US stocks gain on hopes for Greece deal
US stocks gained Wednesday, following European equities higher on hopes for a deal with Greece as US data showed private-sector hiring accelerated in June.
At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was at 17,761.05, up 141.54 points (0.80 percent).
The broad-based S&P 500 advanced 14.66 (0.71 percent) to 2,077.77, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index gained 26.26 (0.53 percent) to 5,013.12.
European equities jumped as investors reacted positively to news of Greece's bid for a new bailout. Eurozone policy makers said they would not negotiate until Sunday's referendum in Greece on creditors' reforms.
"The market today took its cue from the European markets," said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Rockwell Global Capital. "We're basically hopeful of a deal."
US businesses added 237,000 jobs last month, up from 203,000 in May and the best level since December, according to payroll firm ADP.
The Department of Labor will release the official US jobs report for June on Thursday. Analysts expect a gain of 230,000 jobs.