U.S. stocks close higher for third week in four, with S&P turning positive for the year

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch)
U.S. stocks surged into the close Friday, lifting gains for the week above 3%, on a combination of low volumes, better U.S. economic data and relief over the congressional extension of the payroll tax cut.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 124.20 points, or 1%, to 12,293.85.
It gained 3.6% for the week, the third up week in four.
The S&P 500 rose 11.33 points, or 0.9%, to 1,265.33, up 3.7% for the week.
The Nasdaq Composite added 19.19 points, or 0.7%, to 2,618.64, up 2.5% for the week.
U.S. stock markets are closed Monday for the Christmas holiday