Dow crosses 13,000 for first time since 2008
By CHRISTINA REXRODE, Associated Press
Feb 21, 2012 10:26 AM CST
Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012. U.S. stocks are opening higher and the Dow Jones industrial average is nearing 13,000 after Greece secured a bailout deal to keep it from default. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)   (Associated Press)

The Dow Jones industrial average has crossed 13,000 for the first time since before the 2008 financial crisis.

The Dow passed 13,000 about two hours into the trading day. Its last time there was May 20, 2008, four months before the Lehman Brothers investment bank went under.

U.S. stocks got help Tuesday from a bailout deal for Greece, aimed at preventing a potentially catastrophic default, and from strong corporate earnings reports at home. Home Depot and Dollar Thrifty were among companies turning in good results.

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