U.S. markets climb Tuesday

In Australia, where the economic downturn last year was comparatively mild, bank Gov.

Glenn Stevens said it was time to time to put interest rates "closer to average."

In response, the S&P/ASX 200 index in Sydney rose 0.33 percent Tuesday.

In early afternoon trading in New York, the Dow Jones industrial average added 33.70 points, 0.32 percent, to 10,437.49. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 0.5 percent, 5.54 points, to 1,121.25. The Nasdaq composite index of tech-dominated stock added 0.52 percent, 11.84 points, to 2,285.41.

The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury bill fell 4/32 to yield 3.623 percent.

The euro rose to $1.3596 from Monday's $1.356. Against the yen, the dollar fell to 88.90 yen from 89.09 yen.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index gained 0.49 percent, 49.78 points, to 10,221.84.

In Britain, the FTSE 100 index rose 1.45 percent, 78.12, to 5,484.06.

Copyright 2010 United Press International