Stocks finished the fourth quarter with a strong December.  2010 was the second straight year of gains for stocks.

Here are the details:

Dow Industrials

  • Up 789.46 points this quarter, or 7.3%, to close at 11577.51.
  • In December, the Dow was up 571.49 points, or 5.2%.
  • Up 31.9% over the last two years.
  • Up 1149.46 points for the year with a return of 11.0%

Nasdaq Composite

  • Up 284.25 points this quarter, or 12.0% to close at 2652.87.
  • Up 154.64 points, or 6.2%, for December.
  • Up 68.2% since 2008.
  • Up 383.72 points for the year with a return of 16.9%

S&P 500

  • Up 116.44 points this quarter, or 10.2% to close at 1257.64.
  • December’s gain was 6.5%, or 77.09 points.
  • Up 142.54 points for the year with a return of 12.8%

Sources