Major stock indexes rose more than 1 percent on Friday after data showed the U.S. jobless rate dropped to a 2-1/2 year low and as policymakers appeared to move closer to tackling Europe's debt crisis.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 121.24 points, or 1.01 percent, to 12,141.27. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> gained 15.10 points, or 1.21 percent, to 1,259.68. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> gained 32.59 points, or 1.24 percent, to 2,658.79.

(Editing by Kenneth Barry)

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