* Investors accentuated the positive news, focusing on improved mid-Atlantic manufacturing data and setting aside a lackluster outlook from Wal-Mart Stores Inc and a surprising increase in weekly jobless claims.
* Based on the latest available data, the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> rose 83.66 points, or 0.81 percent, to close at 10,392.90. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> added 7.24 points, or 0.66 percent, to close at 1,106.75. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> shot up 15.42 points, or 0.69 percent, to close at 2,241.71.
(Reporting by Ellis Mnyandu; Editing by Kenneth Barry)
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