Shares rose after the US government mistakenly released key jobs data a day early.

The figures rekindled Wall Street hopes that the Federal Reserve will again lower interest rates.

The Dow Jones ended 132.33 points, or 1.5%, higher at 8,915.47 after bouncing back from a loss of nearly 70 points.

The technology-laden Nasdaq composite index was up 13.52 points at 1,837.09.

The Labour Department said monthly payrolls rose 116,000 in October, which was less than expected.

The report, which was leaked onto an Internet site one day earlier than scheduled, reinforced the idea among some analysts that the US economy was not sliding toward recession.

"The markets for at least the last two weeks have been sending a very clear message, that the economy is slowing but will not lapse into recession," Hugh Johnson, chief investment officer at First Albany, said.

Retailers rose on predictions that Christmas would see their best performacne since 1994, with sales expected to increase 5-6%.