percent, to close at 12,040, its highest level since June 19, 2008. The S&P 500 added 21 points, or 1.7 percent, to close at 1,307, also its highest point since June 2008. The Nasdaq added 51 points or two percent. "Economic data remains fairly positive and quarterly earnings are coming out strong across the board," said one observer commenting on the business outlook at the end of January.