Unlike yesterday, when the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEX: ^DJI) started out strong, only to recede later in the day, the index shot out of the blocks and maintained that momentum right up to the closing bell. Venerable banking giant JPMorgan Chase reversed yesterday's performance, whipping its phaeton into overdrive to claim today's top spot, while industry stalwart Boeing faced some headwinds that pushed its shares to the back of the pack.

Source: Yahoo! Finance.

Today's climb was fueled by strong performances in the banking sector, as well as news that the IMF is about to boost funding to help ease the European debt crisis. We may not be in orbit yet, but I, for one, am enjoying the view.

If you're on the hunt for more ideas in the year ahead, check out the new report we've compiled named "The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2012." It details one company set for a bright future, but it'll be available for only a limited time. Get access to the report and find out the name of this legendary company.