Dow Jones, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures closed feb 28 2012

Dow Jones, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures closed feb 28 2012 ; Strong U.S. consumer confidence helped extend Wall Street's rally on Tuesday, with the Dow closing above 13,000 for the first time since May 2008, while oil suffered its biggest loss in 2-1/2 months. With a day to go before the end of February, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 3 percent on the month and more than 6 percent for the year.

The Nasdaq hit highs not seen since 2000, with technology stocks among the day's best performers. The S&P 500 settled above the March 2011 peak, signalling the rally may have legs.

Daily volume on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Amex and Nasdaq has averaged less than 7 billion shares so far in February. The average in February 2011 was 7.81 billion.

The Dow Jones industrial average settled up 23.61 points, or 0.18 percent, at 13,005.12. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was up 4.59 points, or 0.34 percent, at 1,372.18. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 20.60 points, or 0.69 percent, at 2,986.76.

Oil prices suffered their sharpest one-day loss in 2-1/2 months. After Monday's 1 percent drop, which snapped a week-long rally, London's Brent crude fell 2 percent -- the most in a session since Dec. 14.

Despite the correction, Brent is still up 13 percent on the year. U.S. crude is up 8 percent year-to-date after a rally through most of February, fed by tensions over Iran's nuclear program and other supply-related issues in the Middle East.For the latest updates on the stock market, visit Stock Market Today For the latest updates PRESS CTR + D or visit Stock Market news Today

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