Markets were solidly up today thanks to some strong economic data. Investors are eyeing Friday's unemployment numbers, but we got a sneak peak today as ADP's private-sector data showed 162,000 additions, 10,000 better than anticipated. This will be the second to last unemployment number before the November election, and given the presidential debate tonight, this week may solidify voters' opinions.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average
On the Dow, no one could top Home Depot, as shares of the home-improvement store increased 2.4%. Bank of America came close with a 2% gain, and Disney came in third with a 1.6% increase. All three were boosted by strong macro data because, as fellow Fool Anders Bylund put it, "Theme parks, home-improvement stores, and checking-account managers all benefit directly when more Americans have, you know, jobs."
Off the Dow, our biggest gainer -- by far -- was Sarepta
Companies that make orphan drugs treating small patient populations often make the lack of volume up on price -- for instance, Vertex
Meanwhile, General Electric
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