Stocks are pushing further into record territory as the Dow Jones industrial average tops 18,000 points for the first time.

Traders have been encouraged by signs of strength in the U.S. economy and reassurances that the Federal Reserve won't interest rates soon.

There was more encouraging news early Tuesday as the U.S. government reported that the economy powered ahead at a 5 percent annual rate in the third quarter. That was the fastest pace in more than a decade.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 43 points, or 0.2 percent, to 18,003 as of 9:35 a.m. Easter.

The Standard & Poor's 500 rose six points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,084.

The Nasdaq rose six points, or 0.1 percent, to 4,787.