Stocks end at highest levels in more than two years

(CNNMoney.com) -- U.S. stocks rose modestly Tuesday but managed to close at their highest levels in more than two years as investors set their sights on 2011.

The Dow Jones industrial average (INDU) rose 55 points, or 0.5%, led by gains in shares of American Express (AXP, Fortune 500), Bank of America (BAC, Fortune 500) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM, Fortune 500). The blue chip index finished at 11,533, its highest level since August 29, 2008.

The S&P 500 (SPX) added 8 points, or 0.6%, with Adobe (ADBE) and Jabil Circuit (JBL, Fortune 500) among the biggest winners. The broader index closed at its highest level since September 19, 2008.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq (COMP) gained 18 points, or 0.7%, to reach its highest level since December 28, 2007.

Stocks are up about 5% this month, with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq posting gains for 13 of the month's 15 trading session so far. All three major indexes are poised for double-digit gains for the year.

But as investors close out their books leading up to the holidays, the rest of the year is likely to be pretty quiet. (more)