Stocks rose on Tuesday, boosted by swift steps toward formation of a new Italian government and a pair of stronger-than-expected reports on the U.S. economy.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 17.18 points, or 0.14 percent, at 12,096.16, according to the latest figures. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 6.03 points, or 0.48 percent, at 1,257.81. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 28.98 points, or 1.09 percent, at 2,686.20.

(Reporting by Angela Moon, Editing by Kenneth Barry)