Dow Makes Big Gains: Acadiana Business Index

The Dow gains over 270 points after a disastrous week. Mark Lasseigne has more on today's Acadiana Business Index.

• Stocks surged, following reports that a plan to use money in the euro-zone bailout fund to stem the spreading of the debt-crisis was in an advanced stage of development. The report comes after weekend meetings showed key European leaders were unable to come to an agreement.

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 272 points to 11,044.

• New-home sales fell for the fourth straight month in August, another discouraging sign on the state of the battered housing market. And, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's National Activity Index showed a weak reading for August.

• The financial sector was the strongest in the S&P 500. Both J.P. Morgan Chase and Citigroup rose 7%.

• Boeing rose 4.2% to lead blue-chip stocks higher after the aerospace and defense company delivered its first 787 Dreamliner to Japan's All Nippon Airways on Sunday.

• Crude oil settled at $80.49 a barrel.

• And investors sold gold again today, preferring cash in hand. Gold closing at $1,595/ounce.