US STOCKS-Indexes climb on factory growth, M&A buzz

(Reuters) - NEW YORK, July 2 - U.S. stocks kicked off the
third quarter on a high note on Monday, boosted by
merger-and-acquisition activity and data showing stronger
manufacturing growth in June even as price pressures eased.




Economically sensitive stocks, such as heavy equipment
maker Caterpillar Inc. and industrial conglomerate
United Technologies Corp. , were some of the session's
leaders after the Institute for Supply Management posted a
surprising gain in factory activity.


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S&P 500 ends at record, Dell jumps after hours

(Reuters) - The S&P 500 closed at a record on Thursday as plans for a $6.8 billion takeover in the financial sector and data pointing to strength in industrial activity underpinned demand for equities.

Wachovia Corp.'s proposed buyout of A.G. Edwards Inc. sent shares of brokerages higher, while strong Midwest manufacturing data boosted shares of industrials, including United Technologies Corp. and DuPont.


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