Investors cheer better unemployment report, stocks surge

News that the government's most commonly watched measure of unemployment fell slightly last month, to 9.4 percent, sent stocks soaring today. The Dow Jones industrial average climbed 114 points, or 1.23 percent, to close at 9,370, as 24 of its 30 component stocks gained.

Walt Disney (DIS), American Express (AXP), JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) gained the most among DJIA stocks. Bank of America (BAC) fell more than any other Dow component; a judge said today he needs more information on its $33 million settlement with regulators regarding its acquisition of Merrill Lynch last year.

For more stocks making moves today, be sure to check out BloggingStocks' market wrap-up.