Positive US economic data lifts Dow

As at 17.00, the Dow was up 1.4%, or 144 points, to 10446 following release of two sets of figures suggesting the slowdown in the US economy may not be as bad as originally feared. The Federal Reserve said factory output increased 1.1% in July - its biggest increase since July 2009 - and the real estate sector was given some reprieve with figures showing housing construction increased 1.7% last month. Retailers' financial results added to the buoyant mood, with DIY retailer Home Depot leading the winner's board with a near 5% gain. Miner Alcoa has also made gains, up 4%, as the min...