U.S. markets close higher

The OECD said the eurozone's gross domestic product would contract 3.9 percent in 2009, less than a forecast three months ago of a 4.8 percent decline. Japan's contraction was reassessed from a 6.8 percent decline to a 5.6 percent dip. The U.S. GDP projection held steady at a 2.8 percent contraction for the year.

Trading was light. By close, the Dow Jones industrial average gained 63.94 points, 0.69 percent, to 9,344.61. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 0.85 percent, 8.49 points, to 1,000.24. The Nasdaq composite index rose 0.82 percent, 16.13 points, to 1,983.20.

On the New York Stock Exchange, 2,325 stocks advanced and 688 declined on a volume of 4.6 billion shares traded.

The benchmark 10-year Treasury fell 10/32 to yield 3.342 percent.

The euro fell to $1.4253 from Wednesday's $1.472. Against the yen, the dollar rose to 92.59 from Wednesday's 92.12.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 index fell 0.64 percent, 65.82 points, to 10,214.64.

In London, the FTSE 100 index shed 20.80 points, 0.43 percent, to 4,796.75.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.