Stocks edge higher on signs of economic growth (AP)

Stocks are edging higher in midday trading following signs of future growth in the U.S. economy and a drop in borrowing costs for embattled European countries.

The Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators rose more than Wall Street analysts had expected Friday. That is a sign that the economy may pick up in coming months.

Stock indexes were also bolstered by easing borrowing costs for Italy and Spain, a signal that bond investors are less fearful of a default by those countries.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 38 points, or 0.3 percent, to 11,808 at 11:45 a.m. Eastern. The S&P 500 rose 2, or 0.1 percent, to 1,218. The Nasdaq composite slid 6, or 0.2 percent, to 2,582.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/topstories/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111118/ap_on_bi_st_ma_re/us_wall_street

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